There’s an antique wall clock with your name on it. Well, there is if your name is the same as one of thousands of business owners who purchased or received advertising clocks a hundred or more years ago. And, advertising clocks are just one of the many types of antique wall clocks. Banjo clocks, moving eye clocks, cuckoo clocks, dial clocks, mission clocks, picture clocks, and Vienna regulators, are a few more types of antique wall clocks. American and European models are both popular.
Early American clock makers built longcase or tall clocks nearly exclusively. These clocks are known as the grandfather style now, but the term “grandfather clock” didn’t come about for another century. Then around 1770 Simon Willard began making wall clocks. Willard is famous for inventing the banjo clock. Banjo clock is another term that came about much later than the item it describes. Banjo clocks were first known as “Improved” or “Patent” timepieces. By the early 1800s there were very few longcase clocks still being built in America.
From the mid-19th century into the early 20th century American clock makers exported clocks throughout the world. These antique clocks are highly collectable and sought after, including the Seth Thomas antique wall clock, made by one of America’s oldest and most famous clock manufacturers. The Seth Thomas Clock Company manufactured the clock at Grand Central Terminal in New York City.
Large Connecticut wall clocks or wall regulators are very rare and expensive. Some of the makers of these valuable timekeepers include Seth Thomas, William Gilbert and The Waterbury Clock Company. Elias Ingraham also manufactured a large antique wall clock. The clocks were not made for use in homes. Before these oversized gems were antiques wall clocks of that size were mostly used in post offices, banks and other large offices.
European antique wall clocks are popular, as well. German, English and French models are all popular with collectors. Probably the most famous antique German wall clock is the cuckoo clock. The Black Forest region of Germany is known worldwide for the production of cuckoo clocks.
The English clock makers brought us the bracket clock and the longcase clock. Bracket clocks are table clocks but originally they had to be hung on the wall to make room for the weights to hang down. The “bracket” was used to hang the clock on the wall. The antique oak wall clock veneered with ebony was popular until 1800.
The French found prominence in European clock making in the 1700s under King Louis XIV. The cases of the French bracket clocks were generally more ornamental than those of the English. Possibly the earliest wall clock you will find is an antique French wall clock from the 18th century. Known as the cartel clock, the gilded, highly ornamental clock frames are decorated with garlands, cherubs and figurines and many of the clock faces have Roman numerals.
The antique wall clock is an exceptional item for collectors and individuals who simply want a fine decorative accessory for their home or office. They make excellent gifts and are treasured heirlooms. If you carefully select and maintain your antique wall clock it will continue to retain and increase in value.
