What do the bells on a ship’s clock mean?

Historically, a bell was rung to denote each half hour of the four-hour long “watch” periods on a ship. The bell was rung manually and time was often kept by a sandglass rather than a clock. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of ship’s bells and nautical clocks.

How do I identify my antique clock?

To 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.

How do I tell if a clock is an antique French clock?

Check 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?

To 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.

What is an antique bracket clock?

An 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.

How do I know if my antique clock is valuable?

To 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.

Are old antique clocks worth anything?

Yes, some old antique clocks may be worth something. Many collectors look for clocks produced by certain manufacturers, such as the Ansonia Clock Company, the Seth Thomas Clock Company, Jaeger-LeCoultre and the Chelsea Clock Company. In addition to the maker, the type, materials, style and condition of the clock influence its value. Generally, clocks that remain in good working order are worth more than those in need of repairs and restorations. To find out how much your clock may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique clocks.

Antique Clock Bell

Paris Bronze Mantel Clocks

French Marble Mantel Clock With Pendulum

18th Century Clock Marble

Bracket Clocks

Sevres Porcelain Clock

Roman Numeral Clock

French Clocks With Silk Suspension

19th Century Mantel Clock 1860

Antique brass clock set with religious decoration

$8,937 / set

Antique brass clock set with religious decoration

Located in London, GB

church bells. The mantel clock features a bell-shaped body which is set on four turnip feet. The clock

Category

Late 19th Century French Gothic Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Brass, Enamel

George II Edward Browne of Norwich Bracket Clock in Ebonized Mahogany Case

$6,900

George II Edward Browne of Norwich Bracket Clock in Ebonized Mahogany Case

Located in Milford, NH

wear commensurate with age and use. Includes a winding key and the clock’s bell needs to be re-attached

Category

Early 18th Century English George II Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Brass

Edwardian Bell Top Chinoiserie Strking Mantel Clock

$3,849

Edwardian Bell Top Chinoiserie Strking Mantel Clock

Located in Norwich, GB

Edwardian Bell Top Chinoiserie Mantel Clock Chinoiserie decorated mantel clock housed in a bell top

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Fruitwood

18th Century Bell Top Bracket Clock by James Evans

$9,595

18th Century Bell Top Bracket Clock by James Evans

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

An elegant 18th century 8 day verge bracket clock in ebonised case by James Evans London. The

Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Wood

English Antique Red Chinoiserie Six-Bell Hanging Wall Clock ca. 1830

$2,900

English Antique Red Chinoiserie Six-Bell Hanging Wall Clock ca. 1830

Located in Shippensburg, PA

A FINE LATE GEORGE III RED LACQUERED CHINOISERIE DECORATED SIX-BELL WALL CLOCK Stroud, England

Category

19th Century English George III Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Brass, Steel

Antique Animated Monk Striking Bell 3 Finial Brass Decorated 8 Day Mantle Clock

$1,850

Antique Animated Monk Striking Bell 3 Finial Brass Decorated 8 Day Mantle Clock

Located in Danville, CA

Antique Animated Monk Striking Bell 3 Finial Brass Decorated 8 Day Mantle Clock MOVEMENT: 8 day

Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Brass

A Rare George III Ten Bell Quarter Chiming Bracket Clock By Allam and Caithness

$18,321

A Rare George III Ten Bell Quarter Chiming Bracket Clock By Allam and Caithness

Located in Amersham, GB

with an eight day triple fusee movement chiming on ten bells. This clock has an unusual recoil

Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Brass, Steel

George III Mahogany Bell Top Bracket Clock With Verge Escapement by H.Thomas

$21,311

George III Mahogany Bell Top Bracket Clock With Verge Escapement by H.Thomas

By Henry Thomas

Located in Norwich, GB

George III bracket clock by H.Thomas, London Mahogany bell top case surmounted with hinged

Category

1760s British George III Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Mahogany

