A Brief History Of The Mantle Clocks?

Mantel clocks are ornately decorated works which are constructed of natural materials such as porcelain, wood and ormolu. Their construction may consist of any combination of these materials. Mantel clocks are small and are considered conventional house clocks which are usually displayed on shelves. Mostly placed on the mantel above the fireplace. This was the reason for their name "mantel clocks."

Its first form was developed in France during the 1750s. Though they have almost similar size compared to the other chamber clocks, they can easily be distinguished from them simply because they don't have carrying handles.

An early and remarkable design of these small mantel clocks was presented by Simon Willard, a well known clock maker of Boston Massachusetts. During the early years of the 19th century, he developed the designs further and patented them. He called his designs The Simon Willard Shelf Clock. In the years that followed he altered his designs, making improvements in them. He worked to maintained the overall concept of the original clock designs.

The specifications of mantle clocks are highly contrasted to wall clocks. Wall clocks' movements are basically attached to the clock's backboard, whereas these shelf clocks' movements were basically supported by its seat board.

Before Simon Willard began to patent his own designs, during the 1790s, he was selling the standard shelf clocks of others. It looked similar to other conventional clocks that were tall. However, their hood and base were directly conjoined which minimized the body which gave it the appearance of being cut in between. Earlier models contained a calendar dial, ingeniously built and a second hand, unusual for that time.

The designs of Simon Willard were basically driven by weight. Some models had extended bases to balance the weight, allowing them to achieve a longer running time of one week. They also included pinwheel escapements. And the strike mechanisms were of rack and snail. The length of the pendulum of the mantel clocks were changed easily through a hole in the face of the clock, placed at the 12th hour position. This made the opening of the case unnecessary.

Willard's clocks were not considered trends during this time. Since Eli Terry was considered the mainstream designer. However, today Simon Willard's clocks are considered to be the masterpiece of American innovation. Antique dealers and collectors and museums actively and eagerly seek these treasures. They range in cost from $50,000.00 to $250,000.00 dollars each, in perfect condition.

Modern designs of these clocks are produced by companies such as Seiko and Rhythm Small World Clocks. Their designs are a combination of wood, metal, and other technological wizardry. They're basically powered by standard batteries and they can play about 15 different tunes upon every hour (some designs vary). They feature volume controls and light sensors that automatically turn off its music when it's nighttime (or at least when it's dark). Most Seiko mantle clocks have Whittington melodies or Westminster Tunes.

A mantel clock is a symbol of American ingenuity. It is a masterwork of master craftsmen that touches on historical and yet timeless beauty.

By: Hubert Johansson

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About the author: Hubert Johansson is an expert on mantle clocks. Hubert Johansson recommends his favorite source for mantel clocks as a way to showcase a number of styles and types of these pristine timepieces.