Porcelain Mantel Clock

The antique mantel clock was developed in France during the 18th century. Ten years later, the English produced a counterpart and named it the shelf clock. Mantel clocks are small house clocks that are commonly placed on the shelf or mantel located above the fireplace, which is where the name came from. The English on the other hand, placed their shelf clock in the shelf of their library or study.

Part decoration, part practical timepiece, mantel clocks were inexpensive and affordable to own, which explains why it's the most popular clock in the 18th and 19th centuries. French Mantel clocks were most often paired with two highly ornamental pieces that sat next to the central mantel clock; these are called mantel clock sets.

Like the other clocks of the 18th and 19th century, the mantel clock, which was made with both brass and wood movements, needed to be rewound with a key in order to work accurately. The mantel clock ran anywhere from 30 hours to eight days between windings. At present, mantel clocks like other timepieces work with the use of batteries or quartz.

Antique Mantel clocks are usually made of wood, porcelain, or ormolu and they are ornately decorated. American mantel clocks were usually made of cherry or oak and sometimes incorporated with brass or iron. The bases of mantel clocks were decorated in different ways, some were solid, others were engraved. Mantel clocks of the more expensive variety featured intricately detailed painted scenes.

Despite the emergence of other timepieces, the antique mantel clocks have maintained their popularity for more than two centuries because they are reliable and because they work so well in so many different domestic situations. From the mantle, shelf, office desk, and even the study table, be it antique themed or modern themed homes, the antique mantle clock fits in just right.

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