Considering Mantel Clocks
Posted on 23. Jun, 2009 by Jerry Westfield in Arts and Entertainment
When you are looking for lovely clocks that are narrow enough to be lovingly placed over your fireplace, you’ll find that mantel clocks are meant for just this purpose. These clocks come decorated with lovely figures and you’ll quickly realize that these clocks are created with gorgeous materials like porcelain, wood and ormolu.
These clocks were invented in France around the middle of the eighteenth century, and though they are roughly the same size as other chamber clocks, you’ll find that the chamber clocks usually come equipped with carrying handles, which mantel clocks lack.
At the turn of the nineteenth century, a famous clockmaker by the name of Simon Willard came up with an impressively original design difference on these these clocks that would stay with them to the present day. This was the model that was known as the Simon Willard clock, and with the support of his family, he managed to build up a company that would go down in history for their locks.
Though they may have similarities to wall clocks apart from their size, they actually have totally different mechanisms. The movements of mantel clocks are basically supported by their seat board, while the wall clocks have their movements attached to the backboard.
At the end of the 18th century, Simon Willard was simply selling the standard model of shelf clocks. Except for the fact that they had no body, they were very similar the tall standard clocks, and their base and hood were combined to make a solid whole. This the early design that had a calender dial and also a second hand, this later being something that was fairly uncommon for the time.
The models of mantel clock that were produced back during this era were weight driven and they had an extended base to help with the weight counterpoint. With this in mind, you’ll find that they can run for a week. The pinwheel escapements were a part of this design as were the snail and the rack. There was also a hole in the face of the clock where the twelfth hour sits, which would make it easier to open the case when the pendulum needed to be adjusted.
The mantel clocks weren’t really a big hit when they first came out because of Eli Terry’s Clocks (which were considered as superior during that time). Nowadays though, these clocks of Simon Willard are acknowledged as true American masterpieces. Having a high wave of interest among antique collectors like museums or other dealers, their price range is around 50 thousand dollars to almost 250 thousand (so long as they’re in perfect working condition).
Seiko Clocks and Rhythm Small World Clocks are some of the companies that produce modern designs of the mantel clock. Manufactured with metal and other technological advancements, the designs are combined with old-school materials to give it more authenticity. They come powered with standard batteries that they are able to play around 15 variations of melodies such as Whittington and Westminster tunes. Apart from the volume controls, they also feature light sensors that can detect darkness (or during nighttime) so that the clock knows when to turn off the sounds automatically.
The mantel clocks are recognized as a symbolization of America’s clever creativity. Owning one of these means that you’ve touched historical timelessness and beauty combined into one beautiful clock.
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