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.

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.

Antique Gilt Clock

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Empire Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Metal

Italian Neoclassical Parcel-Gilt Clock

H 25.25 in W 14.5 in D 6 in

A Standing Figure French Restauration Era Fire-Gilt Clock

Located in 263-0031, JP

A French fire-gilt clock depicting a standing figure, Restauration Era, 1815-1830. The silk-thread

Category

Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

A Standing Figure French Restauration Era Fire-Gilt Clock

H 15.75 in W 11.62 in D 4.45 in

Seated Female Figure in French Fire-Gilt Clock from Empire Era

Located in 263-0031, JP

A French fire-gilt clock depicting a seated female figure - Urania, I presume, judging from the

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Seated Female Figure in French Fire-Gilt Clock from Empire Era

No Reserve

H 15.95 in W 11.82 in D 5.12 in

Patinated and Fire-Gilt Clock in the Form of a Vase c. 1800

Located in 263-0031, JP

A French patinated and fire-gilt clock in the form of a vase, Empire Era, 1800-1815. The silk

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Patinated and Fire-Gilt Clock in the Form of a Vase c. 1800

H 15.36 in W 4.93 in D 3.94 in

Biedermeier Period Wood and Gilt Clock

Located in Montreal, QC

Austrian Biedermeier period gilt and polychromed wood clock. Chiseled gold Swiss movement, signed

Category

19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Ormolu

Biedermeier Period Wood and Gilt Clock

H 17.5 in W 9.5 in D 5 in

Le Roy & Fils Baroque Revival Partial Gilt Clock

Located in Atlanta, GA

Le Roy & Fils (French 1785), Baroque Revival parcel gilt bronze mounted and mixed marble mantel

Category

1860s Baroque Revival Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Le Roy & Fils Baroque Revival Partial Gilt Clock

H 24 in W 10.75 in D 9.25 in

Austrian Enamel and Silver-Gilt Clock by Ludwig Politzer

By Ludwig Politzer

Located in London, GB

This magnificent silver-gilt and enamel lamp-form clock was produced in Vienna in circa 1870. The

Category

Mid-19th Century Austrian Belle Époque Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Austrian Enamel and Silver-Gilt Clock by Ludwig Politzer

H 16.15 in W 11.82 in D 4.73 in

19th Century Austrian Jewel Encrusted Silver Gilt Clock

Located in London, GB

This jewel-encrusted, silver-gilt antique table clock is an exquisite piece of Viennese

Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Rococo Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Silver

19th Century Austrian Jewel Encrusted Silver Gilt Clock

H 5.91 in W 5.12 in D 3.15 in

A Restauration Patina and Fire-Gilt Clock Depicting Virgil

Located in 263-0031, JP

This clocks serves as an exquisite example of the blend of patinated bronze with fire-gilding

Category

Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

A Restauration Patina and Fire-Gilt Clock Depicting Virgil

H 19.69 in W 12.8 in D 4.81 in

Antique Viennese Enamel and Silver Gilt Clock Austria circa 1870 Bird Ostrich

Located in London, GB

A pretty Antique Silver Gilt and Viennese Enamel Clock. This oval Clock rests on the back of an

Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Viennese Enamel and Silver Gilt Clock Austria circa 1870 Bird Ostrich

Free Shipping

H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in

French Fire-Gilt Bronze Clock Depicting Troubadour Figures c. 1820

Located in 263-0031, JP

A French fire-gilt clock depicting a standing pair of figures in “troubadour” attire, Restauration

Category

Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

French Fire-Gilt Bronze Clock Depicting Troubadour Figures c. 1820

H 12.41 in W 9.85 in D 3.75 in

Empire Era Fire-Gilt Bronze Clock Representing a Figure in Neo-Egyptian Style

Located in 263-0031, JP

A French patinated and fire-gilt clock depicting a standing figure in the neo-Egyptian style

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Empire Era Fire-Gilt Bronze Clock Representing a Figure in Neo-Egyptian Style

H 21.07 in W 14.97 in D 5.71 in

Early 19th Century Bronze Clock Representing Mercury

Located in 263-0031, JP

A French patinated and fire-gilt clock depicting Hermes/Mercury, Restauration Era, 1815-30. The

Category

Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Early 19th Century Bronze Clock Representing Mercury

H 19.1 in W 12.01 in D 5.32 in

Restauration Era French Bronze Clock Depicting a Woman in Prayer

Located in 263-0031, JP

A French patinated and fire-gilt clock depicting a woman in prayer, Restauration Era, 1815-1830

Category

Early 19th Century Restauration Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Restauration Era French Bronze Clock Depicting a Woman in Prayer

