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British Colonial Clocks

BRITISH COLONIAL STYLE

Typically made of mahogany, teak or bamboo and featuring a range of fabrics and prints with botanical patterns, antique British Colonial furniture and decor varies as it involved local materials and techniques and spanned centuries of design styles.

As the British Empire expanded from the 16th to the 20th century, its conquest and control of colonies around the world bolstered its wealth through the extraction of resources. Including colonies in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia, this spread of often violent subjugation imposed British culture, language and faith on Indigenous peoples. The design of homes was included in this expression of imperial power, with government officials, merchants and military officers creating homes mimicking the luxuries they were used to in England.

Local artisans were commissioned to replicate British designs, resulting in versions of Regency, Chippendale, Sheraton and other styles of furniture being crafted from mahogany, rosewood, ebony and teakwood as opposed to beech and oak, which were more common in Europe. Whereas the colonial furniture for the Portuguese and Dutch regularly had motifs of indigenous flora and fauna, the British tended to want more exact reproductions of their home country’s designs.

To escape the summer heat in places such as India and the Caribbean, British colonizers relocated to airy houses in the hills or plantations, leading to foldable chairs and collapsible desks in the style of military campaign furniture. Rather than upholstery as they might have in Europe, chairs and sofas in the British Colonial style had rattan and cane seating for these higher temperature climates. The contrast between the light textiles and the dark colors of the sturdy furniture became a defining aesthetic of British Colonial interiors.

Find a collection of antique British Colonial outdoor furniture, seating, bedroom furniture, decorative objects and other items on 1stDibs.

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Style: British Colonial
Maitland Smith Mahogany Curio Golf Ball Display Wall Cabinet Case German Clock
By Maitland Smith
Located in Dayton, OH
A rare Maitland Smith curio cabinet. Made from naturally distressed mahogany with glass front opening to four shelves with brass tee shaped pedestals intended to display golf balls. The crown of the clock showcases crossed golf clubs over a German made clock...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Clocks

Materials

Brass

Maitland Smith Mahogany Curio Golf Ball Display Wall Cabinet Case German Clock
Maitland Smith Mahogany Curio Golf Ball Display Wall Cabinet Case German Clock

Maitland Smith Mahogany Curio Golf Ball Display Wall Cabinet Case German Clock

18th C. English Pine Curtis & Horspool London Act of Parliament Tavern Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
18th century monumental museum quality Act of Parlament clock. Made from pine with a large round face over elongated case. Features an enameled metal face marked Curis Horspool in Le...
Category

18th Century Antique British Colonial Clocks

Materials

Pine

18th C. English Pine Curtis & Horspool London Act of Parliament Tavern Clock
18th C. English Pine Curtis & Horspool London Act of Parliament Tavern Clock

18th C. English Pine Curtis & Horspool London Act of Parliament Tavern Clock

Rare 18th Century English Clock
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare 18th century English clock Marquetry Weight: 9.20 kg England Sizes: H 62cm L 31cm very good condition.
Category

18th Century English Antique British Colonial Clocks

Materials

Bronze

Rare 18th Century English Clock
Rare 18th Century English Clock

Rare 18th Century English Clock

Antico orologio oro argento
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orologio oro argento Antico orolo...
Category

Late 20th Century British Colonial Clocks

Materials

Silver

Antico orologio oro argento
Antico orologio oro argento

Antico orologio oro argento

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1950s German Vintage British Colonial Clocks

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Junghans Germany Wall Clock, 1950

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1960s German Vintage British Colonial Clocks

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Wall Clock " Atlanta ", Germany, around 1960s

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H 19.3 in W 10.24 in D 1.97 in
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian British Colonial Clocks

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H 2.37 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in
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H 2.68 in W 1.7 in D 1.11 in
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Located in Praha, CZ
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Midcentury Wall Clock Weimar, Germany 1980s

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British Colonial clocks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique British Colonial clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial clocks made in a specific country, there are England, Europe, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original clocks, popular names associated with this style include Europa Antiques, and Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,121 and tops out at $18,000 while the average work can sell for $6,530.

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