Wall Clocks

Antique Clocks Guide: Understand The Different Types of Antique And Vintage Clocks

Antique clocks are much sought after pieces. Collectors the world over look to find antique clocks in good condition to add to their collections.

There are passionate collectors the world over. For anybody looking to buy an antique clock it is essential that they learn how to recognise the different types of antique and vintage clocks. This article will provide a basic overview of the types of antique clocks you are likely to find on the market today.

The art of clock making goes back centuries when it was considered to be a highly desirable skill. Many antique clocks built in those days were very built with intricate and precise machinery that still compares favourably even against clocks today that have been made with the latest technology.

While many of the very oldest clocks are only available to view in a museum there are still a number of antique clocks on the market that come in all kinds of different shapes, styles and designs. Listed below are the different type of antique clocks you’re likley to still see today.

Antique Lantern clocks

This is the oldest form of collectible clock you can find. Its name was taken from the word latten, meaning brass which became the lantern clock’s standard material.

Antique Lantern clocks are the oldest of all collectible clocks you are likely to find. They were called Lantern clocks as they resembled  the candle lamps used in the 16th Century. The clocks were first made in the 1500 but didn’t become popular until the 16th century.
The earliest Lantern clocks were weight driven. They would usually run for 12 hours before they had to be rewound. It was common for these clocks to need to lose or gain 10-15 minutes to the clock on a daily basis.

The Lantern clocks were all made in much the same way until 1660. In this year the Dutch astronomer and physicist Christiaan Huygens invented the pendulum which helped the clocks stay in time more and was subsequently adopted by the rest of Europe. The Lantern clocks become obsolete in the 1800’s but they are still highly regarded as collectible antique clocks today.

Antique Mantel clocks

Antique Mantel clocks are very popular collectible clocks. They are often small and decorative and as the name suggests are intended for a shelf or mantle.

The French made decorative ornamental mantle clock sets in the early 19th which are still highly sought after today. These ornamental mantle clock sets were made up of two separate ornaments that sat next to the central mantle clock.

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