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
day movement with hour and half hour chime. 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
".
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
sheet email with Arabic numerals. Brocothemia. Steel filled, formerly mercury pendulum. Half-hour rake
Category
Antique 19th Century American Napoleon III Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Bronze
Seth Thomas Antique Mantel Clock
By Seth Thomas Clock Company
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
-day time and strike movement with a mercury pendulum and key. It features beveled glass front, back
Category
Early 20th Century American Mantel Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Brass
Antique French Bronze & Marble Three-Piece Mantel Set Clock Napoleon III
Located in Labrit, Landes
pedestals.
Mercury pendulum
The French movement of the clock will be checked before shipping
In good
Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Mantel Clocks
Materials
Marble, Brass
French Onyx and Champleve Four Glass Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
the hours and halves on a coiled gong. The mercury pendulum with conforming diamante decoration. C
Category
Antique 1880s French Mantel Clocks
Materials
Onyx
