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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

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VINTAGE MANTLE CLOCK (WITH KEYS)
Sep 28, 9:00 AM AEST
VINTAGE MANTLE CLOCK (WITH KEYS)
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD253 Bids
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SHERATON STYLE INLAID MANTLE CLOCK.
Sep 28, 9:00 AM AEST
SHERATON STYLE INLAID MANTLE CLOCK.
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD203 Bids
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UNICORN MANTLE CLOCK
Sep 28, 9:00 AM AEST
UNICORN MANTLE CLOCK
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD303 Bids
ANSONIA VELVET MANTEL CLOCK
Sep 30, 10:00 AM EDT
ANSONIA VELVET MANTEL CLOCK
by Milestone Auctions
Est: $200- $300
$1003 Bids
CHELSEA MILLENNIUM SHIP’S BELL MANTEL CLOCK
Oct 01, 11:00 AM EDT
CHELSEA MILLENNIUM SHIP’S BELL MANTEL CLOCK
by CRN Auctions
Est: $1,000- $1,500
$5002 Bids
A Rococo style gilt bronze three-piece mantle clock, decorated with Venus and Neptune, H 59 - 68 cm
Oct 03, 10:00 AM CEST
A Rococo style gilt bronze three-piece mantle clock, decorated with Venus and Neptune, H 59 - 68 cm
by Carlo Bonte Auctions
Est: €3,000- €5,000
€2,2002 Bids
A Mantle Clock with Key & Pendulum, A/F
Sep 25, 9:00 PM SAST
A Mantle Clock with Key & Pendulum, A/F
by 5th Avenue Auctioneers
Est: R300- R500
R2002 Bids
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URGOS MANTLE CLOCK
Sep 28, 9:00 AM AEST
URGOS MANTLE CLOCK
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD152 Bids
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MANTEL CLOCK
Sep 28, 9:00 AM AEST
MANTEL CLOCK
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD202 Bids
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VINTAGE MANTLE CLOCK WITH ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
Sep 28, 9:00 AM AEST
VINTAGE MANTLE CLOCK WITH ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD152 Bids
Ansonia Royal Bonn Porcelain Mantle Clock
Sep 30, 12:00 PM EDT
Ansonia Royal Bonn Porcelain Mantle Clock
by Cottone Auctions
Est: $500- $800
$2501 Bid
An imposing Napoleon III three-piece mantle clock, gilt bronze and Carrara marble, H 58 - 72 cm
Oct 03, 10:00 AM CEST
An imposing Napoleon III three-piece mantle clock, gilt bronze and Carrara marble, H 58 - 72 cm
by Carlo Bonte Auctions
Est: €1,500- €2,000
€1,2001 Bid
A fine Empire style mantle clock depicting Alcibiades leaning against the bust of Socrates, H 47 - W 33 cm
Oct 03, 10:00 AM CEST
A fine Empire style mantle clock depicting Alcibiades leaning against the bust of Socrates, H 47 - W 33 cm
by Carlo Bonte Auctions
Est: €1,000- €1,500
€8001 Bid
E. F. Caldwell Sienna Marble Figural Mantel Clock
Sep 29, 12:00 PM EDT
E. F. Caldwell Sienna Marble Figural Mantel Clock
by Cottone Auctions
Est: $4,000- $6,000
$2,0001 Bid
A Neoclassical gilt and patinated bronze mantle clock with a putto and a globe, H 55 - 55 W cm
Oct 03, 10:00 AM CEST
A Neoclassical gilt and patinated bronze mantle clock with a putto and a globe, H 55 - 55 W cm
by Carlo Bonte Auctions
Est: €2,500- €3,500
€1,5001 Bid
A fine Neoclassical gilt bronze and cloissonné three piece mantle clock set, signed Anthony Bailly, Lyon, H 35 - 42 cm
Oct 03, 10:00 AM CEST
A fine Neoclassical gilt bronze and cloissonné three piece mantle clock set, signed Anthony Bailly, Lyon, H 35 - 42 cm
by Carlo Bonte Auctions
Est: €3,000- €5,000
€2,0001 Bid
Group Lot of Mantle Clocks and Barometer
Sep 28, 11:00 AM EDT
Group Lot of Mantle Clocks and Barometer
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $75- $150
$101 Bid
A mantle clock in brass and cloisonne figural case with French movement, 47cm high
Oct 04, 2:00 PM AEDT
A mantle clock in brass and cloisonne figural case with French movement, 47cm high
by Leski Auctions Pty Ltd
Est: AUD150- AUD250
AUD1201 Bid
A fine Belle Epoque three-piece gilt bronze and Sèvres porcelain mantle clock, H 33,5 - 52 cm
Oct 03, 10:00 AM CEST
A fine Belle Epoque three-piece gilt bronze and Sèvres porcelain mantle clock, H 33,5 - 52 cm
by Carlo Bonte Auctions
Est: €3,000- €4,000
€2,0001 Bid
Ansonia Black Painted Metal Mantle Clock, H: 12 in. (30.5 cm.)
Sep 26, 10:00 AM EDT
Ansonia Black Painted Metal Mantle Clock, H: 12 in. (30.5 cm.)
by Weschler's
Est: $50- $100
$251 Bid
Ansonia Black Painted Metal Top Mantle Clock, H: 10 in. (25.4 cm.)
Sep 26, 10:00 AM EDT
Ansonia Black Painted Metal Top Mantle Clock, H: 10 in. (25.4 cm.)
by Weschler's
Est: $40- $60
$201 Bid

Sellers Who Sell Shelf & Mantel Clocks


Carlo Bonte Auctions

Carlo Bonte Auctions

Wilkinson's Auctioneers

Wilkinson's Auctioneers

Albion Antique Auction Centre

Albion Antique Auction Centre