H 18.12 in W 15.16 in D 6.42 in

Charles X Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Cupid and a Dog Stamped Bechot

Located in Dallas, TX

a Charles X gilt bronze mantel clock with Cupid and a dog on its hind legs barking / jumping / or

Category

19th Century French Charles X Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Charles X Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock with Cupid and a Dog Stamped Bechot

H 13 in W 10.25 in D 4 in

French Art Deco Mantel Clock and Candelabras

Located in Winter Park, FL

candelabras. Onyx and bronze doré with fine casting and bright gilt. Clock face has name of maker: Oudin

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

French Art Deco Mantel Clock and Candelabras

H 19.5 in W 28 in D 7 in

Gilt Bronze Footed Marble Base Mantel Clock Depicting Carthage Warrior

By New Haven Clock Company

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Elevate your surroundings with a truly exquisite mantel clock that seamlessly marries the opulence

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Gilt Bronze Footed Marble Base Mantel Clock Depicting Carthage Warrior

H 19 in W 20 in D 7 in

19th Century Burr Walnut Bracket Clock by Lenzkirch

By Lenzkirch

Located in Amersham, GB

A quarter striking bracket clock in a fine figured burr walnut case with ormolu mounts and sound

Category

1890s German Late Victorian Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Brass, Steel, Ormolu

19th Century Burr Walnut Bracket Clock by Lenzkirch

H 13 in W 9.85 in D 7.49 in

Glass Dome Bronze / Wood Base Porcelain Face Mantel Clock

By Ansonia Clock Company

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Dome Bronze and Porcelain Face Ansonian Crystal Palace Mantel Clock. This remarkable timepiece is a

Category

1880s American Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Glass Dome Bronze / Wood Base Porcelain Face Mantel Clock

H 19 in W 14 in D 7 in

Empire Period Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in Montreal, QC

Empire period gilt bronze figural clock representing Amour & Psyche.

Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Empire Period Gilt Bronze Clock

H 19.5 in W 12.5 in D 4.75 in

Gilt Swedish Cartel Wall Clock

Located in Washington, DC

A gilt Swedish cartel wall clock.

Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Metal

Gilt Swedish Cartel Wall Clock

H 29 in W 17 in D 4 in

French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in London, GB

French Empire gilt bronze clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 38cm, width 27cm

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Empire Gilt Bronze Clock

H 14.97 in W 10.63 in D 3.94 in

Raingo Freres Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in Atlanta, GA

A magnificent ebonized wood and gilt bronze mid-19th century clock signed Raingo Freres, France

Category

1850s French Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Raingo Freres Gilt Bronze Clock

H 46 in W 22 in D 11.5 in

Gilt Bronze Figural Mantle Clock

Located in New York, NY

where he bought a planetarium-clock of Raingo in 1824. In 1860, Raingo Frères had furnished bronzes

Category

19th Century French Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Gilt Bronze Figural Mantle Clock

H 19 in W 22 in D 8 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Clock

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A beautiful original antique French clock, modelled in the Baroque style in gilt bronze. It is of

Category

19th Century French Baroque Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Clock

H 18.25 in W 9.75 in D 6 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Clock

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A large and stunning antique French Baroque drum head clock. Beautifully modelled in gilt bronze

Category

19th Century Baroque Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Clock

H 16.5 in W 9 in D 5.5 in

Charles X Gilt and Silver Clock

Located in Dallas, TX

An impressive Charles X gilt and silver clock in the gothic taste, France. Circa 1825

Category

Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Ormolu

Charles X Gilt and Silver Clock

H 24 in W 10.5 in D 5 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Clock

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A large and stunning original antique French Baroque clock. Designed as a romantic ruin with an

Category

19th Century French Baroque Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Clock

H 17 in W 10.75 in D 7 in

Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock

Located in Kittery Point, ME

Modelled as a potted flower, the pot decorated with gilt bronze classical figures. With an 18th

Category

19th Century Austrian Empire Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock

H 11 in Dm 4 in

French Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in Atlanta, GA

A superb gilt bronze and Sienna marble clock depicting Urania (muse of astronomy).

Category

1880s French Empire Revival Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

French Gilt Bronze Clock

H 26.5 in W 18.25 in D 8 in

French Mantel Clock / Pendulum Clock, Fire-Gilt, Around 1870-1880

Located in Berlin, DE

French mantel clock / pendulum clock, fire-gilt, around 1870-1880 Solid bronze, fire-gilded

Category

1870s French Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

French Mantel Clock / Pendulum Clock, Fire-Gilt, Around 1870-1880

H 14.97 in W 16.15 in D 5.91 in

19th Century French Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in Los Angeles, CA

19th century French gilt bronze clock. Clock is in working condition.

