One of the most interesting and exciting collectibles is the antique mantle clock.
They have been in production since as far back as the 1750s, but mantel clocks remain some of the most handsome timepieces ever made. Mostly small and metal-faced, these mechanical clocks have sit gracefully on the mantel right above your fireplace, ticking away with their metal workings. The wooden cases of the traditional American ones stand out on their own. The very flamboyant antique mantle clocks are usually the French taste.
Those made in the United States usually had the kind of chimes that went off every thirty minutes. Like most mechanical movements antique ones do have to be wound on a regular basis.
Many American families have ones that have been passed down for generations. They were a popular home furnishing in the 19th and 20th centuries. eBay and other auction websites, as well as various antique stores have them for sale in good numbers.
A number of famous companies manufactured these timepieces in the United States including Seth Thomas. They are still made in the US today by Howard Miller and a few other countries.
You'd want to be sure you are buying a true antique when you purchase these pieces anyhow. It is not unusual to have one that was recently made being presented like an authentic antique simply because it looks like it.
You could check out the internet for help in deciphering an antique mantel clock. Several websites provide serial numbers, plaques, and names of manufacturers along with the clocks that are on display for sale.
They will be worth more if they are working. If you have an antique mantle clock that no longer works you can get it repaired by going to a clockmaker, a professional clock repair person. Online or in a few major cities, clockmakers aren't that hard to find.
From the professional, you can learn how much it will cost you to have yours fixed... or if it can be fixed. Many clockmakers buy old clocks and rebuild or repair them so you might be able to sell an old clock that doesn't work.
It matters not how much you feel you are knowledgeable about any educative article, do you know you can still discern a lot about Decorative Wall Clocks, and Modern Wall Clocks. See -- http://www.bestclocks.org/
Posted under Watches
This post was written by Graham Watts on August 26, 2010

