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 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.

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 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.

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 Swinging Clock

An Extremely Fine Ormolu Portico Mystery Clock

$22,274

H 21.26 in W 11.42 in D 4.73 in

An Extremely Fine Ormolu Portico Mystery Clock

By Breguet a Paris

Located in Amersham, GB

This extremely rare swinging portico clock by Béchot Paris, in an ormolu case of exquisite quality

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Ormolu

Recent Sales

Vintage Ansonia swinging clock

Unavailable

H 28.5 in Dm 7 in

Vintage Ansonia swinging clock

Located in Bronx, NY

The clock / pendulum is supported in the right hand of a classical woman carrying a book of

Category

19th Century American Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Metal

Antique Elephant Swinging Clock by Junghans

Unavailable

H 11 in W 7 in D 4 in

Antique Elephant Swinging Clock by Junghans

Located in London, Nottinghill

This timepiece is in good working order and ticking well. Please study the photos carefully as form part of the description.

Category

Early 1900s German Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Spelter

18th Century French Swinging Lyre Skeleton Clock

Unavailable

H 19.3 in W 9.45 in D 5.91 in

18th Century French Swinging Lyre Skeleton Clock

By Jean-Baptiste-André Furet

Located in Braine-le-Chateau, BE

French Louis XVI ormulu and marble mantel timepiece, enamel dial with Roman numerals signed. A.D.F. further calibration for half seconds and date, pierced and engraved gilt hands, bl...

Category

1780s French Louis XVI Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Mystery Clock, France, 1880

Unavailable

H 11 in Dm 3 in

Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Mystery Clock, France, 1880

Located in Chicago, IL

Rare French, gold bronze swinging arm clock mounted on an onyx column with gold bronze acorn finial

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Onyx

Unusual Antique Victorian Quality Bronze Novelty Desk Clock

Sold

H 12.41 in W 11.03 in D 5.91 in

Unusual Antique Victorian Quality Bronze Novelty Desk Clock

Located in Suffolk, GB

kangaroo holding a swinging clock with a circular porcelain dial and an ornate brass pendulum. It stands on

Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Bronze

Antique Ansonia Neoclassical Figural Swinging Ball Mystery Clock C1890

Sold

H 25 in W 5.5 in D 8 in

Antique Ansonia Neoclassical Figural Swinging Ball Mystery Clock C1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

Neoclassical Figural Swinging Ball Mystery Clock “Diana The Huntress” C1890. Measures - 24.75"H x 5.5"W x 8

Category

19th Century Neoclassical Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Metal

Large Swinging Mystery Clock La Victoire by Émile Bruchon French, circa 1890

Sold

H 41.5 in W 16 in D 12 in

Large Swinging Mystery Clock La Victoire by Émile Bruchon French, circa 1890

By Emile Bruchon

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

Standing at 3 1/2 ft in height this is the rare large version of the French swinging mystery clock

Category

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Spelter

Large Antique French Gilt Bronze Clock by Japy Freres

Sold

H 21.5 in W 13.25 in D 6.25 in

Large Antique French Gilt Bronze Clock by Japy Freres

By Japy Frères

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

and also to allow the pendulum to be glimpsed swinging within the case. The clock is of very good

Category

19th Century French Rococo Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Bronze

Sevres Porcelain and Ormolu Four Glass Antique French Clock Set

Sold

H 16.5 in W 8.5 in D 5.75 in

Sevres Porcelain and Ormolu Four Glass Antique French Clock Set

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A rare and beautiful antique French clock garniture, in excellent original condition. Ormolu (fine

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Ormolu

Unusual Art Deco Sterling Silver "Ball" Shaped Clock With Pendulum

Sold

H 4.25 in Dm 3 in

Unusual Art Deco Sterling Silver "Ball" Shaped Clock With Pendulum

By Cooper, Pegler & Co.

Located in New York, NY

, Cooper, Pegler & Co.- makers. Face of clock has a heart-shaped opening through which the clock's swinging

Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Sterling Silver

19thc French Antique Gilt Bronze Cherub Swinging Clock

Sold

H 12 in W 5 in D 7.25 in

19thc French Antique Gilt Bronze Cherub Swinging Clock

Located in Opa Locka, FL

Beautiful 19thc French Gilt Bronze Cherub Swinging Table Clock. Onyx Base. I have the key but I do

Category

1890s French Louis XVI Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Onyx

19th Century Glass Domed Gilt Bronze French Mystery Clock with a Swinging Putto

Sold

H 7.5 in W 5.5 in D 4 in

19th Century Glass Domed Gilt Bronze French Mystery Clock with a Swinging Putto

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A late 19th century French swinging putto ‘mystery’ clock. The clock drum has a gilded bronze bezel

