Those who are experts in the field of antique clocks will perhaps refer to a specific type of clock by different name if it is in a different area and people may sometimes be bamboozled by this. For instance in the UK something that would be familiar to people as a ‘bracket clock’ might be known as a ‘mantle clock’ by an antique dealer in the United States.
The primary categories of antique clocks can be further divided into secondary and tertiary subcategories. For example, within the wide classification of beehive clocks, one will also find classifications like ripple beehive and gothic beehive. As another example, the wide classification of drop trunk clocks can be further divided into subcategories like tavern clocks, hexagon clocks, schoolhouse clocks, and so on.
When a clock face or casing is used to promote advertisements they are commonly called advertising clocks. Sometimes a clock may be used for advertising by including it in a larger sign. Long-case or ‘Grandfather’ clocks are a rarity in this form of advertising, while wall or shelf clocks are more common. These are all wonderful examples of antique wall clocks.
Mankind has long recognized the passage of time and tried to take its measure and record the passage. The simple alarm clock on the nightstand owes its presence to more than six thousand years of pondering time and working with devices that will mark its passage accurately.
Invented in the latter part of the thirteenth century, most likely by monks living in central Europe, the earliest mechanical clocks had no pendulums and were situated inside churches. They sounded bells hourly but did not have dials or hands.
These mechanical devices were probably placed in the church belfry in order to make use of the existing church bell. It was over 100 years before visible dials and hands were added. These early clocks were very large and were made of heavy iron frames and gears forged by the local blacksmiths. By the first part of the fifteenth century, small domestic clocks started to appear. They were probably made by the local gunsmiths or locksmiths. These antique clocks are very expensive.
The Antique Clocks Shoppe features a wide variety of antique clocks, Mantle clocks, antique wall clocks, and other vintage clocks. Be sure to check out our antique clock blog and antique clock videos!
0 responses so far ↓
There are no comments.
Leave a Comment