The same antique clocks may be called various names by different experts depending on what region of the world they live in, which can get really confusing. For example, what the British call a “bracket clock” is actually identical to what American dealers call “shelf clocks” or “mantle clocks.”

The main categories of antique clocks can also be further broken down into subcategories. For instance, within the broad category of “Beehive” clocks there may also be found subcategories such as a “Gothic” beehive or a “Ripple” beehive. Some may the subdivide the broad category of “Drop trunk” clocks into finer distinctions, such as “Schoolhouse” clocks, “Act of Parliament” clocks, “Wall regulators”, “Tavern” clocks, “Short drop”, “Octagon drop”, and so forth.

Collectors call clocks produced for promotional purposes ‘advertising clocks’. These clocks typically display advertising messages on the clock’s dial or case. These clocks sometimes appeared as part of larger marketing campaign, for example on a billboard. Usually found on a shelf, on the wall, or as large grandfather clocks, these clocks make great antique wall clocks for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Humanity has long recognized time passing, and long ago endeavored to measure and track that passage. The clock on your wrist, on the wall, or beside your bed wouldn’t be here at all if people hadn’t spent the past thousands of years crafting timepieces.

The first mechanical clocks did not have pendulums. It is likely that they were created by central European monks in the late 1200s and were used in their churches. They tolled on the hour, but their faces lacked dials and hands.

Clocks were originally placed in the church belfry to utilize the church bell. These iron clocks were created by local blacksmiths and were very heavy and large. It took more than a century before a clock as we know it was invented, one with hands and dials. By early in the fifteen century, small clocks for home use became available which were likely fashioned by gunsmiths or locksmiths. These early antique clocks are very valuable.

The Antique Clocks Shoppe features a wide variety of antique clocks, Mantle clocks, antique wall clocks, and other vintage clocks. Be sure to check out our antique clock blog and antique clock videos!