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Bronze

Antique Diana Swinging Clock Signed Ansonia Clock Company

Sold

H 27 in W 8 in D 7 in

Antique Diana Swinging Clock Signed Ansonia Clock Company

Located in London, Nottinghill

This bronzed swinger clock is in good working order. It needs a good clean. Please study the photos

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Spelter

Antique French Empire Blanc Fils Palais Royale Portico Columnar Pendulum Clock

Sold

H 16.25 in W 9 in D 4.75 in

Antique French Empire Blanc Fils Palais Royale Portico Columnar Pendulum Clock

By Blanc Fils, Palais Royale 1

Located in Atlanta, GA

A French Empire style antique ormolu mounted portico table clock. The mid 19th Century

Category

Mid-19th Century French Empire Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Metal, Enamel, Ormolu

Brass Pendulum Elephant Mystery Clock by Junghans

Sold

H 11.5 in W 9.5 in D 6 in

Brass Pendulum Elephant Mystery Clock by Junghans

By Junghans Uhren GmbH

Located in Cheltenham, GB

An 8 day original brass and metal elephant mystery clock, with swinging pendulum, enamel dial with

Category

Late 19th Century German Late Victorian Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Brass, Spelter

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Monumental Antique French Louis XVI Style Ormolu Mantel Clock by Maison Marquis

$48,260

H 36 in W 17 in D 12.25 in

Monumental Antique French Louis XVI Style Ormolu Mantel Clock by Maison Marquis

By Maison Marquis, Languereau

Located in New York, NY

A very unusual and quite monumental antique French Louis XVI style Napoleon III ormolu mantel clock by Maison Marquis, the Movement by Languereau, Paris, 1860: surmounted by an urn i...

Category

1860s French Napoleon III Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Enamel, Bronze

French Empire Bronze Clock Depicting Urania Greek Muse of Astronomy

$12,000

H 31 in W 22 in D 18 in

French Empire Bronze Clock Depicting Urania Greek Muse of Astronomy

By Lesieur

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

A magnificent large gilded and patinated bronze period French Empire mantle clock depicting Urania the Greek Muse of Astronomy standing on a stepped rectangular gilded bronze base h...

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Bronze

French Sevres Style Porcelain and Ormolu-Mounted Lyre Clock

$6,579

H 18.51 in W 7.88 in D 4.73 in

French Sevres Style Porcelain and Ormolu-Mounted Lyre Clock

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A French Sevres style cobalt blue lyre clock with finely cast ormolu sunburst and floral swagged mounts with jewelled bezel, pretty floral swag painted enamlled dial and finely pierc...

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Cathedral Clock

$3,250

H 18.5 in W 7.13 in D 4.75 in

19th Century French Cathedral Clock

Located in High Point, NC

19th century beautifully hand crafter cathedral clock in gilt bronze. This is a magnificent example of 19th century French craftsmanship. There are many beautiful details to this p...

Category

19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Bronze

A beautiful Celestial Table Globe produced by Gerard & Leonard Valk

$192,350Sale Price|20% Off

H 28 in Dm 18 in

A beautiful Celestial Table Globe produced by Gerard & Leonard Valk

By Gerard and Leonard Valk

Located in ZWIJNDRECHT, NL

A magnificent and very rare early 18th century celestial table globe produced by Gerard and Leonard Valk. Established at the end of the previous century by Gerard Valk, and assisted ...

Category

Early 18th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Other

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Lapis Lazuli Mantel Clock after Falconet

$61,886

H 24.81 in W 10.44 in D 10.44 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze and Lapis Lazuli Mantel Clock after Falconet

By Étienne Maurice Falconet

Located in London, GB

French sculptor Etienne-Maurice Falconet (1716-1791) is the inspiration for this beautiful, sumptuous mantel clock. His clock, crafted in the late 18th Century and now on display at ...

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Ormolu, Bronze

Large Antique French Louis XV Ormolu Rococo Cartel Wall Clock

$6,044

H 20 in W 12.75 in D 5.25 in

Large Antique French Louis XV Ormolu Rococo Cartel Wall Clock

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A large and stunning original antique French Cartel Wall clock in finely gilded bronze, dating from around 1880. Elegantly designed in the Rococo style of Louis XV, it is formed of b...

Category

19th Century French Rococo Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Pair of French or Russian Gilt Bronze Candelabra, circa 1830

$72,326 / set

H 40.95 in Dm 17.72 in

19th Century Pair of French or Russian Gilt Bronze Candelabra, circa 1830

Located in Milano, IT

Pair of thirteen-flame candelabra France or Russia Second quarter of 19th century Cast, chiseled and gilt bronze Height 40.95 in (cm 104), diameter 17,7 in (cm 45) 97 lb (44 kg) Sta...

