Antique mantel clocks are both elegant décor pieces and functional furnishings to place on your fireplace or side cabinet. Whether they are reproductions or the real items, exotically-made table clocks will flatter your living room and your personality. Antique clocks have been made throughout the western world. The first clock which worked with springs was made in 1510. Since then, a great number of antique mantel clocks in multiple styles and designs have been manufactured in Europe and America. For a long time in the past, the most efficient clocks were run with pendulums. At first the pendulums were left to swing by their weight, but after some time, would stop and would have to be restarted. Clockmakers then developed the technology of clockwork. Clockwork is basically the spring mechanism of the first clock but very much improved.
The central spring would be tightened by turning a key. Then it would slowly unwind and keep the pendulum moving for a whole day.
The main concern of antique mantel clock buyers is how to tell a reproduction from the real thing. The line distinguishing a repro from a real antique becomes blurred by the fact that some old clocks needed to be repaired years, sometimes hundreds of years, after they were made. The resulting device then became a hybrid clock which had older parts and newer parts.
The price of an antique clock is really more subjective than standard. Because of this fact, some antique clocks are sold at auctions where the clock will get the highest price anyone is willing to pay out for it. So if you really want to be sure you are getting the real item, and if you have enough resources, you might consider attending an auction where an antique mantel clock is being sold and bidding for one. On the other hand, you may also purchase a real antique mantel clock from an antique dealer. The only problem is that you have to be really sure that the item is a real antique. Many antique shops pass off reproductions, or even fakes, as the real item.
In most cases, the manufacturer has his name engraved or painted into the clock face or the movement (the mechanism under the face). Sometimes, the original retailer's name appears there instead of the manufacturer's. If you can identify the maker or the original retailer, a little research will tell you if the clock is an antique and when it was made.
In the absence of any autograph on the clockwork or the clock face, examine the antique mantel clock for any labels. If you can manage to read the label, you will know the name of the manufacturer or the original distributor.
Real antique mantel clocks or reproductions are equally effective in setting a mood for your parlor. If your aim in buying the clock is purely for adorning your side table or fireplace, you don't have to go out and buy the real thing. But if you intend to add the clock to your collection of old curios, play safe and don't purchase it if it doesn't have a signature or label indicating the name of its original source. As for labels, you have to ascertain that the label itself is genuine.