Antique Ball Clocks
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Revival Antique Ball Clocks
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
Early 1900s Antique Ball Clocks
Brass
Early 20th Century American Antique Ball Clocks
Brass
Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Ball Clocks
Marble, Bronze, Enamel
1920s English Art Deco Antique Ball Clocks
Oak
Mid-18th Century French Antique Ball Clocks
Early 19th Century Swedish Early Victorian Antique Ball Clocks
Pine
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ball Clocks
Enamel
Early 1900s French Edwardian Antique Ball Clocks
Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Antique Ball Clocks
Gold
19th Century English Regency Antique Ball Clocks
Mahogany
18th Century English George III Antique Ball Clocks
Bronze
Early 1900s French Edwardian Antique Ball Clocks
Oak
Late 18th Century Italian Empire Antique Ball Clocks
Metal
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ball Clocks
Bronze
Early 20th Century Edwardian Antique Ball Clocks
Glass, Walnut
1910s French Arts and Crafts Antique Ball Clocks
Copper
1910s French Edwardian Antique Ball Clocks
Wood
Early 1900s French Edwardian Antique Ball Clocks
Mahogany
1820s English Antique Ball Clocks
Hardwood
Early 20th Century Edwardian Antique Ball Clocks
Mahogany
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Ball Clocks
Brass
1890s English Victorian Antique Ball Clocks
Silver, Sterling Silver
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Ball Clocks
Mahogany
19th Century French Antique Ball Clocks
Ceramic
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ball Clocks
Bronze
1880s English Late Victorian Antique Ball Clocks
Mahogany
1880s French Other Antique Ball Clocks
Ceramic
1820s English Regency Antique Ball Clocks
Brass
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Ball Clocks
Mahogany
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Ball Clocks
Mahogany
1820s English Regency Antique Ball Clocks
Mahogany
1710s English George I Antique Ball Clocks
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Revival Antique Ball Clocks
Slate, Bronze, Ormolu
1780s English Georgian Antique Ball Clocks
Mahogany
19th Century British Regency Antique Ball Clocks
Mahogany
Early 19th Century British Regency Antique Ball Clocks
Brass
19th Century English Regency Antique Ball Clocks
Brass, Bronze
1870s French Louis XVI Antique Ball Clocks
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Antique Ball Clocks
Siena Marble, Brass
Early 20th Century English Antique Ball Clocks
Other
Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ball Clocks
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Late 18th Century French Directoire Antique Ball Clocks
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Ball Clocks
Bronze
19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Ball Clocks
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Japonisme Antique Ball Clocks
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
Late 18th Century French Louis XV Antique Ball Clocks
Bronze
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Ball Clocks
Marble, Ormolu
1820s American Federal Antique Ball Clocks
Brass
Late 19th Century French Gothic Antique Ball Clocks
Brass
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ball Clocks
Bronze
1860s French Egyptian Revival Antique Ball Clocks
Siena Marble, Bronze
1870s French Neoclassical Antique Ball Clocks
Marble, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
19th Century French Antique Ball Clocks
Bronze
1870s British Aesthetic Movement Antique Ball Clocks
Mahogany
1820s Charles X Antique Ball Clocks
Bronze
18th Century French Directoire Antique Ball Clocks
Marble, Gold Plate
1880s Gothic Revival Antique Ball Clocks
Brass
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Ball Clocks
Bronze
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Ball Clocks
Brass
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Antique Ball Clocks For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Antique Ball Clocks?
Finding the Right clocks for You
A sophisticated clock design, whether it’s a desk clock, mantel clock or large wall clock for your living room, is a decorative object to be admired in your home as much as it is a necessary functional element. This is part of the reason clocks make such superb collectibles. Given the versatility of these treasured fixtures — they’ve long been made in a range of shapes, sizes and styles — a clock can prove integral to your own particular interior decor.
Antique and vintage clocks can whisk us back to the 18th and 19th centuries. When most people think of antique clocks, they imagine an Art Deco Bakelite tabletop clock or wall clock, named for the revolutionary synthetic plastic, Bakelite, of which they’re made, or a stately antique grandfather clock. But the art of clock-making goes way back, transcending continents and encompassing an entire range of design styles and technologies. In short, there are many kinds of clocks depending on your needs.
A variety of wall clocks can be found on 1stDibs. A large antique hand-carved walnut wall clock is best suited to a big room and a flat background given what will likely be outwardly sculptural features, while Georgian grandfather clocks, or longcase clocks, will help welcome rainswept guests into your entryway or foyer. An interactive cuckoo clock, large or small, is guaranteed to bring outsize personality to your living room or dining room. For conversation pieces of a similar breed, mid-century modern enthusiasts go for the curious Ball clock, the first of more than 150 clock models conceived in the studio of legendary architect and designer George Nelson.
Minimalist contemporary clocks and books pair nicely on a shelf, but an eye-catching vintage mantel clock can add balance to your home library while drawing attention to your art and design books and other decorative objects. Ormolu clocks dating from the Louis XVI period, designed in the neoclassical style, are often profusely ornate, featuring architectural flourishes and rich naturalistic details. Rococo-style mantel clocks of Meissen porcelain or porcelain originating from manufacturers in cities such as Limoges, France, during the 18th and 19th centuries, exude an air of imperial elegance on your shelves or side tables and can help give your desk a 19th-century upgrade.
On 1stDibs, find a range of extraordinary antique and vintage clocks today.
- How do ball clocks work?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A rolling ball clock works with an electric motor. Every five or 10 minutes, the top rail will deposit a ball onto the next rail to indicate what minute it is in multiples of five or 10. Every hour, the upper and middle rails reset and one ball is transferred to the bottom rail to indicate the hour. Shop a collection of vintage ball clocks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Although Sir William Congreve patented the design in 1808, Scottish clockmaker Robert Bryson seems to have invented the rolling ball clock. Examples of his work that predate Congreve's patent have been identified by modern-day historians. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of rolling ball clocks.
- What are antique carpet balls?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Antique carpet balls are stone or ceramic balls decorated in bright colored patterns in specific plaids. They were used as a form of indoor carpet bowling, though now are collected for decorative purposes.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Check the clock for a manufacturer’s mark or label. Once you have this, you should be able to look up the clock’s brand to see if it is French in origin. A clock is considered antique once it is 100 years old. A professional can also help verify the origin of your clock. Shop an array of expertly vetted antique clocks on 1stDibs.
- How can I spot an antique clock?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To spot whether or not a clock is antique, note if the clockmaker’s name or company is engraved near the center face of the dial. A paper label may also be pasted on the back of the clock. You can shop a collection of expertly vetted antique clocks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021An antique bracket clock refers to a portable spring-driven pendulum table clock created in the 17th and 18th centuries. These clocks were equipped with convenient carrying handles and were housed usually in rectangular cases. Shop a collection of antique and vintage bracket clocks from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024To identify your antique clock, search for markings on the back of its movement or case. Once you have located these marks, use trusted online resources to determine who the maker is. From there, you can continue your research to learn more about your clock's age, style and other characteristics. An expert appraiser or antiques dealer can also assist you with identification. Find a wide range of antique clocks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023To know if an antique clock is valuable, you'll typically need to have the piece assessed by a certified appraiser or an experienced antiques dealer. The maker and style of the clock will help determine its value (an early American clockmaker’s antique grandfather model, featuring an oak case and decorative carvings, may be very interesting to collectors, for example). Overall condition of your clock also plays a role. Generally, clocks that still work are worth more than those that require repairs. On 1stDibs, find a selection of antique, vintage and modern clocks.
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