Mantel clock history

Some of the first ever recorded mantel clocks date back to them first being manufactured in the mid-1700's in France.

Mantel Clock

Shortly after, the English design of the mantel clock, or shelf clock, was resurrected.

Initially, it was the French mantel clock that was developed from French regency bracket clocks - these would have been manufactured without a mounting bracket at the time. What makes mantel clocks stand out from other clock designs is how very much alike it is to the bracket clock, however, is smaller and doesn't have such a low amount of depth compared with the bracket clock.

A way to identify an antique clock is to check for spring driven movements. Look at the clock design and the integrity of the clock's mainsprings.

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A history of mantel clocks

When were mantel clocks first made?

According to history, mantel clocks were first made in 1750-1760, where they were made in Franc. The design of English mantel clocks came not too long after, as the manufacturing of English pieces followed around 10 years after.

The thing that sets a mantel clock apart from the rest is that it’s incredibly similar to a bracket clock, yet they’re smaller in size and carry a lower amount of depth to their bracket counterparts.

The first French mantel clock were originally developed from the then French regency bracket clocks at the time, which were developed when clocks at the time were made without a mounting bracket. It was common to place these clocks on the mantelpiece at home, hence the name mantel clock.

It’s quite easy to tell apart both the English and French examples of mantel clocks, as the English examples of the clocks will have amazing mechanisms, showing a fantastic quality of movement in the pieces.

An example of antique mantel clocks

Styles and makers of mantel clocks

In design, a number of mantle clocks have quite a thick appearance, which includes the older English examples that were crafted centuries ago.

Due to a high level of craftsmanship in the designs, a high level of craftsmanship is needed in order to create such fantastic examples of clockwork. The mantel clocks, due to the ability needed to make them, were out of reach of most common people throughout the generations.

It wasn’t till the start of the 19th century, that a number of antique mantel clocks would become affordable for many of people. A number of pieces then began to make appearances in homes across Europe.

Antique mantel clocks should hold spring driven movements

If you come across an antique mantel clock, one of the main things to look for in the clocks design is the integrity of the mainsprings. If you follow through the motions of winding, using a winding key, you’ll be able to tell of the integrity with the clock.

In order to access the clock movement, you will usually have a back panel/door that allows ease of access to the inner workings of the piece. This is where most of the inspection period will take place. To start the process, you should try and look for the pendulum, including the condition of the suspension road and various springs.
Examining the movement’s back plate, as this will show signs of wear. If the clock has replacement bushings, this may be seen as suspicious, because if the work has been performed. It’s likely that the mantel clock antique could still hold its original movement.

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