First appearing in 1750s France, the mantel clock is that small, mostly conventional-looking household clock distinguished by its mounting in customarily ornate wood, ormolu, porcelain, or all three casings. Usually but not exclusively, they are rounded at the top and flat on the bottom, and displayed on the mantel above the fireplace (its purported first intent, hence the name), on prominent shelving on walls or in cabinets, or even on the bedroom or guest room dresser.
Mantel clocks in the United States first hit prominence by way of Boston clocksmith Simon Willard, who designed and patented his Willard Shelf Clock in the early 19th Century and devoted much of his life to improving their design and operation. Willard’s weight-driven, extended-base clock designs did not become trendy at once but took hold over time; they also featured second hands, considered unusual for clocks in that time and place. Their extended bases were considered to have offered weight balance enough to keep a clock running for a full week before it required re-winding.
Today, mantel clocks are produced by several clockmakers including Seiko, Rhythm Small World, Howard Miller, Seth Thomas (whose founder worked for original American clock titan Eli Terry, and who patented the first alarm clock), Bulova, Ridgeway, and Guildhall. Many still feature traditional key winding, but today’s mantel clock also operates on a standard watch or clock battery, and many that are made to sound off the hour, half hour, and quarter hour can play numerous tones in addition to, or even instead of, the traditional Westminster chime. In addition, their cases are now made of combination’s of woods, metals, or ceramic.
Moreover, mantel clock styles are not limited to the curve-top, long-base case so often thought to be the typical or traditional piece. The casings now come in styles ranging from twin scroll to miniature grandfather clock style, miniature armoire, picture frame, miniature trellis or archway, and many more. They can be bought for as low as $99 and continue to make attractive timepieces.
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