Antique Clock Definition

Clock Definition

There are many different types of clocks that can be found in the world today. Each of them has the ability to show what time it truly is, and keep that time so that a person might know it whenever they choose. However, not all clocks are the same. There are several different types of clocks that are important to understand.

Grandfather Clocks

Grandfather clocks are the largest types of clocks that might be seen in a person’s home. These are large, free standing clocks, and are used to keep time. Most of the time, it is possible to see the clock keeping time through the glass door in the front. Most of the time, Grandfather clocks are much taller than the average person. They display the time on the top of the clock, and often have a deep-sounded noise to accompany the changing of the hour.

Mantel Clocks

Mantel clocks have been around for many years. They are decorative clocks that traditionally sat on the mantel pieces in a person’s home. They are clocks that are decorative but are also useful, as they keep time. Many times mantel clocks are quite distinguished looking and beautiful.

Cuckoo Clocks

Cuckoo Clocks come from Europe, and they are clocks that mark the passing of the hour with a bird or another animal that pops out of a door at the top of the clock. These clocks where once seen as novelties, but are very useful as they do keep excellent time. They are also usually found to be highly cultural items, as cultures all over the world have different versions of their own cuckoo clocks. These clocks are smaller than both mantel clocks and grandfather clocks, and are usually hung on a wall. They have tassels which hang down to mark the time as the time passes.

Alarm Clocks

Alarm clocks are most traditionally seen in a person’s bedroom, but can be seen in any area of the house or workplace. They are clocks that have an alarm function. A person can set the time of the alarm on the clock, and when the clock reaches that time an alarm will sound. These clocks are most often used for waking people up in the  morning. They can be wind up alarm clocks, battery operated alarm clocks, or plug-in alarm clocks. Newer versions also have clock radios that can be set as well.

Collectible Mantel Clock Tips

For generations mantel clocks have always been a favorite clock, you may remember as a child going into your grandmother and grandfathers home, and seeing one of these beautiful clocks gracing their mantelpiece or fireplace. Now of course there are the more modern ones. It was in the 16th century in Germany that Henlein of Nuremburg built the first spring powered clock. This to every ones surprise was to become an instant hit with the wealthy; unfortunately it did have a problem of slowing down as the mainspring unwound.

It did not take long for the mantel clock to find a niche on the fireplaces of the rich, possibly due to the clock being so light, the clock could also be found on tables, trunks and even sharing a space on a chest of drawers.

Pendulum clocks were big and bulky; it was after these that the mantel clock came along. The pendulum had always been popular due to their accurate time keeping for the nation. A gentleman named Terry in 1816 built a mantel clock; they became very popular because they were lighter and portable. The clocks were driven by weights, and it wasn’t long after this that gradually spring driven mechanisms started replacing weights. Regular winding of the spring was needed to keep the clock running on time.

It didn’t take long for mantel clocks to become popular in France. They could be found adjourning mantelpieces and fireplaces of not only manors and castles, also the majority of houses. This is maybe where the name mantel clock came from because they were placed mostly on mantelpieces of homes.

The movement was of a Parisian kind, with an 8-day anchor escapement with a pendulum. Eventually the silk thread pendulum was replaced in 1850 by a more reliable spring pendulum, this was thought to be better because it was neither restricted by temperature nor humidity, and was easily repairable.

Mantel clocks over the years started to become more fashionable pieces of dé’cor built with candle stands, flower vases forming part of the outer casing. They have also been produced using different materials such as, marble, bronze and wood.

The biggest and easiest mistake many people make when purchasing what they believe to be an antique mantel clock, is not doing their research properly. These days there are so many replica clocks on the market; caution has to be taken to find a proper original mantel clock.

A common mistake also is for those who have already a collection of clocks and wish to purchase another to go with these, is to not do their proper research, and buy the first clock they fall in love with. When taking the clock home and adding it to their collection disappointment arises, because their newly bought clock simply does not fit in with the rest of the collection.

The next mistake again that so many people do is not to shop around, they often assume that because in the past they have had a really good deal at one particular shop, they tend to go back to the same shop all the time. This should not necessarily be the way to purchase a lovely mantel clock, as they may miss out on so many more beautiful ones, and may save money.

Collectible Mantel clocks are beautiful pieces to own and collect. If you have the time to be careful and do proper researches, to compare prices, check what materials the clocks are made of. It is very easy for you to get yourself a collectible mantel clock reasonably priced with exceptional workmanship. Once you have purchased your first clock, it is more than likely there will be many more to follow.

Collectible Mantel Clocks

The number one made mistake when it comes to purchasing Collectible Mantel Clocks is purchasing a clock that is a knock off. What does that mean? To put it very simply, it means buying a clock that looks like a clock within a series of collectible clocks when in actuality it is a clock made very cheaply and sold in the hopes of ripping someone off or fooling them into believing it is the real thing.

