Antique Clocks

Humans have been fascinated by time for centuries and the ancient practice of time keeping has developed significantly over the years. From hourglasses to sundials, to water clocks, to pendulum clocks and to the small clock mechanisms we use today; there is nothing better than an antique clock to signal the passing of time. 

The telling of the time is an essential part of our day-to-day lives; clocks have been a necessary feature in the home, as well as an attractive item, whether it be a small mantel clock or larger Grandfather clock, they serve a purpose and add charm to one’s interior. The styles and designs of antique clocks are vast and there is an abundance of choice; silver antique carriage clocks, small antique travel clocks, elegant longcase clocks or dramatic freestanding Edwardian grandmother clocks, one can be found to suit everyone’s taste and interior.

History of the Clock

Measuring time passing has long since been a practice in human civilization, the ancient Egyptians measured time by means of a water clock. The flow of water between two containers and the sundial measured time during the day.  As technology advanced so did time keeping devices. In the early days mechanical clocks did not display minutes or seconds. Galileo, the famous astronomer was the first to discover the possibility of the pendulum within a clock, although this discovery was not realised before his death. It was Christian Huygens who then incorporated the pendulum and with this came precise time keeping. Clocks from here on advanced in their technology rapidly, and minutes and seconds were now recorded. In 1816 Eli Terry patented a new works for a clock, as the mechanism was smaller it allowed for the development of mantel clocks. In 1840 coiled springs were beginning to be used in clock making, allowing for even smaller mechanisms again.

 
Types of Antique Clocks 

Prior to the 17thC local church tower clocks allowed most people to tell the time, but from the 17thC onwards clocks became more prevalent within the home.  When looking for an antique clock there are many types to choose from including the cuckoo clock, atmos clock, torsion clock, carriage clock, grandfather clock, mantel clock and wall clock.

Antique Wall Clock 

An antique wall clock can be the perfect decorative feature for a wall; a particularly nice piece that is both quirky and full of charm is the Victorian cuckoo clock, originating from Germany there are a variety of playful styles of antique cuckoo clocks to choose from. Wall clocks were a 17thC invention, particularly popular in the Victorian era; the face is typically round with the numbers displayed in roman numerical. A particularly valuable wall clock is an antique lantern clock, as the oldest antique wall clock available it is extremely valuable especially if the original movement is intact, it is a weight driven clock and more often than not made from brass.

 
Antique Grandfather Clock

Notable makers of antique grandfather clocks are Tompion, Quare, Mudge and Dutton, these antique clocks are grandeur in statute and are highly desirable.  Those with 8 day movements are sought after as they do not need such frequent winding. Many choose to go for an antique grandfather clock with an inbuilt silencing mechanism, allowing the sound of their chimes to be turned off at night to avoid disturbance.

 
Mantel Clock

A smaller more decorative antique clock is the mantel clock. It comes in a variety of sizes and is the perfect addition to a room with a vintage feel.
 

Clocks are a charming feature of most households and their variety, size and style is endless. An antique clock can be a focal point to a room or a unique addition to a wall of clocks displaying different time zones. On a practical note, when purchasing an antique clock it is important to brush up on the basics of winding and cleaning, so it can tell you the time for years to come.