Have you see Disney’s film ‘Beauty and the Beast’? It had a character called Cogsworth which was a mantel clock! These magnificent clocks made an appearance on shelves and fire mantels of the nobility and royalty in UK, France and US. The fairy tale did more to popularise this clock that has been clocking time in this world from the late 18th century. Since they are fragile and need maintenance, mantel clocks are expensive. An old valuable piece will fetch nearly USD 50, 000. In fact clock collectors rate them as the most priceless when they come across the ‘real time piece’ from a golden era. Such a piece will be valued for its age and craftsmanship. They were made with love and took a real long time to be made. What also makes them a collectors’ and owner’s delight is that they can still function after so many years! Some have been heirlooms of families for long. To recognise a fairly good mantel clock, see if it has an oak or a mahogany base and make. The vintage ones are 8-day clocks that need winding every eight days.

Mantel clocks are being made by well known brands like Sessions Clock Company which has made the popular Adair and Westminster Chime. One of the most important signature brand designs are made by Seth Thomas. They are still in business and have perfected the art of making these timeless designs. They can be wound by key or are available in quartz variety too. The reason for the later is that winding process is eliminated and that is a practical modern adaptation. Even other wise mantel clocks last for a long time. The batteries need changing after a few years which make them cost effective over a period of time. The earliest designs were created by the French in 1860 and had marble, onyx or slate slabs. Once the pendulum clocks appeared, the subsequent mantel designs were a natural extended creation for ‘time’. They are placed atop the fireplace in most homes. Seeing the French designs, the English produced lower quality marble and iron pieces- and started calling them mantel pieces.

Anyone interested in buying vintage mantel clocks need to check that they are in running condition. There is no harm in buying the modern quartz variety also. They can be serviced by dealers too- a tip, place them at the fireplace.