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.

Public Houses and Inns were probably the first to introduce wall clocks and featured round faces. As homes became more affluent, and able to afford these mechanical wall clocks, the clocks were adapted to the home but were not as accurate as the tavern wall clocks.

While thinking something as common today as a clock would have a social impact, especially on one’s status in society, that was the case in the 18th century. This being due to their cost which was out of reach for the majority of people.

English wall clock pendulum parts were spring driven with the early ones having a verge escapement. These were later replaced with the more accurate anchor escapements.

However, anchor escapements called for a longer pendulum then the verge and, as a result, required a larger, longer case. The dials of wall clocks are protected by glass and are normally painted wood or brass. On rare occasions you’ll find dials made of iron.

Wall clocks made in England and the United States tended to be made of wood, often imported from the West Indies, while the French rococo style wall clocks featured more metal in their construction.

Clock makers in the United States were the first to use mass production and their early clocks were the Banjo clock.

These featured the anchor escapement with a long pendulum and the drive mechanism was done with wind-up weights. They usually had dials painted white and were made of metal.

Antique Banjo clocks can hold great value, as can any antique wall clock, but there are many Banjo clock reproductions…so be careful in making any purchases.

The seventeenth century saw the development of the Rococo style. This extremely ornate style favored by the French aristocracy was a full room style whereby every item in the room was an integral part of the overall presentation. The style was characterized by extremely ornate furniture, small statues, and wall hangings (elaborately framed paintings, tapestries and mirrors), which was used in conjunction with wall and ceiling paintings and ornate floors.

Not surprisingly, this also meant that clocks – at the time symbols of wealth and sophistication in France – were also done in Rococo style. The result was some of the most elaborately ornate wall clocks ever designed. Further, since these were commissioned by the wealthiest of the aristocracy, few designs were ever replicated or mass produced, instead almost all eighteenth century Rococo wall clocks are one of a kind original creations with a specific history.

Many of these Rococo style clocks – better known today as Cartel clocks – were made primarily out of ormolu, or gilt bronze, although other rare and beautiful materials were also employed. Most Cartel clock had both and hour and a minute hand but not a second hand, because the requisite pendulum for a second hand was too long to be hung without disrupting the style. The face of the clock was usually fairly plain, using black Roman numerals on a white background with ornate hands.

The real ornament was primarily confined to the clock case. Most Cartel clocks had extremely curvy, flowing lines as opposed to sharp angles, and were extremely elaborate in detail. Frequently these designs integrated in small figurines, leaves, vines, coats of arms, and other extremely detailed images. Beyond the gilt bronze, many were also inlaid with colored stones and glass and enhanced with enamel or paint embellishment. The over all effect was one of extreme elegance and artistry.

Today, real eighteenth century Cartel clocks are high value collector’s items, frequently being sold for tens of thousands of dollars. However, there are also several manufacturers that produce replicas and imitations which are much more reasonably priced. Rococo style generally integrated all decoration with the room to create the desired effect, but an extremely ornate imitation Cartel clock can still add a touch of luxury to a non-Rococo room.