Mantel clocks were popular in France in the 1750’s. Seth Thomas began making mantel clocks in the U.S. in the early 1800’s, and they are still producing them today. Although a genuine antique may be prohibitively expensive, you can probably afford a modern reproduction. Since they have become so popular, the choice of styles has broadened and now includes modern and contemporary designs. Mantel clocks added a perfect, decorative touch to the old fireplace mantels. In modern times, the old favorites still hold an honored place above fireplaces, but mantel clocks also look beautiful in other rooms of the house. If you don’t own a mantel, look around for an empty shelf or bookcase that needs a finishing touch.Traditional mantel clocks ranged from the classical arched middle over the clock’s face, with symmetrical tapered ends, to highly ornamental clocks with detailed columns and pedestal feet.Mantel clocks range from antique to contemporary, whimsical to classical. Clocks are aesthetic and functional. For wedding gifts, anniversary gifts, or special birthday gifts, a mantel clock will enhance any room’s decor and remind the gifted one of you.We own some Seth Thomas models, and we have given a few as gifts. I will describe several, along with their retail values.From wind-up to battery-operated, Roman or Arabic numerals, a choice of round, square or oblong — in mahogany, cherry, oak or walnut wood, metal or glass — Seth Thomas offers a wonderful selection.The Seth Thomas mantel clock, “Sturbridge” model, has Westminster and Whittington chimes, Roman numerals, volume control, a glass-door front and ornate dial. It also has an automatic night shut-off so the sound doesn’t waken you when you’re sleeping. It costs $162.A contemporary-looking, Seth Thomas model, “Athena,” is antique black with Arabic numerals and an arched bonnet top. It self-adjusts for daylight savings time. $43.The “Napoleon” model, a modern, 10-inch-square mantel clock made of natural alder wood, has a hypnotic, rotating, gold-toned pendulum. $141.The Seth Thomas “Edinburgh” clock has a mahogany-finish with the reproduction of a Scottish golf scene on the dial, Roman numerals, a Westminster chime and an automatic night shut-off. $108.The “Sheldon” model is walnut-finished with a brass handle on top. It has the choice of Westminster/Ave Maria/bimbam chimes, an automatic night shut-off and volume control. It is almost 10 inches square. $216.One of our favorites is a Rallye mantel clock, made of solid brass. It is a 4″ cube on a pedestal with a rotating base. Each of the four faces, covered with glass crystal, shows something different: a clock face with Roman numerals, a picture frame, an F/C thermometer and a hygrometer. $144.From glass to wood to metal, with styles ranging from traditional to contemporary to antiques reminiscent of the 1800’s, there is a mantel clock to suit anyone’s taste and pocketbook. Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society
