Loading Spinner

Shelf & Mantel Clocks

Mantel clocks have been a design centerpiece since domestic clocks made an appearance in the 1600s. Antique mantel clocks were luxury items through the 19th century in some arenas, reserved only to decorate the homes and businesses of the wealthy. With the onset of the Industrial Revolution and the modern manufacturing process, shelf and mantel clocks became available to more collectors who could appreciate the historical and cultural value of these timepieces.

The Ingraham mantel clock produced by Connecticut clockmaker Elias Ingraham can refer to any number of Ingraham’s models. Ingraham models bore distinctive cases including the steepled Gothic clocks and gilded Grecian clocks. The popularity of black mantel clocks made from onyx, slate, marble, iron, and wood led to the production of the Seth Thomas adamantine clock in beginning in 1882. Adamantine veneer was a celluloid made in black and white, patterned after onyx, marble, or wood grain.

Another popular name in vintage mantel clocks is the German Kienzle mantel clock. Kienzle clocks are reminiscent of Art Deco, such as the chrome metal drum pivoted clock in the Museum Victoria collection. Sessions mantel clock models, produced by William Sessions of Connecticut, include the black mantel clocks of Welsh design from 1903 to 1930.


Quick Facts

  • A '30s continental oak-cased musical mantel clock by Kienzle sold for $728 at a Bonham’s auction in 2013
  • An Empire gilt-bronze figural mantel clock signed Ravrio, Bronzier a Paris, with movement by Mesnil circa 1810 sold for $7,500 at a Bonham’s auction in 2015
  • A French Empire ormolu mantel clock with a figure of George Washington made between 1815 and 1819 by Dubac of Paris realized a price of $219,750 at an auction by Christie’s in 2013

Recommended Items at Auction

See all items

Vintage Asian Style Pagoda Form Mantle Clock
Jul 17, 10:00 AM EDT
Vintage Asian Style Pagoda Form Mantle Clock
by Nye & Company
Est: $50- $500
$603 Bids
Ornate Chateau Chambord French Inspired Water Maidens Mantel Clock
Jul 25, 10:30 AM EDT
Ornate Chateau Chambord French Inspired Water Maidens Mantel Clock
by South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services
Est: $6- $1,000
$123 Bids
Small black slate mantle clock (H:22cm) (untested)
Jul 17, 1:00 PM AEST
Small black slate mantle clock (H:22cm) (untested)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD403 Bids
A large pocket watch form mantle clock, total Height 56 cm x Width 38cm
Jul 15, 7:00 PM AEST
A large pocket watch form mantle clock, total Height 56 cm x Width 38cm
by Lawsons
Est: AUD40- AUD60
AUD202 Bids
Black Slate gilded Ansonia ornate footed mantel clock
Jul 21, 6:00 PM EDT
Black Slate gilded Ansonia ornate footed mantel clock
by Atlee Raber Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
Junghans B13 Mantel clock w/ time strike
Jul 21, 6:00 PM EDT
Junghans B13 Mantel clock w/ time strike
by Atlee Raber Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
Sessions Wabash ebonised wooden mantel clock
Jul 16, 10:00 AM AEST
Sessions Wabash ebonised wooden mantel clock
by Woodlands Auctions
Est: AUD80- AUD120
AUD401 Bid
(3) FRENCH BRASS CARRIAGE-STYLE MANTEL CLOCK & GARNITURE SET
Jul 20, 10:00 AM CDT
(3) FRENCH BRASS CARRIAGE-STYLE MANTEL CLOCK & GARNITURE SET
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $300- $600
$2000 Bids
Sessions Dulce 8 Day Mantle Clock
Jul 21, 6:00 PM EDT
Sessions Dulce 8 Day Mantle Clock
by Atlee Raber Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$50 Bids
EDWARDIAN MAHOGANY MANTEL CLOCK
Jul 15, 10:00 AM IST
EDWARDIAN MAHOGANY MANTEL CLOCK
by Sheppards
Est: €50- €80
€300 Bids
French Napoleon Style Marble Clock
Jul 21, 6:00 PM EDT
French Napoleon Style Marble Clock
by Atlee Raber Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$50 Bids
GOTHIC-STYLE INLAID MANTEL CLOCK
Jul 15, 10:00 AM IST
GOTHIC-STYLE INLAID MANTEL CLOCK
by Sheppards
Est: €100- €150
€600 Bids
ART NOUVEAU MAHOGANY AND MARQUETRY MANTEL CLOCK
Jul 16, 10:00 AM IST
ART NOUVEAU MAHOGANY AND MARQUETRY MANTEL CLOCK
by Sheppards
Est: €100- €150
€600 Bids
A gilt metal and enamel mantel clock, modern
Jul 16, 10:00 AM PDT
A gilt metal and enamel mantel clock, modern
by Andrew Jones Auctions
Est: $800- $1,200
$4000 Bids
VINTAGE GILBERT 1807 MAHOGANY MANTEL CLOCK
Aug 09, 2:00 PM EDT
VINTAGE GILBERT 1807 MAHOGANY MANTEL CLOCK
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $100- $200
$750 Bids
Ch. Gautier Bordeaux Boulle Enamel Face Clock
Jul 17, 12:00 PM EDT
Ch. Gautier Bordeaux Boulle Enamel Face Clock
by Greenwich Auction
Est: $400- $600
$1000 Bids
Unusual Iron Framed Clock with Shelf
Jul 19, 12:00 PM EDT
Unusual Iron Framed Clock with Shelf
by Public Sale Auction House
Est: $200- $400
$500 Bids
INLAID MAHOGANY MANTEL CLOCK
Jul 18, 10:00 AM EDT
INLAID MAHOGANY MANTEL CLOCK
by Vintage Accents Auctions
Est: $100- $200
$200 Bids
bp parity badge
Concordia Mantle Clock & Lamp
Jul 23, 10:00 AM EDT
Concordia Mantle Clock & Lamp
by Barry S. Slosberg Inc
Est: $15- $20
$50 Bids
Mantel clock c. 1930
Jul 23, 5:00 PM CEST
Mantel clock c. 1930
by Duran Arte y Subastas
Est: €0- €0
€1000 Bids
Ansonia walnut mantel clock
Jul 16, 10:00 AM AEST
Ansonia walnut mantel clock
by Woodlands Auctions
Est: AUD100- AUD200
AUD500 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Shelf & Mantel Clocks


Atlee Raber Auctioneer

Atlee Raber Auctioneer

Sheppards

Sheppards

Woodlands Auctions

Woodlands Auctions

Bodnar's Auction Sales

Bodnar's Auction Sales