Category

1830s French Neoclassical Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Ormolu

19th C. Napoleon III Tortoiseshell Boulle Marquetry Commode, Gilt Bronze Details

$27,122

H 45.67 in W 66.93 in D 18.12 in

19th C. Napoleon III Tortoiseshell Boulle Marquetry Commode, Gilt Bronze Details

By Nicolas Sageot, André-Charles Boulle

Located in Madrid, ES

An opulent 19th century French Napoleon III (nephew of Bonaparte I) style commode, with Boulle style red-orange tortoiseshell and brass marquetry, ormolu detailing and marble top. Th...

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

English Adam Gilt Marble Console Table

$185,000

H 36.25 in W 61.5 in D 30.25 in

English Adam Gilt Marble Console Table

Located in Queens, NY

English Adam (circa 1780) gilt wood console with a carved frieze over rams head topped fluted legs with a stretcher & alabaster veneered marble top with a verde edge.

Category

18th Century English Neoclassical Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Alabaster, Marble, Gold Leaf

Very fine Louis XVI style ormolu-mounted marquetry commode

$47,975

H 37.6 in W 63.98 in D 23.23 in

Very fine Louis XVI style ormolu-mounted marquetry commode

By Jean-Henri Riesener

Located in London, GB

Very fine Louis XVI style ormolu-mounted marquetry commode French, Early 20th Century Height 95cm, width 162cm, depth 59cm After an important model by Jean-Henri Riesener (French, 1...

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Fine Antique French Ormolu Rococo Clock - Cupid

$5,707

H 16.25 in W 10 in D 5.5 in

Fine Antique French Ormolu Rococo Clock - Cupid

By Vincenti et Cie

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A very fine and substantial ormolu clock by the clockmaker Vincenti. Stunning Rococo balloon form of sweeping acanthus swags, scrolls and floral flourishes. To the top of a beautiful...

Category

19th Century French Rococo Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Ormolu

Grand French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock in the Empire Style

$75,389

H 28 in W 30 in D 10.5 in

Grand French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Mantel Clock in the Empire Style

Located in London, GB

Constructed in bronze, patinated and gilt; the rectangular form case supported on engraved oblate spherical feet, the frieze dressed with a row of female masks capping pillars, linke...

Category

19th Century English Empire Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

19th Century French Empire Style Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock, c.1870

$9,862

H 20.87 in W 6.3 in D 18.12 in

19th Century French Empire Style Ormolu Bronze Mantel Clock, c.1870

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 19th Century French Empire style ormolu bronze mantle clock. The foliate surround gilt dial, Inside with eight day movement with strike on bell. The top mounted with a figure...

Category

19th Century French Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Elaborate Gilt Bronze and Sèvres-style Porcelain Mantel Clock, circa 1870

$12,336

H 20.08 in W 11.03 in D 5.52 in

Elaborate Gilt Bronze and Sèvres-style Porcelain Mantel Clock, circa 1870

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

A fine and elaborate gilt bronze and Sèvres-style porcelain mantel clock. French, circa 1870. A fine and elaborate gilt bronze and Sèvres-style porcelain mantel clock with a fo...

Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Bronze

Grand Figural Cartel Clock, After a Design by Gilles-Marie Oppenord

$89,096

H 56.7 in W 21.66 in D 10.63 in

Grand Figural Cartel Clock, After a Design by Gilles-Marie Oppenord

Located in Brighton, West Sussex

An Important and Extremely Rare Grand Figural Cartel Clock, After a Design by Gilles-Marie Oppenord. Of grand proportions and of exceptional quality this rare cartel clock is after...

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Swinging Clock

Materials

Ormolu

Decorative Objects Under $1,000

Antique and Vintage Decorative Objects

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Metal Decorative Objects

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Decorative Objects on Sale

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Antique Swinging Clock For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic antique swinging clock available at 1stDibs. An antique swinging clock — often made from metal, bronze and ormolu — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the antique swinging clock you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right antique swinging clock, those designed in Rococo, Empire and Louis XVI styles are of considerable interest. You’ll likely find more than one antique swinging clock that is appealing in its simplicity, but A.D. Mougin, Charles Hour and Samuel Marti produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Antique Swinging Clock?

The average selling price for an antique swinging clock at 1stDibs is $3,267, while they’re typically $695 on the low end and $25,000 for the highest priced.

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 Swinging Clock

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 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.
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 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.
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.