Mantle Clocks What Are They?
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Mantel clocks are ornately decorated works which are made of natural materials such as porcelain, wood and ormolu. Their construction may consist of any combination of these materials. Mantel clocks are tiny and are considered conventional house clocks which are usually placed on shelves. Mostly placed on the mantel above the fireplace. This was the reason for their name "mantel clocks."
During the 1750s, in France, was the beginning of these tiny clocks. They are similar to other chamber clocks. But the difference is easily distinguished by the absence of a carrying handle, which other chamber clocks have.
An earlier and well known design of the mantel clock, during the early part of the 19th century, was made by Simon Willard from Boston, Massachusetts. He continued to design these early mantel clocks and proceeded to patented them. He called them the Simon Willard Shelf Clock. As years passed Simon Willard continued to improve the design of these shelf clocks making improvements while having the appearance of the traditional Bracket at that time.
The specifications of mantle clocks are highly contrasted to wall clocks. Wall clocks' movements are basically attached to the clock's backboard, whereas these shelf clocks' movements were basically supported by its seat board.
Before patenting his own design, Simon Willard was selling other standard shelf clocks during the 1790s. It looked very much like other conventional tall clocks except that their base and hood were conjoined directly and it minimized the body which made it look like it was cut in between. These early models already had a calendar dial ingeniously built into them as well as a second hand that was almost uncommon during those times.
Simon Willard's designs were basically weight driven. Some models even had extended bases for weight balance, making it so that they'd achieve a running period of one week. They also had pinwheel escapements and the strike mechanisms were the rack and snail. The pendulum length of the mantle clocks was easily adjustable by way of a hole in the clock face at the 12th hour position which made it unnecessary to open the case.
It was during this time that clock were not considered trendy. However, Eli Terry was considered to be the best during these times. However, today Simon Willard the master in his field and his designs are much sought after by antique dealers and collectors as well as museums. The range of his clocks today range from $50,000.00 to $250,000.00. This is the going range as long as the clock is in perfect condition are known as masterpieces of American innovation.
The producers of the modern designs of this type of clocks are companies such as Seiko and Rhythm Small World Clocks. A combination of metal, wood and products produced by modern technology are used in their production. These modern clocks are powered by the standard battery. They can also play around fifteen different tunes each hour. Although some designs vary. Features include light sensors to automatically turn off music during sleep or night and volume control. The, that is most, Seiko mantel clocks play either Westminster tunes or Whittington melodies.
A mantel clock is a symbol of American ingenuity. It is a masterwork of master craftsmen that touches on historical and yet timeless beauty.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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