The Patio Expert Pages

Sometimes there is confusion amongst antique clocks when different books and experts call the same type of clock by different names due to trade customs or geographical differences. A "Bracket clock" in England may be referred to as a "Shelf clock" or a "Mantle clock" by a dealer in the United States.

The family of antique clocks can be looked as a collection of specific groups of clocks. You can break it down into several groups, or families. Take beehive clocks, which can either be gothic beehives or ripple beehives. Conversely, the term "drop trunk" clock is actually an umbrella term that comprises schoolhouse clocks, act of parliament clocks, wall regulators, tavern clocks, short drop clocks, octagon clocks, and so on.

Collectors call clocks produced for promotional purposes 'advertising clocks'. These clocks typically display advertising messages on the clock's dial or case. These clocks sometimes appeared as part of larger marketing campaign, for example on a billboard. Usually found on a shelf, on the wall, or as large grandfather clocks, these clocks make great antique wall clocks for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Human beings are fascinated by time, and the passage of time. It is that deep interest that has led to seemingly mundane inventions such as the alarm clock. People's need to measure time and use time have led to technological advances over 6 millenia.

Historians believe that the first mechanical clocks were invented by monks in central Europe in the late thirteenth century. These early clocks, which could be found inside the churches of the monks who had developed them, did not have dials or hands like modern clocks. They did, however, have bells that tolled to mark each hour.

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.