subject: Antique Mantle Clocks [print this page] An antique mantel clock is indeed one of the most thrilling and appealing collectibles you could have.
Mantle clocks have been made since the 1750s and many of them are among the most beautiful timepieces ever created. They sit on the shelf over the fireplace which is known as the mantel or mantle and are usually a small mechanical clock with metal workings and a metal face. The wooden cases of the traditional American ones stand out on their own. Many antique French mantle clocks are very ornate.
Most of the ones manufactured in the United States contained chimes that sounded on the hour or half hour. These antiques understandably must be wound on regular basis to keep them working, just like many mechanical contraptions.
Many American families have ones that have been passed down for generations. Hardly a home was complete without them during the last two centuries. Look in any antique store, or on the internet at websites like eBay, and you should have no trouble finding them.
In the United States, there was Seth Thomas and numerous other makers who manufactured them back then. Even today, the United States and some other nations still have makers like Howard Millar.
When you purchase an antique mantle clock you should be careful as to whether it really is an antique or not. Modern ones that look like antiques are still being made and are sometimes passed off as authentic.
The internet is one good way to determine that a mantel clock is a genuine antique. Several websites provide serial numbers, plaques, and names of manufacturers along with the clocks that are on display for sale.
You may have to pay more for them if they are still functional. Should you happen to have one those antique mantel clocks that aren't working anymore, you could call on a professional clockmaker to help you fix it. There are clockmakers in most major cities and some clockmakers do advertise on line.
From the professional, you can learn how much it will cost you to have yours fixed... or if it can be fixed. Since many clockmakers also like to purchase and redo old clocks, it is not impossible to sell yours to them.