Category

19th Century French Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Gilt Bronze Clock

H 16 in W 12 in D 4.5 in

Magnificent Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock

Located in Atlanta, GA

A very fine gilt bronze and marble clock featuring a lion. Marble case, ornate face with enameled

Category

1880s French Louis Philippe Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Magnificent Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock

H 21 in W 18 in D 8.5 in

Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

profound revival of beauties of the ancient empires. The mantel clock is crafted entirely in gilt

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

H 25.99 in W 16.74 in D 5.12 in

French Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock Set

Located in Hollywood, SC

French gilt bronze and marble three piece mantel clock flanked by matching candelabras. Center

Category

19th Century French Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

French Gilt Bronze and Marble Clock Set

H 25.5 in W 20.5 in D 8 in

Large Gilt Bronze Boulle Wall Clock

Located in London, GB

inlayed with tortoiseshell, this wood has been ebonised. The edges of the clock case are mounted with gilt

Category

19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Brass, Ormolu, Bronze

Large Gilt Bronze Boulle Wall Clock

H 40.95 in W 19.3 in D 7.49 in

Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in Bradenton, FL

A very good quality Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock. French gilt bronze clock with enamel

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

H 8.75 in W 5 in D 2 in

French Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in Montreal, QC

This unusual clock signed Blanc Fils Palais Royal is modelled as a library, flanked by two seated

Category

Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

H 16 in W 12 in D 7 in

Antique French Louis XV Gilt Bronze Clock

By A.D. Mougin

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A beautiful antique French gilt bronze clock by A. D. Mougin. Modelled in architectural form and

Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Louis XV Gilt Bronze Clock

H 15.5 in W 11 in D 5 in

Gilt bronze clock, 19th century

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Gilt bronze clock, 19th century Large original gilt bronze clock, decorated with garlands of

Category

1860s European Napoleon III Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Gilt bronze clock, 19th century

H 37.8 in W 16.54 in D 2.76 in

French Gilt-Bronze and Glass Clock Set

Located in New York, NY

An elegant French gilt-bronze and glass clock garniture. Urn shaped gilt bronze mounted crystal

Category

19th Century French Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

French Gilt-Bronze and Glass Clock Set

H 17.5 in W 8 in D 5.5 in

Antique Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Garniture

Located in London, GB

candelabra are constructed entirely of gilt bronze. The bronze dial of the mantel clock is inscribed with

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Antique Gilt Bronze Three-Piece Clock Garniture

H 18.9 in W 11.42 in D 5.91 in

French Régence Style Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture

Located in London, GB

French Régence style gilt bronze clock garniture French, late 19th century Clock: Height 60cm

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Régence Style Gilt Bronze Clock Garniture

H 23.63 in W 14.18 in D 7.88 in

Large Gilt Bronze Portico Clock, Restoration Period

By Lepine

Located in Paris, FR

Large gilt bronze portico regulator clock from the Restauration period. It takes the form of an

Category

1820s French Restauration Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Large Gilt Bronze Portico Clock, Restoration Period

H 23.23 in W 11.82 in D 5.91 in

Empire Period Gilt Bronze Figurative Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

Empire period gilt bronze figurative mantel clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Empire Period Gilt Bronze Figurative Mantel Clock

H 13 in W 12.21 in D 4.73 in

Antique Porcelain Mounted Gilt Metal Clock Set

Located in London, GB

clock and pair of vases, is crafted from gilt metal and is mounted with decorative porcelain plaques

Category

19th Century French Rococo Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Antique Porcelain Mounted Gilt Metal Clock Set

H 16.15 in W 8.67 in D 5.12 in

French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

French Empire period gilt bronze mantel clock French, early 19th century Measures: Height 50cm

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Empire Period Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

H 19.69 in W 14.18 in D 4.73 in

Very Fine Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in Atlanta, GA

A very fine gilt bronze clock depicting infant, cupid and psyche. An exquisite Louis XVI base

Category

Early 1900s French Louis XVI Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Very Fine Gilt Bronze Clock

H 17.5 in W 16 in D 8 in

Continental Austrian Gilt Mantel Clock

Located in New York, NY

Continental Austrian (18th Century) gilt wood and blue glass panel mantel clock with a pediment

Category

18th Century and Earlier Austrian Neoclassical Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Giltwood, Glass

Continental Austrian Gilt Mantel Clock

H 28.5 in W 22 in D 6 in

Large Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock Commemorating Napoleon

Located in London, GB

Large gilt bronze mantel clock commemorating Napoleon French, circa 1840 Measures: Height 57cm

Category

Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Large Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock Commemorating Napoleon

H 22.45 in W 15.75 in D 5.91 in

French Restauration Period Patinated and Gilt Bronze Clock

Located in Montreal, QC

Restauation period gilt and patinated bronze clock.

