Mantle or shelf clocks are generally small clocks found in a house placed on a shelf, mantle or above a fireplace.

They are often highly ornate, decorative works and most frequently constructed from any combination of ormolu, porcelain, and wood. One of the most common and valued types of mantel clocks is the French Empire-style timepieces.

The movement of a mantle clock is supported by a seat board unlike the wall clock where its movement is attached to the backboard.

Mantle clocks are very collectible today. One of the most popular websites is that of Capodimonte USA which offers wide and incredibly varied selections of collectible mantle clocks. Their designs are truly eye-catching, and they have everything from Grandfather to Grandmother clocks, to Italian and Victorian style traditional clocks.

The Clock Depot is another well-known company where you can shop for a collectible mantle clock, and their basic mantle clock categories include quartz mantle clocks, and key-wound mantle clocks. The quartz mantle clocks are considered as being practical and never require any winding, and movements may last over twenty years or more without the need for maintenance except for that of changing the battery every few years.

You might remember Cogsworth from Disney’s movie “Beauty and the Beast”. He is an animated mantel clock and was voiced by actor David Ogden Stiers.