A Fine 18th Century Mahogany Bell Top Bracket Clock

$10,312

A Fine 18th Century Mahogany Bell Top Bracket Clock

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

An 18th century mahogany and ormolu mounted bell top bracket clock. The 8-day movement with finely

Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Brass, Ormolu

Quality Antique Mahogany Eight Day Grandfather Clock on Eight Bells

$8,744Sale Price|20% Off

Quality Antique Mahogany Eight Day Grandfather Clock on Eight Bells

Located in Suffolk, GB

Quality antique mahogany eight day Grandfather clock on eight bells having a very attractive

Category

19th Century English Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Mahogany

George III Mahogany Bell Top Bracket Clock by Paul Rimbault, London

$27,499

George III Mahogany Bell Top Bracket Clock by Paul Rimbault, London

By Paul Rimbault

Located in Norwich, GB

George III bracket clock by Paul Rimbault, London Finely figured mahogany bell top case with

Category

1770s English Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Mahogany

German 19th Century Bracket Clock, Walnut with Westminster Chimes on 8 Bells

$7,800

German 19th Century Bracket Clock, Walnut with Westminster Chimes on 8 Bells

Located in Houston, TX

Very handsome walnut clock with ormolu mounts on the sides, front corners and paw feet. Urn type

Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Walnut

Sevres Clock Set (Garniture)

$4,500 / set

Sevres Clock Set (Garniture)

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in Bronx, NY

on the clock face. The clock has a French bell movement & bears the French seal on the movement case

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Bronze

French Bronze Cartel Clock

$3,250

French Bronze Cartel Clock

Located in Bronx, NY

keywind/French bell movement with the original key & pendulum. This clock runs, but will require a

Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Victorian ebonised chimming mantle clock

$6,579

Victorian ebonised chimming mantle clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very impressive Victorian period ebonised, chimming three train mantle clock on bells and gong

Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Ormolu

Rare Folk Art Black Forest Root Wood Table Clock w. Bell Ringer Monk, Cuckoo St.

$7,936

Rare Folk Art Black Forest Root Wood Table Clock w. Bell Ringer Monk, Cuckoo St.

Located in Lisse, NL

Rare and great folk-art workmanship mantel clock for the collectors and enthousiasts. Over the

Category

19th Century German Gothic Revival Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Brass, Iron

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Empire Clock

$9,500

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Empire Clock

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Bronx, NY

key wind movement with a French bell. The clock key is present. This clock runs, but will require a

Category

Late 19th Century North American Empire Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Marble, Enamel

Edwardian Chinoiserie Decorated Mantel Clock, Peerless

$4,812

Edwardian Chinoiserie Decorated Mantel Clock, Peerless

By Peerless

Located in Norwich, GB

Edwardian bell top mantel clock standing on a raised plinth and resting on block feet with side

Category

1910s German Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Fruitwood

Mantel Clock 19th Century Transitional Period

$6,763

Mantel Clock 19th Century Transitional Period

Located in Warsaw, PL

it’s bell. The clock comes complete with its pendulum, key and bell.

Category

Early 18th Century French Industrial Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Bronze

Quality Antique Victorian Walnut Desk Clock

$1,200Sale Price|20% Off

Quality Antique Victorian Walnut Desk Clock

Located in Suffolk, GB

Quality antique Victorian walnut desk clock having a quality attractive walnut and ebonised shaped

Category

19th Century European Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Walnut

Porcelain mantel clock with applied floral decoration

$1,923

Porcelain mantel clock with applied floral decoration

Located in Greven, DE

Porcelain mantel clock with applied floral decoration Germany Biscuit porcelain, polychrome

Category

Early 20th Century German Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Porcelain

A Twin Fusee Ships Striking Bulkhead Clock

$16,994

A Twin Fusee Ships Striking Bulkhead Clock

Located in Amersham, GB

A fine ship’s bell bulkhead clock striking the ‘Dog Watches’ Sequence. This eight day twin fusee

Category

1850s English Industrial Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Silver, Brass, Bronze, Steel

