BHG Articles

Traditional mantel clocks are beautifully designed clocks small enough to place above fireplaces, mantels (which is a suggestion as to where they got their names), or just shelves. Highly decorated with ornate figures and designing, they are almost frequently built with any combination of the following; porcelain, wood and ormolu.

These clocks first appeared in France in the middle of the 1700s. While they were roughly the size of other chamber clocks, you’ll discover that there are definitely some difference. While a chamber clock has a carrying handle, a mantel clock does not have one at all, and is meant to be stationary.

During the end of the 1700’s, Simon Willard, the famous clock maker, created a design that would change mantel clocks all around the world. With the support of his family, he created the Simon Willard Clock, and he created a distinctive model of clock that was different from those that had come before. His patent went a long way towards changing the way that clocks were created.

The interesting thing about mantel clock is that although they only seem to differ from wall clocks in their size, mantel clocks have different mechanisms. They are supported their seat boards, unlike wall clocks that have movements attached to their back boards.

Sometime during the 1790s, Simon Willard was still selling standard shelf clocks. The clocks he sold looked very much like the tall standard clocks, except for the fact that it looked like it had no body. Their base and hood were associated together to make a whole. This early design also consisted of a calendar dial and a 2nd hand (which was somewhat uncommon at that time).

Basically weight driven, a lot of models even had an extended base so as to help with the weight counterpoint so that they would achieve a one-week running period. They also featured pinwheel escapements as well as the rack and snail for strike mechanisms. The design also featured a hole in the clock face at the position of the 12th hour so that it wouldn’t be necessary to open up the case just to adjust the pendulum length.

When they first come out, mantel clocks were mostly left in the shade by Eli Terry Clocks, which were the big thing at the time. These days, however, the Simon Willard Clocks are considered to be American marvels of the clockmaker’s art. Museums and antique dealers alike look for samples for their collection and they can run from fifty thousand dollars to two hundred fifty thousand dollars in price if they are in mint condition. This impressive range can tell you how desired they are.

Two other companies that produce modern designs of the antique mantel clock include Seiko Clocks and Rhythm Small World Clocks. These clocks were manufactured with metal and with other technological advancements, though old world materials are often used to give them that lovely traditional touch. Instead of being driven by weight, they are now run on standard batteries and they can play upwards of 15 different variations on the classic clock melodies. The chimes can be activated by light, so that they won’t sound in the dark and they also come with volume controls.

The mantel clocks are recognized as a symbolization of America’s clever creativity. Owning one of these means that you’ve touched historical timelessness and beauty combined into one beautiful clock.