Prized and valued today as they were when first commissioned and made, fine antique clocks represent a sound financial investment and will be a pleasure to own and incorporate into your daily life. Our stock has included clocks by the great makers, Edward Dent, William Dutton, Edward East, John Ellicott, Charles Frodsham, George Graham, Thomas Tompion, Vulliamy, Thomas Mudge, and Joseph Windmills, as well as fine and interesting clocks by less well known makers. From table clocks and longcase clocks through to mantel clocks, carriage clocks and wall clocks, the clocks we offer for sale have been chosen for their authenticity and are of the very highest quality. And, of course, a signature may be fraudulently added as an attempt to increase an antique clocks value.We specialise in English antique clocks from the 17th century through to the 19th century.The actual clock movement may have been made by someone else, as until the 19th century clock cases were almost always made separately from the movement and were rarely signed.19th century retailers and distributors often put their own names on clocks as an attempt to brand their product.However, a signature may refer to someone other than the clockmaker. Providing you can find the clock makers name and the date of activity listed in one of the many guides accessible to watch and clockmakers. Signatures on an antique clocks dial or movement can sometimes help to date a clock. Ĭ1792 – paper clock dials were introduced and applied to a wooden or metal backing.Ĭ1800 – painted dials came into general use on clock faces. Made in England or England, Made in France, France, etc.Ĭ1901 – saw the introduction of the Anniversary trademark on 400-Day clocks.Ĭ1663 – minute hands were introduced to longcase clocks.Ĭ1775 – matching minute and hour hands were introduced Although antique clocks were produced with only hour hands until around 1820.Ĭ1780 – second hands began to be added to longcase clock dials.Ĭ1785 – dots in the minute rings of brass dials were addedĬ1745 – phases of the moon were introduced on clock dials. It reached its height of popularity in the 1930’s and 40’s and was used in a wide variety of consumer products.Ĭ1896 – marking the country of origin was required on clocks imported into the United States e.g. Leo Baekeland, founded the Bakelite Corporation around 1910. Adamantine celluloid veneer was patented in 1880.Ĭ1882 – Seth thomas introduced clock models in Adamantine veneer finishes which mimicked marble, slate, wood grains and other materials.Ĭ1910 – Bakelite an early inflammable, mouldable plastic, was invented. They are metal rods specially tuned to produce a sequence of chime notes when struck by the movement’s chime hammers.Ĭ1869 – celluloid was patented. Chauncy Jerome began manufacturing cheap 30-hour brass movements in the 1830’s by the early 1840’s brass movements virtually replaced wooden ones.Ĭ1840 – coiled wire gongs were used in English bracket (shelf) clocks.Ĭ1890 – chime bars, also called chime rods, were introduced to clocks. Up until then hand cast and finished brass movements were very expensive. The first American patent issued for a calendar movement was in 1853.Ĭ1806 – machine made wood screws were introduced in France as early as 1806.Ĭ1800 – reverse-painted glass tablets date from the early 1800’s.Ĭ1820 – wooden movements were generally used in early American shelf clocks until around 1820. It provided a safe alternative to the hazardous use of mercury in gilding metals, which was banned c1799.Ĭ1660 – calendar movements were introduced to English longcase clocks. The Antique Clock Case and the Clock Movement :Ĭ1836 – gold electroplating was introduced and became popular within a few years. Specifically the style and type of clock hand and the dial, both of which have varied over time.Įven the type of material used to construct your antique clock movement can help, or discovering when chimes were introduced and the type of chime used. The construction of various parts can and will help in dating your antique clock. Like knowing when certain features were introduced or certain materials became available.Ī few simple things that can point you in the right direction and at the correct period for your antique wall clock, advertising clock or bracket clock.

However, if you don’t there are various little things that can help when dating antique clocks. Tips to help you estimate the age and date of your antique clock.ĭating Antique Clocks can be an exact science providing you have the right reference books and the proper experience. The Antique Clock Case and the Clock Movement :.Tips to help you estimate the age and date of your antique clock.

Antique clocks