Edwardian Chinoiserie Decorated Mantel Clock, Asprey, London

$2,749

Edwardian Chinoiserie Decorated Mantel Clock, Asprey, London

Located in Norwich, GB

Edwardian Chinoiserie Decorated Mantel Clock, Asprey, London. Edwardian mantel clock housed in a

Category

1910s French Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Fruitwood

Unusual antique Victorian quality French mantle clock

$2,454

Unusual antique Victorian quality French mantle clock

Located in Ipswich, GB

striking the hour and half hour on a bell. All clocks get serviced by our horologist to ensure perfect

Category

Early 19th Century French Early Victorian Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Metal

Fine quality antique Victorian burr walnut wall clock

$1,856

Fine quality antique Victorian burr walnut wall clock

Located in Ipswich, GB

, having an eight day movement striking on a bell. All clocks get serviced by our horologist prior to

Category

19th Century Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Mantel Clock 18th Century Louis XV Period

$2,164Sale Price|35% Off

Mantel Clock 18th Century Louis XV Period

Located in Warsaw, PL

suspension pendulum, It strikes the hour and half hour on it’s bell. The clock comes complete with its

Category

18th Century French Louis XV Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Ormolu Mantel Clock, Belgium, circa 1810-1820

$4,000

Ormolu Mantel Clock, Belgium, circa 1810-1820

Located in Belmont, MA

shepherd scene. Strikes the hour and half hour on a bell. With enamel clock face and silk suspension. In

Category

1810s Belgian Empire Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Ormolu

Mantel Clock 18th Century, Louis XV Period

$6,763

Mantel Clock 18th Century, Louis XV Period

Located in Warsaw, PL

-days going movement. It strikes the every 15 minutes, half hour and hour on it’s bell. The clock comes

Category

Late 18th Century Louis XV Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Marble

Cercles Tournants Clock Garniture by Deniere, Paris

$120,996

Cercles Tournants Clock Garniture by Deniere, Paris

By Jean-François Denière

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

Jean-Louis Prieur (1732-1795). The eight-day twin-barrelled clock movement striking on a bell is

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Bronze

Mantel Clock 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

$12,024Sale Price|20% Off

Mantel Clock 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

Located in Warsaw, PL

strikes the every, half hour and hour on it’s bell. The clock comes complete with its pendulum, key and

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III Period

$11,255Sale Price|22% Off

Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III Period

Located in Warsaw, PL

hour on it’s bell. The clock comes complete with its pendulum, key and bell. The clock is in excellent

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Attractive quality antique 19th century French ormolu mantle clock

$1,478

Attractive quality antique 19th century French ormolu mantle clock

Located in Ipswich, GB

hands, having an eight day French movement striking on a bell. All clocks get serviced by a trusted

Category

19th Century French Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Ormolu

Quality antique Victorian mahogany bracket clock by Piggin Norwich

$3,052

Quality antique Victorian mahogany bracket clock by Piggin Norwich

Located in Ipswich, GB

Quality antique Victorian mahogany bracket clock by Piggin Norwich, having a beautifully carved

Category

19th Century British Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Brass

Fine quality antique 19th Century French ormolu mantle clock

$4,702

Fine quality antique 19th Century French ormolu mantle clock

Located in Ipswich, GB

bell. All clocks get serviced prior to delivery by our horologist. D. 1860

Category

19th Century French Rococo Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Onyx / Gilt Three Piece Clock Garniture

$14,000 / set

19th Century Onyx / Gilt Three Piece Clock Garniture

Located in Tarry Town, NY

. The clock features an 8 day brass design time and strike movement striking on a bell . The clock is in

Category

1850s French Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Egyptian Revival Bronze and Marble French Mantle Clock

$5,600

Egyptian Revival Bronze and Marble French Mantle Clock

By Mermod Jaccard & Co.

