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Information on Brass French Mantle Antique Clocks

Brass French mantle clocks go back to the late 18th century. Working in Europe at that time were talented craftsmen with particular skills in regard to designing intricate clock mechanisms . The overall aesthetic designs of these clocks are superior to most, with intricate figural accents in mythological, natural and classical themes.

History
- Mantle clocks were made in France and gilded in brass from the 1700's on. They may appear more gold in color than newer brass, especially on accent parts. The accent parts are located on the face of the clock itself as part of the design, on the outer edge of the numerals.
Characteristics
- Antique brass mantle clocks from France may appear gold. Antique brass, when it is clean, has a warm and smooth gold color, with hints of yellow. It is easy to tell a mantle clock from bronze, because the bronze has a darker patina. The French clocks also had wider bases.
Function
- The base is flat to support the clock. Some clocks were rectangular and large, with ornate detail throughout. The base was sometimes made from precious materials, aside from the clock brass body. These materials may include marble. Sometimes the base of French mantle clocks is actually a continuation of the clock body itself, with a footed bottom of the brass to support the overall shape of the clock. This is especially evident on French mantle clocks with an hourglass shape.
Types
- Most antique brass French mantle clocks are figural. The French made the most ornate clocks, with particular attention to detail around the clock face itself. A mantle clock that is figural will have as part of the design people, mythological themes such as cherubs, or animals. The most notable mythological feature used was Pegasus, the flying horse.
Features
- Ornate design aspects are ever-present on the clocks, even without people or mythological figures. Often there are intertwined sculpted leaves circulating the clock face, or columns on either side of the clock face as part of the design. Sometimes columns may be independent from an ornate floral design, or there may be a vine circling the columns from the base up, meant to look like realistic flora and fauna.
Function
- A dome shape is quite common. The removable glass dome encases the clock mechanism. The dome protects brass moving mechanisms that are displayed in the center of the clock. The dome can be easy cleaned or replaced as well.

Antiques