The second most common mistake when purchasing Collectible Mantel Clocks is purchasing a mantel clock that does not fit within your collection. If you know your collection well enough this may sound ridiculous but there are people that purchase Collectible Mantel Clocks and get the new clock to the collection just to find out it really does not fit with the rest of their collection.

The third most common mistake and often the most costly of the mistakes that people make when collecting Mantel Clocks is to not shop around. People assume that because they bought the clocks in their Collectible Mantel Clock collection at one particular place or location that it is the only place to purchase the said collection.

All three of the top mistakes people that have Collectible Mantel Clocks make when it comes to purchasing are so simple to do without. If you are careful and do the proper research when it comes to comparing prices and the materials that clocks are made of, it is very easy for you to get yourself a Collectible Mantel Clock that is priced reasonably and with exceptional craftsmanship. The secret is if you think it is a good purchase to check how it was made and look online to see if you can find the same clock for less. If you collect clocks, chances are your purchase will not be your last.

Articles by: Clark Cummings

Antique Grandfather Clocks

A grandfather clock is a clock that works with a pendulum that is housed in a tall cabinet that is narrow and it stands alone.

Now a days, you can find what time it is in digital format on ovens, telephones, watches, and clocks. They are much more convenient than those old-fashioned clocks that have roman numerals on the face. However, those that have an antique grandfather clock don’t necessarily keep it its ability to keep time, but it is kept as a memory of a time gone by. These clocks have been a part of decorations, even a focal point of a room, in many homes for quite a few years.

The Antique Grandfather Clocks exist still today even though some were made in the 1600’s. Some of the clocks are worth $70,000 to $100,000. You can find these at places you would least expect them such as flea markets and newspaper ads. You can also find them at sales from estates and even auctions. If you don’t want to pay the prices of the authentic clocks, you can always buy a reproduction of the clock.

Antique grandfather clocks have a lot of personality; each one was chosen based on whether they went along with the person’s décor along with personality. Just imagine having a clock that has a history. Some survived the wars, some survived events of the house, some have belonged to famous as well as notorious people, and some have a story to tell, if it could talk. An antique grandfather clock is something that every family should have.

Grandfather Clock Guide

Grandfather clocks are highly valued by a broad spectrum of collectors. Grandfather clocks will add class and elegance to any home or office quickly and easily. Grandfather clocks will also hold their financial value. Everyone will fall prey to the charms of your clocks in no time as they are known throughout the world for their beauty and accuracy.

When you are shopping for a grandfather clock you will first need to see where in your home or business you want to keep your new clock. Did you want one that can fit on a shelf or do you have a special corner that you want to put one in? Take some time and some measurements and then you will be able to make the right decisions about the grandfather clocks that will look the best in your home or office.

Grandfather clocks (or longcase clocks as they are known in the trade) are one of the very few actual working antique pieces of furniture you can purchase today, but you must be aware that buying a clock that is in less than perfect operating condition can represent a real risk.

With their mechanical movements which have most probably been around for hundreds of years it is essential to have someone knowledgeable involved in your decision making. There are a number of things that can make a clock movement stop working, points that are not so obvious at first glance, it takes just a small amount of wear on the pivots and pinions to alter the depth of the train which will stop the clock and make the movement in need of a complete strip down and resulting in a major repair.

So if you do not have the adequate skills or knowledge, find someone who does, it will save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run. Remember all clocks, running or not, need close scrutiny before purchasing.

Just a few things to check before you buy your future family heirloom:

1. After making sure there is no major surgery needed to the movement and dial take a good look at the overall appearance of the clock case. Look for parts missing or damaged i.e. the correct feet or plinth are there and the base has not been cut down to fit into a room with a low ceiling, the same goes for the pediment or the top of the case hood. Look for any veneers or stringing that may be missing or loose and check fret work on the hood to see it is not damaged. Check the polish or finish of the case looking for cracking or splitting caused by shrinkage or exposure to direct sunlight. Although these can be small jobs, the cost of restoration can mount up and increase your overall investment
2. Look for any pieces of the clock furniture missing or damaged, the brass or wooden finials that should be on the top of the hood, hinges to the trunk and hood doors are working correctly. Check escutcheons and locks, if any, and hood pillar caps.
3. Take a good look at the case hood and make sure it fits onto the case correctly and check the dial mask fits correctly around the dial, any gaps or overlapping is a sure sign of a marriage, this could be where some unscrupulous dealer has put a movement into another case.
4. Take off the hood and inspect the trunk cheeks. This is the top part of the trunk where the movement’s seat board, the piece of timber the movement is fastened to, sits on the trunk. Check nothing has been altered or blocks have not been added (wrong movement in the wrong case).
5. Open the trunk door and take a look at the back board, about the height where the pendulum is situated, and have a look for scratch marks made buy the pendulum indicating an ill-fitting movement, once again a sure sign of possible alterations.

If your knowledge on this subject is sparse, it is always best to be on the safe side and buy from a reputable clock dealer or antique dealer, which could save you tremendous costs in future repairs and restoration.

Submitted by Dean A. Black (wesellitindy)