Located in Bronx, NY

Jaccard & Co. The clock is key wind with bell chimes. Although the clock is in running order and all

Category

Early 20th Century French Egyptian Revival Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Belgian Black Marble

Tiffany & Co. Bronze Clock Ensemble, E. Colin & Cie

$35,000

Tiffany & Co. Bronze Clock Ensemble, E. Colin & Cie

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Bronx, NY

fish. Complimenting this key wind clock with bell chime movement centerpiece is a pair of flamboyant

Category

Early 20th Century French Rococo Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

19th Century Gilt Bronze Sculpture and Marble Mantel Clock

$2,290

19th Century Gilt Bronze Sculpture and Marble Mantel Clock

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

number “781,” highlighting its authenticity and origin. The clock strikes on a bell, indicative of the

Category

19th Century French Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

A Fine Louis XVI Style Clock Garniture by François Linke

$32,999

A Fine Louis XVI Style Clock Garniture by François Linke

By François Linke

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

train eight-day movement striking on a bell. The clock signed ‘F. Linke’ to the bronze. The dial

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Marble, Enamel, Ormolu

Quality Antique Art Nouveau French L'AURORE mantle clock

$983

Quality Antique Art Nouveau French L'AURORE mantle clock

Located in Ipswich, GB

a flower standing on a marble base, 8 day mantle clock striking on a bell with the original key

Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Early 19th Century Ormolu Mantel Clock "Portefaix", Paris, circa 1810

$19,840

Early 19th Century Ormolu Mantel Clock "Portefaix", Paris, circa 1810

Located in Greven, DE

suspended from a thread, typical of the period. The clock strikes a bell on the half and full hour

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire Allegorical Clock Garniture of "Psyche Crowning Amor"

$11,000

French Empire Allegorical Clock Garniture of "Psyche Crowning Amor"

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

suspension movement, ringing the hours and halves on a bell. This clock and its subject was a very

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Siena Marble, Bronze

Napoléon III Sèvres Style Clock Garniture, Gilt-Bronze & Porcelain

$52,090

Napoléon III Sèvres Style Clock Garniture, Gilt-Bronze & Porcelain

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

of parkland vistas. The twin-barrel clock movement with strike on bell. The candelabra en suite with

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire Ormolu and Marble Mantel Clock, ca.1790

$2,344

French Empire Ormolu and Marble Mantel Clock, ca.1790

Located in Warsaw, PL

bell. The clock is in excellent and perfect working order. And it was recently cleaned and maintained

Category

Late 18th Century French Regency Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Marble

Louis XVI White Marble and Gilt-Bronze Mantle Clock

$2,620

Louis XVI White Marble and Gilt-Bronze Mantle Clock

Located in Berlin, DE

feet. Clock with silk suspension, bell on half hour and hour. Comparative literature: Pierre Kjellberg

Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze, Enamel

Mantel Clock 19th Century, Louis Philippe Charles X Style

$18,788

Mantel Clock 19th Century, Louis Philippe Charles X Style

Located in Warsaw, PL

and hour on it’s bell. The clock comes complete with its pendulum, key and bell. (two in stock

Category

Early 19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Mantel Clock 19th Century Louis Philippe Charles X Period

$7,816

Mantel Clock 19th Century Louis Philippe Charles X Period

Located in Warsaw, PL

has a wire suspension pendulum, It strikes the hour and half hour on it’s bell.Clock comes complete

Category

Early 19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

A Napoléon III Silvered-Bronze Clock Garniture by Charpentier, Paris

$116,871

A Napoléon III Silvered-Bronze Clock Garniture by Charpentier, Paris

By Charpentier et Cie

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

with strike on bell. The clock dial signed ‘Charpentier et Cie. Bronziers, Paris, Rue Charlot 8

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Bronze

Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Bonieris À Paris

$4,509

Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Bonieris À Paris

Located in Warsaw, PL

condition and strikes the hours and half-hours on a bell. The clock has recently been cleaned and serviced

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Bronze

Louis XVI Style Bronze and Marble Garniture Set with Clock & Candelabras

$3,250Sale Price / set|29% Off

Louis XVI Style Bronze and Marble Garniture Set with Clock & Candelabras

Located in Astoria, NY

, comprising a globe clock, with strike on bell timepiece movement, supported by three cherubs, on a floral

