Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is mercury used for in clocks?
1 Answer
Mercury was used in antique clocks as a pendulum weight. Clockmakers used mercury for its tolerance to changes in heat and assistance in keeping time. Mercury can be found in older clocks, but is not widely used in newer styles. Find a range of vintage timepieces on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Mercury Pendulum on 1stDibs
Antique American Bronze Bracket Clock
Located in New Orleans, LA
French paste jeweling and Mercury pendulum.
Category
Antique 19th Century Clocks
Materials
Bronze, Steel
19th Century French Fireplace Clock Onyx 1889 L.Marti et Cie Napoleon III
Located in Berlin, DE
The movement is signed with the inscription "L.Marti et Lie ,, Medaille d'argent".
With original mercury pendulum.
(R-63).
Category
Antique 1880s French Mantel Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Bronze
19th Century Napoleon III Fire-Gilt Fireplace Clock
Located in Berlin, DE
Steel filled, formerly mercury pendulum. Half-hour rake percussion with sound spring.
Category
Antique 19th Century American Napoleon III Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Antique French Bronze & Marble Three-Piece Mantel Set Clock Napoleon III
Located in Labrit, Landes
Set of a clock and two pedestals.
Mercury pendulum
The French movement of the clock will be checked before shipping
In good condition with signs of wear.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble, Brass
$1,996 Sale Price / set
20% Off
French Onyx and Champleve Four Glass Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
French eight day movement numbered 1631 with anchor escapement striking the hours and halves on a coiled gong. The mercury pendulum with conforming diamante decoration.
Category
Antique 1880s French Mantel Clocks
Materials
Onyx
Unusual French 24 Hour Four Glass Mantel Clock
By Japy Frères
Located in Norwich, GB
Gilded and chased bezel, gilded dial with silvered numerals which rotate to 24 hours, original ‘blued’ steel Moonpoise hands and twin jar mock mercury pendulum.
French eight day time...
Category
Vintage 1910s French Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble
