Antique mantel clocks are among the nearly all ornamental of collector items. The clocks originated during the mid-1700s in France. The clockmakers incorporated lots of different decorative components and materials to form the clocks things of beauty plus value. As ornamental objects, antique mantel clocks have a tendency to be highly regarded by their owners, notwithstanding whether or not the clock is functioning properly. 

As a smaller antique, mantel clocks are designed for placement on shelves or, as their name indicates, on a mantel higher than a fireplace. Their small size allows for portability and simplicity of placement in tight spaces. Mantel clocks are created from a selection of materials, as well as porcelain, marble, bronze, wood plus ceramics. Gold plating is common on mantel clocks, as are intricate paintings, figurines and sculptures. Generally the figurine may be even larger than the clock face. The surface of the clock dial is usually made from enamel. Often, the dials get chipped over time plus cracks may be visible. Antique mantel clocks aren’t meant to hang on a wall. As they’re meant to stand alone, the bottom of the clock usually has feet, claws or a supportive structure. The base can be wide or very skinny, but it’ll sit without any requirement for support. 

The clocks mostly have elaborate shapes plus detail work, such as the steeple design, which contains a triangular formed face and column structures harking back to church steeples. They also may have a rounded top along with a rectangle-shaped bottom, like a beehive clock. Alternative styles include gothic, Egyptian plus rococo. To find the name of the clock maker, have a look inside the rear door, on the framing, plus at the back of the clock, where you might find a series of numbers or letters or a company name. An antique dealer or antique book can even assist you learn where your clock originated plus its value. 

Among the novelty mantle clocks created, the mantle clock with an alarm. This clock featured a carved oak case style, finished in walnut. The glass door was embellished together with a pattern of musical instruments painted in gold. The 6-in. dial was framed by golden bezel and winding key slots. The clock had Roman numerals, black hands and a fancy, golden pendulum. This gingerbread clock measured about twenty-three inches high by 15 inches wide by 5 inches deep.