Category

Late 19th Century European Neoclassical Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Marble, Metal, Bronze, Ormolu

Early 19th Century Antique Bracket Clock by Grimalde & Johnson of London

$11,618

Early 19th Century Antique Bracket Clock by Grimalde & Johnson of London

By Grimaldi & Johnson

Located in Devon, GB

the hours on a single bell. The clock has a good quality split pendulum with central rating nut. The

Category

19th Century British Regency Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Wood

Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Hartmann À Paris

$4,509

Mantel Clock 19th Century Styl Empire by Hartmann À Paris

Located in Warsaw, PL

it’s bell. The clock comes complete with its pendulum, key and bell.

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Bronze

Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III Period by Moreau Mathu

$5,627Sale Price|28% Off

Mantel Clock 19th Century Napoleon III Period by Moreau Mathu

By Mathurin Moreau

Located in Warsaw, PL

. On weekdays, he strikes the hour and half-hour on his bell. The clock is delivered complete with its

Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Silver, Bronze

French Louis XV Style Bronze Three-Piece Garniture Clock Set

$5,928

French Louis XV Style Bronze Three-Piece Garniture Clock Set

Located in Barntrup, DE

numeral cartouches with roman numerals. Strikes the hours and halves on a bell. Dimensions: Clock

Category

1920s French Louis XV Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Bronze

A Napoleon III Period Sèvres Style Porcelain Three-Piece Clock Garniture

$219,993

A Napoleon III Period Sèvres Style Porcelain Three-Piece Clock Garniture

By Jean-François Denière

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

movement with twin going barrels and strike on bell. The clock movement is stamped ‘DENIÈRE A PARIS 3048

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Fine quality antique marquetry inlaid mantle clock by Thomas A Paris

$1,230

Fine quality antique marquetry inlaid mantle clock by Thomas A Paris

Located in Ipswich, GB

striking the hour and half hour on a bell. All clocks get serviced by our horologist to ensure perfect

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Brass

Set of three clocks and two pedestals from the 19th century.

$23,448 / set

Set of three clocks and two pedestals from the 19th century.

Located in Warsaw, PL

strikes the every, half hour and hour on it’s bell. The clock comes complete with its pendulum, key and

Category

19th Century Napoleon III Antique Clock Bell

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Decorative Objects Under $1,000

Antique and Vintage Decorative Objects

19th Century Decorative Objects

Metal Decorative Objects

European Decorative Objects

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Antique Clock Bell For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the antique clock bell you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each antique clock bell for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and mahogany. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer antique clock bell, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Each antique clock bell bearing Georgian, Victorian or Industrial hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one antique clock bell that is appealing in its simplicity, but Baguellin, Charles Frodsham and Henry Thomas produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Antique Clock Bell?

Prices for an antique clock bell start at $450 and top out at $88,946 with the average selling for $4,500.

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.

Questions About Antique Clock Bell

What do the bells on a ship’s clock mean?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Historically, a bell was rung to denote each half hour of the four-hour long “watch” periods on a ship. The bell was rung manually and time was often kept by a sandglass rather than a clock. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of ship’s bells and nautical clocks.
How do I identify my antique clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
To 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.
How do I tell if a clock is an antique French clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Check 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 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To 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.
What is an antique bracket clock?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
An 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.
How do I know if my antique clock is valuable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
To 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.
Are old antique clocks worth anything?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024
Yes, some old antique clocks may be worth something. Many collectors look for clocks produced by certain manufacturers, such as the Ansonia Clock Company, the Seth Thomas Clock Company, Jaeger-LeCoultre and the Chelsea Clock Company. In addition to the maker, the type, materials, style and condition of the clock influence its value. Generally, clocks that remain in good working order are worth more than those in need of repairs and restorations. To find out how much your clock may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique clocks.