Posted 12 years ago
mantle
(1 item)
My husband and I live in a 100 year old house and just recently we acquired this clock that belonged to the original family who owned the house before us. We would like to know more about it like where it was made and by whom and how old it is. The old paper on the back with all that info has been torn off.
Thank you
Nice example of a wood cased mantel clock. These are often called "Gingerbread Clocks". When they are equipped with Alarms, they are also called "Kitchen Clocks" although some folks call this style a "Kitchen Clock" with or without an alarm feature.
I've double-checked and can't locate this model in any of my references. If you could remove the hands and dial/face you might be able to identify the maker of the movement and presumably the clock. Manufacturers normally stamped their name and patent information on one of the brass plates. That would give you a little more to go on. Does the clock run? If not, or even if it does, you might consider having it serviced. The clock repairer could certainly give you more information after properly servicing the movement.
The hour and minute hands don't match so one or both of them have probably been replaced at some point in this clock's past. It's probably circa 1890 give or take 5 years.
You might also consider posting information and photos of your clock on the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors website. I believe you would need to register (no cost to do so), then go to their message board forums and post under "Clocks General" http://mb.nawcc.org/forumdisplay.php?9-Clocks-General .
If you decide to post there try to give as much of the following information as possible:
Any and all information printed, stamped or labeled on the dial, movement, case and pendulum. This includes names, trademarks, serial/model/patent numbers and dates.
If mechanical, how often does it need to be re-wound?
Measurements of the dial and case. Please take measurements at the longest, widest, and deepest points only.
Well lit photos of the entire case, with close-ups of the dial, movement and any distinctive decorative feature(s) or labels.
Any provenance information.
This information will be very helpful to any clock collector, here or there, but it still may not lead to a definitive model or date.
Hope that helps.
Good luck.