Mantel clocks were popular in France in the 1750’s and 60’s. The English mantel clocks started being produced about 10 years later. You can distinguish the English from the French styles because “the English have superb mechanisms” and those clocks “graced most studies and libraries.” (www.cilss.org)
Seth Thomas began making mantel clocks in the U.S. in 1813 in Plymouth Hollow, CT, and they are still producing them today. (www.the clockdepot.com)
Although a genuine antique may be prohibitively expensive, you can probably afford a modern reproduction. Since they have become so popular, the choice of styles has broadened and now includes modern and contemporary designs.
Mantel clocks added a perfect, decorative touch to the old fireplace mantels. In modern times, the old favorites still hold an honored place above fireplaces, but mantel clocks also look beautiful in other rooms of the house. If you don’t own a mantel, look around for an empty shelf or bookcase that needs a finishing touch.
Traditional mantel clocks ranged from the classical arched middle over the clock’s face, with symmetrical tapered ends, to highly ornamental clocks with detailed columns and pedestal feet.
Mantel clocks range from antique to contemporary, whimsical to classical. Clocks are aesthetic and functional. For wedding gifts, anniversary gifts, or special birthday gifts, a mantel clock will enhance any room’s decor and remind the gifted one of you.
We own some Seth Thomas models, and we have given a few as gifts. We also sell Seth Thomas clocks in our jewelry shop. I will describe several, along with their retail values. (Quality Gold catalog, 2008/2009)
From wind-up to battery-operated, Roman or Arabic numerals, a choice of round, square or oblong – in mahogany, cherry, oak or walnut wood, metal or glass – Seth Thomas offers a wonderful selection.
The Seth Thomas mantel clock, “Sturbridge” model, has Westminster and Whittington chimes, Roman numerals, volume control, a glass-door front and ornate dial. It also has an automatic night shut-off so the sound doesn’t waken you when you’re sleeping. It costs $162.
A contemporary-looking Seth Thomas model, “Athena,” is antique black with Arabic numerals and an arched bonnet top. It self-adjusts for daylight savings time. $43.
Another inexpensive choice is an almost-square “Fitzwilliam” model. This clock is almost 8″ long, and 10″ high, with a depth of 3.38″. It has a dark mahogany finish on alder wood with a brass handle. The spun metal dial has raised corner ornaments and Roman numerals. Cost: $44.
A popular choice, since it’s a smaller version of the traditional clock, and only costs $66, is the “Tambour Mantel Clock.” This has a lovely walnut burl with black piano finished wood. It has Roman numerals and comes with an engraving plate for personalizing the gift. This is a slim 2″ deep clock; 10.5″ long and 6″ high, so it sits better on narrow shelving.
The “Napoleon” model, a modern, 10-inch-square mantel clock made of natural alder wood, has a hypnotic, rotating, gold-toned pendulum. $141.
The “Jefferson” model has the traditional look; Italian mahogany finish; solid wood case; Roman numerals; auto shut-off and volume control. Dimensions: 15″ length, 4.5″ width, and 8.6″ height. Weight: 5.25 pounds. Cost $140.
The more compact-looking “Georgetown” has a Mission oak finished case with Arabic numerals, a Westminster/Whittington chime and an auto night shut-off. It runs on 3 AA batteries. Dimensions: 11″ length, 4.5 width, 13.25″ height. Weight: 3.12 pounds. Cost $76.
The “Buckingham” wood tambour mantel clock has an oak finish with burl overlay and Roman numerals with gold-tone bezel. Quartz movement with dual Westminster and Whittington melodies. Cost $195.
The Seth Thomas “Edinburgh” clock has a mahogany-finish with the reproduction of a Scottish golf scene on the dial, Roman numerals, a Westminster chime and an automatic night shut-off. Runs on 3AAA batteries. Dimensions: 8.5 length, 4.75″ width, and 11″ height. Weight: 4.1 pounds. $108.
The “Sheldon” model is walnut-finished with a brass handle on top. It has the choice of Westminster/Ave Maria/bimbam chimes, an automatic night shut-off and volume control. It is almost 10 inches square. $216.
One of our favorites is a Rallye mantel clock, made of solid brass. It is a 4″ cube on a pedestal with a rotating base. Each of the four faces, covered with glass crystal, shows something different: a clock face with Roman numerals, a picture frame, an F/C thermometer and a hygrometer. $144.
From glass to wood to metal, with styles ranging from traditional to contemporary to antiques reminiscent of the 1800’s, there is a mantel clock to suit anyone’s taste and pocketbook.
Sources:
History: http://www.cilss.org/antique-clocks/antique-mantel-clocks.html. Retrieved 7-13-09.
and http://www.theclockdepot.com/seth-thomas-clocks.htm. Retrieved 7-13-09.
Prices and clock details: Quality Gold “The Gift Book,” 2008-2009 retail catalog. Mailing address: P.O. Box 18490, Fairfield, OH. 45018. Online site: www.QGold.com
