Do You Want to Know the Various Types of Antique Clocks?

Many families have passed antique grandfather clocks or antique wall clocks down as heirlooms and others purchase antique style clocks to add style to their homes as the focal

point of a living or family room. Old clocks, or those that appear old, come in a variety of styles.

Types of Antique Clocks

Antique clocks come in a variety of styles and sizes, from those that were displayed in homes and public places to those meant for mantel pieces, desks, or even for travel. Some examples include:

Parliament Clocks

During the 18th century these large clocks were displayed in inns and taverns. They are of a plain design and approximately two to five feet in diameter. The name comes from a brief tax against clocks passed in 1787 but repealed after a few months. Popular legend holds that the clocks were displayed in protest of the tax.

Grandfather Clocks

These long case clocks are free-standing pendulum time pieces constructed to stand against walls. An elaborately carved wooden head surrounds the clock face. Some of these antique wall clocks require winding every eight days while others must be wound every other day. Most strike a chime at the hour and half hour.

Cuckoo Clocks

These pendulum clocks strike the hours with chimes and a small model bird that emerges to make a whistling or "cuckoo" sound. They became common in the 18th century as wall clocks and many feature intricate carving and other decorations.

Mantel Clocks

These small, moveable clocks are generally placed on shelves or on fireplace mantels. They became popular in France in 1750 and are often constructed of ormolu, porcelain, or wood and can be strikingly simple or highly ornate.

Carriage Clocks

In France in the 19th century clockmakers developed small spring-driven clocks intended to be carried by travelers. The plain or brass cases are normally rectangular and are outfitted with a carrying handle.

There are many types of antique mantel clocks, antique carriage clocks or standing clocks. Many that were made within the same time period share similar features. Clock collectors learn as much about the "movement" or mechanism of the clocks in which they are interested as the style of the case, the dials, or the winders and also become conversant with the craftsmanship of given clockmakers.

Continue to: Features of Antique Wall Clocks and Considerations before Buying

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