Antique Clocks
As many antique clock collectors will tell you, there's
something addictive about the unstoppable march of time. And
when you combine that with the history of clocks, well, it can
become almost an obsession.
One of the most soothing sounds is the gentle 'tick' of a
quality clock, interspersed every so often with the rich chimes
signalling the hour or half hour. Antique clocks can at first
seem a bit of a minefield to the novice, but there are plenty of
ways you can get into this popular collecting field without having
to spend out a fortune. As your experience grows and your
tastes specialise, you can then begin to search out those
individual pieces which can transport you to horological
nirvana.
The different types of clocks can be broadly broken down into
seven categories:
- Carriage clocks. These are the smallest and most modest
of pieces; however, rare and specialised carriage clocks can still
command breathtaking prices. Made popular in France during
the 19th century, the next few decades saw the British
public embrace them with open arms and many important makers such
as Dent and McCabe produced quality items. Encased in brass,
carriage clocks can be plain or engraved, or perhaps have intricate
enamelled panels. They might also have various functions
including chimes, alarms and even calendars.
- Mantle clocks were, as the name suggests, intended to sit on a
mantelpiece. These vary in size from fairly small right
thought to the French clocks which are more of mantle sets,
consisting of three separate pieces.
- Bracket clocks; also known as shelf clocks or spring
clocks. These are of a medium size and encased in woods such
as rosewood, mahogany and walnut. Bracket clocks are an ideal
place for the novice clock collector to start, due to both their
convenient size and the fact that many can be found still in their
original cases.
- Longcase clocks, or often called a Grandfather clock.
This is the epitome of what most clock collectors yearn for.
Known for their magnificent cases and different types of wood, many
have splendid and grandiose marquetry inlays. Renowned names
for longcase clocks are such makers as William Dutton and Thomas
Mudge.
- Lantern clocks. Probably some of the oldest clocks
available, the lantern clock is so named because they look like the
candle lamps used in the 1500's. Although accuracy is not a
strong point, at their time they were an innovation and as such are
highly collectable today.
- Wall clocks are of course, clocks which hang on the wall.
From old tavern clocks to station clocks, these are now very sought
after and a quality wall clock in good condition can command a
substantial price.
- Regulator clocks can look very similar to longcase
clocks. However, these were the first clocks which managed to
keep a 'dead beat' time and could cope with varying
temperatures. This made them far more accurate and was an
innovation at the time.
Antique clocks are not only a way to tell the time but are truly
a piece of history. More and more people are turning to
antique clocks, not only as a statement of their personal style,
but for investment purposes as well. Over the past few
decades, various antique clocks have seen a substantial increase in
value and in these uncertain times can prove a valid and enjoyable
way of investing your m