Mantel Clocks

antel clocks – small clocks designed to sit on a mantelpiece or shelf – started to become popular in the early 1800s. By the end of the century, though, British clockmakers were struggling against a tide of cheap American imports, most of which are of little interest to today’s collectors.

However, good quality mantel clocks by British, French and German makers are still sought after and are currently very affordable, according to Adam Wasdell, expert in charge of the watches, clocks and barometers department at Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn. “Prices have come down substantially over the last few years,” he says, “so now is an excellent time to buy.”

The key to finding a bargain, Adam advises, is to look out for named pieces, especially ones with unusual features such as complications to the mechanism, additional dials and suchlike.

Names To Note

So what names should we be looking for? When it comes to German makers, both Winterhalder & Hofmeier and Lenzkirch are highly regarded.

Winterhalder & Hofmeier, whose workshops were in the Black Forest and whose movements have ‘W.&H. Sch.’ stamped on their backplates, are amongst the finest clockmakers of the Victorian era. As might be expected from a Black Forest product, Winterhalder & Hofmeier’s movements are usually set in wood cases, a good example being the splendid inlaid rosewood quarter-striking clock shown opposite.

Made in 1900, at the peak of the firm’s success, and sold at Tennants for £220 last autumn, its visual appeal and high standard of workmanship makes it excellent value for money. Unfortunately the upheavals of the First World War and its aftermath fatally compromised Winterhalder & Hofmeier’s finances and the company ceased production in 1933.

Lenzkirch, whose movements are stamped ‘Lenzkirch AUG.’ was another German company that thrived in the latter years of the 19th century. It was founded by Eduard Hauser in 1851 in the village of Lenzkirch, in Baden, and was noted for making good quality mantel clocks, wall clocks and musical boxes.

The Lenzkirch quarter-striking mantel clock is an impressive example, with its burr walnut veneer case and wealth of fine detailing, including exuberant corner finials, pierced sound frets at either side and neat scroll feet.

However, the company’s fine workmanship couldn’t prevent it from, like Winterhalder & Hofmeier, coming to grief between the wars.

Turning to France, an important maker to look out for is Achille Brocot (1817–1878), whose clever innovations include the ‘Brocot suspension’, a mechanism enabling timekeeping to be regulated by altering the length of the pendulum via a key turned in the dial.

In stylistic terms the Brocot clock could hardly be more different to the angular, woodcased German examples. Its ornate ormolu case (ormolu is an alloy of copper, zinc and tin) is decorated with a lion’s head mask and leafy swags, and further embellished with insets of Sèvres-style porcelain.

But what makes this piece especially notable is its ‘year-going’ mechanism, which means it only requires winding once a year. Year-going clocks must be made to very fine tolerances in order to run reliably; only the most skilful makers are capable of constructing them.

Likeable Lighthouse

As well as being attracted to premium quality workmanship, collectors are also drawn to novelty clocks, such as the English timepiece in the form of a lighthouse. It is signed by Oxford watchmakers Rowell & Harris, and the glass rods in the top move to create the impression of the revolving light in a real lighthouse. This rarity went under the hammer in 2021 for a hefty £2,200.

Another factor affecting the value of a given mantel clock is its colour. Sienna marble, with its rich yellow-orange tones, is used to excellent effect in the Bardel mantel clock. A bronze kneeling figure and acanthus leaf borders provide extra decorative oomph.

By and large colourful clocks are more saleable, explains Adam. Least appealing to modern collectors are the slate and black marble clocks made in large quantities during the gloomy Victorian period following Prince Albert’s death. “There are simply too many of them on the market,” says Adam.

Twentieth century clocks can be collectable too, especially limited edition ones. The JaegerLeCoultre ‘Atmos’ clock, made to celebrate the Swiss brand’s 150th anniversary, fetched an impressive £3,200 at Tennants last summer.

Not only does it look stylish, but an Atmos clock relieves the owner of the tiresome necessity of ever winding it – it is driven entirely by changes in atmospheric pressure. The first clock powered in this way was invented in the early 1600s. The Atmos version was developed in 1928 and adopted by Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1935. Since then many thousands have been produced, but special editions like this one command a premium.

Adam’s final words of advice? “If you decide you want to invest in a clock, don’t hesitate to ask your auction room specialist for advice. And if you ever need to repair your timepiece, The British Horological Institute has a downloadable list of accredited repairers on its website (bhi.co.uk).”

For more information about Tennants Auctioneers, or to arrange a valuation, visit tennants.co.uk or call 01969 623780.

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