Welcome to Collectible Clocks
Time is on your side when you embark on a journey of collecting clocks. There are so many different types of clocks that the only time consuming part might be where to start a collection. Prior to the 19th century many clocks were custom made and sold to the well to do. But with the advent to mass production, clocks began rolling off the assembly line, making the availability of these wonderful time keepers to masses and today to the collector.
When building a clock collection, it is important to do research. Book stores and libraries and the internet are good places to begin. By learning about how a given clock is constructed and should appear, the collector can discern whether a piece is original and has no missing parts. In the case of wood bodied clocks, it is necessary to know if the piece has been restored or is in original condition. By knowing what to look for such as matching veneers, oxidation to wood surfaces, glue blocks, the collector can tell if work to the piece has taken place. The history of clock making is both interesting and important to the collector. Some collections are built around those made by an individual manufacture. Others around a specific type of clock. Whether a collection is generic or eclectic in nature, remember the fun is in the search and that search is easy to begin. Clocks can be found in antique shops, flea markets, garage sales, thrift stores and on the internet.
Early time pieces were made in Europe. The mantel clocks made in England were produced mostly by cabinet makers for the case and clock makers for the works. The lines are clean and simple. French mantels on the other hand are usually very ornate and were produced with the participation of enamellers, gilders, engravers and other artisans. These pieces look wonderful on a collectors shelf and do not take up much room.
Early English lantern clocks are also shelf sitters and due to their popularity among the Victorians were reproduced in large numbers. The earliest examples have weight driven movements. Later versions are spring driven and were more reliable and accurate. Lantern clocks are beautiful in design and often have the bell or chime mounted on top while mantels chimes are located inside the casing.
If display room is no problem, a collection of floor standing longcase clocks may be to one’s liking. These clocks, also called grandfather or grandmother clocks are available in a large assortment of designs. From simple country styles to more sophisticated examples of faces and cases, these pieces are cherished due in part to the mellow sound of the chime.
Regulator clocks are both floor standing and wall hanging. American made examples are off shoots of European examples. The rich colors of the wood cases made of mahogany, walnut, oak and other woods make them a popular collectible.
Carriage clocks later known as travel clocks are also popular among collectors. Due to their portability they are smaller in size and consume less display space. There are a large number of these pieces on the market and would be a good place to begin a collection.