What is a Wall Clock?
A wall clock is by definition any weight or spring driven clock which is made to hang on a wall, hence this embraces a wide variety of styles. The earliest recorded wall clock is the Lantern clock which was also the earliest domestic clock known in England.
Wall Clock Features
When and Where Were Wall Clocks Made?
The earliest examples date from the late sixteenth century. The earliest hooded wall clocks date from the last quarter of the seventeenth century and are the earliest known eight-day clocks to be made with a wooden case.
The Tavern or Act of Parliament clocks were made for taverns and coaching inns throughout England, from c.1740 to c.1800. Their main purpose was to provide accurate local time and, in particular, to regulate the arrival and departure of stage coaches which kept to very reliable timetables.
English round dial clocks became very popular and were made in large numbers. Most are simple timepieces with very good fusee movements, and the earliest examples had silvered dials with moulded mahogany surrounds.
As the nineteenth century progressed, the convex painted dials became more fashionable and eventually the flat dial with plain mahogany or oak surround became the most popular design. Towards the 1870’s these clocks were copied by German and American manufacturers in large numbers.
Trunk dial wall clocks, often known as drop-dial clocks, had the addition of a trunk or box under the dial to accommodate a longer pendulum and began to appear c.1785. The early mahogany bases sloped back to a sharp point at the wall (known as a chisel foot). Gradually the cases became more decorative, with the addition of inlay or features such as shaped ‘ears’ on either side.
Differing greatly from the restrained style of British wall clocks are the French cartel clocks which originated in c.1740. The movements are fairly plain, but the cases tended towards high rococo ornamentation; this style was repeated and copied through the years.
Wall Clocks for Sale
A large number of wall clocks have undergone a great deal of alteration over the years and as such prices of wall clocks are influenced by condition, originality and authenticity. The best advice which applies to buying a wall clock is to be vigilant and go to a reputable experienced dealer.
Olde Time Wall Clocks for Sale
We supply a wide range of wall clocks here at Olde Time. We have a huge choice with each clock more unique than the next.
Wall Clock Maintenance and Repair
In order to keep your wall clock looking as good as new, here are some maintenance guidelines:
- Keep the clock out of direct sunlight and avoid excessive hot or cold temperatures.
- When cleaning surrounding areas, avoid moving the clock around. If the clock has to be moved, be very careful to either remove the pendulum or keep it as still as possible and move the clock slowly so as to avoid damage to the movement.
- A weekly feather dusting or cleaning of the casework with a mild natural beeswax or crystalline wax will help to remove fingerprints and a build-up of dust from the case. Crystalline wax is a mixture of refined waxes, blended to a formula used by the British Museum to revive and protect valuable furniture, leather, paintings, metals, marble, etc. It is available to buy from Olde Time.
- Never use household cleaners or abrasives of any kind to clean any part of the clock.
An antique wall clock should only be cleaned and overhauled by a specialist restorer. Never attempt to clean or repair an antique clock yourself.
Georgian Sedan Wall Clock by James Hawke, Bury St Edmunds
Large Round Dial Wall Clock
Gilt Wood Cartel Wall Clock
English Round Dial Wall Clock by Thwaites and Reed, London
English Dial Clock by J.Allen, Norwich
19th Century Wall Clock by Junghans
George I Lantern Clock by Thomas Reeve, Harleston
George II Hook and Spike Wall Clock
Victorian English Dial Clock With Thermometer
Mahogany Sedan Clock by Aubert and Klaftenberger
Regency Coromandel and Mother of Pearl Drop Dial Clock
Victorian Mahogany Drop Dial Clock
Regency Convex dial wall clock by Grant, Portsmouth
French Ormolu Cartel Clock