Category

19th Century French Restauration Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

French Restauration Period Patinated and Gilt Bronze Clock

H 17.5 in W 9.25 in D 5 in

Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

This fine neoclassical style mantel clock is from the early 19th century. The clock is cast in gilt

Category

Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

H 18.51 in W 13.39 in D 5.91 in

Antique French Empire Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Figural Clock

Located in New York, NY

An Exquisite Antique French Period Empire Neoclassical gilt bronze figural clock embellished with

Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Ormolu, Steel, Enamel

Antique French Empire Neoclassical Gilt Bronze Figural Clock

H 18 in W 15 in D 6 in

Antique French Gilt Bronze Cartel Wall Clock

Located in Belper, Derbyshire

A stunning Baroque style antique French Cartel wall clock. It is beautifully modelled in gilded

Category

19th Century French Baroque Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze Cartel Wall Clock

H 21.75 in W 13 in D 5 in

Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

beautiful item, which has been expertly crafted from gilt bronze (ormolu). The clock will add elegance and

Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel

Antique Neoclassical Style Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

H 18.51 in W 14.57 in D 9.06 in

Lapis, enamel, and gilt bronze clock garniture

Located in London, GB

enamel ground. At each corner of the clock body is mounted a gilt bronze classical mask, which

Category

Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Enamel, Ormolu, Bronze

Lapis, enamel, and gilt bronze clock garniture

H 19.69 in W 13.78 in D 9.45 in

Unusual French Gilt Bronze Chinoiserie Clock of Lovers

Located in New York, NY

19th c. French Gilt Dore Bronze Chinoiserie Clock possibly made for the Chinese market. The

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Ormolu

Unusual French Gilt Bronze Chinoiserie Clock of Lovers

H 20 in W 15 in D 5 in

Royal Empire Mantel Clock / Pendulum Clock, Fire-Gilt, Around 1805-1815, Paris

Located in Berlin, DE

Royal Empire mantel clock / pendulum clock, fire-gilt, around 1805-1815, Paris Solid bronze

Category

Early 1800s French Empire Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Bronze

Royal Empire Mantel Clock / Pendulum Clock, Fire-Gilt, Around 1805-1815, Paris

H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 5.91 in

French Empire Figural Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

Located in New York, NY

Winged cupid with flowing robe, clock resting between wings and fabric, raised on bronze ormolu

Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Enamel

French Empire Figural Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock

H 16 in W 9 in D 5 in

Griotte marble and gilt and patinated bronze clock garniture by Graux

Located in London, GB

Griotte marble and gilt and patinated bronze clock garniture by Graux French, c. 1870 Clock: Height

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Gilt Clock

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze

Griotte marble and gilt and patinated bronze clock garniture by Graux

H 31.5 in W 15.75 in D 13 in

Decorative Objects Under $1,000

Antique and Vintage Decorative Objects

19th Century Decorative Objects

Metal Decorative Objects

European Decorative Objects

Decorative Objects on Sale

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Antique Gilt Clock For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic antique gilt clock available at 1stDibs. An antique gilt clock — often made from metal, bronze and ormolu — can elevate any home. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer antique gilt clock, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Each antique gilt clock bearing Rococo, Louis XVI or Neoclassical hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made antique gilt clock over the years, but those crafted by Japy Frères, A.D. Mougin and Samuel Marti are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Antique Gilt Clock?

The average selling price for an antique gilt clock at 1stDibs is $3,854, while they’re typically $124 on the low end and $148,391 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 Gilt 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.
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.

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8 Ways to Breathe New Life into a Space with Plants

The pair behind the Instagram account @houseplantclub share their tips for making any room of the house gloriously green.

Paris Gallerist Sandy Toupenet Gets Fired Up over 20th-Century Ceramics and Inventive New Makers

Her space on the city’s Left Bank mixes mid-century pieces by the likes of Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso with whimsical contemporary creations.

These Soft Sculptures Are Childhood Imaginary Friends Come to Life

Miami artist and designer Gabriela Noelle’s fantastical creations appeal to the Peter Pan in all of us.

This Vivacious Teapot Has Agnes Martin on One Side and Jean-Michel Basquiat on the Other

Ceramist Roberto Lugo brings a street-art sensibility to a dainty serving vessel while paying homage to his artistic heroes.

This Rare Set of 100 Alessi Vases Includes Designs by Scores of International Artists

Alessandro Mendini, Michael Graves, Ettore Sottsass and other design luminaries contributed to this unusual collection of porcelain wares representing a time capsule of late-20th-century decorative art.