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."

For those of you learning about clocks, there are several basic categories for antique clocks, in which are contained subcategories. For example, there is a basic category of clocks called "Beehives," which contains the subcategories of Gothic and Ripple beehives. Similarly, the basic "Drop Trunk" category contains the subcategories of "Schoolhouse," "Act of Parliament," and other types of Drop Trunk clocks.

When a clock face or casing is used to promote advertisements they are commonly called advertising clocks. Sometimes a clock may be used for advertising by including it in a larger sign. Long-case or 'Grandfather' clocks are a rarity in this form of advertising, while wall or shelf clocks are more common. These are all wonderful examples of antique wall clocks.

Mankind has long recognized the passage of time and tried to take its measure and record the passage. The simple alarm clock on the nightstand owes its presence to more than six thousand years of pondering time and working with devices that will mark its passage accurately.

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!