Want to add instant charm to a room?
Add an antique clock. Well, first off, let me say it won’t be the cheapest thing you buy, but for me, it was totally worth it. None of my clocks are currently in working order. The Seth Thomas worked for awhile, but then it stopped. Working or non-working, they are a Work Of Art!
Let’s take a look at my three antique clocks.
The first one was by far the cheapest, because it no longer has any of the original working parts. It is in the poorest condition, but still I found it interesting, and inexpensive, so I grabbed it (after I paid for it of course.)
You are not going to see this kind of detail in a new clock. The new ones are almost always resin. I don’t like resin. I think these are bronze, but I am not an expert, so I’m not certain. I mean look at this guy. He looks pretty happy. This clock looks French to me, but again, I’m not sure.
This clock is a Seth Thomas clock from the Art Nouveau period. It’s American made after 1880, but before WWI. (This is my best guest, and again, I’m not an expert.)
I love having a piece of history, especially ones this beautiful. (The pillows at the fireplace were provided by Heritage Lace as part of their Downton Abbey Collection.)
I mean look at the detail on this one. It’s very heavy too. I got this one on eBay.
And this last one is a French gem. I looked and looked, and selected what I thought was the most beautiful clock I could find. It’s in the shelf on the left.
Did you see it? Well it’s hard to see, so here’s a close up.
It has all of the working parts, but I can’t get it to keep time. From what I hear, the French clocks are much more finicky, and difficult to get to run. The American ones tend to be more robust.
So there’s three antique clocks and a little bit about each one. I love the look they add to a room, and sometimes you can find one that has a defect or is broken, so it can be a lot cheaper. Again, they are a piece of history, so I like them in about any condition I can find them.
Anita, Your antique clocks are lovely….truly a work of art! I love mixing old pieces with more contemporary things in my home as well. Isn’t it wonderful that many antiques combined a practical need with a work of art? I wish that was still true today…function seems to override art. We have an antique grandfather clock that just sits in the corner of our dining that doesn’t work, but I still love to look at it. I truly enjoy your blog!
They are so truly beautiful Anita….I am always drawn to those as amazing works of art….you have incorporated them so wonderfully in your gorgeous decor!
Such beauties!!
I , we 🙂 have a couple of inherited pieces in our home. One a banjo clock from my husbands grandparents. I had always admired the piece and we got it about 9 years ago. It works and chimes beautifully.
The other is not as pretty, but it came to us from my husbands birth mother and as I type… it just chimed the hour. Not as valuable as the banjo… but cherished non the less. Both American made. They just give the home that sense of history… a sense of soul that I like.
Your antique clocks are wonderful. I love clocks also working or not,but mine aren’t as nice as yours. Thanks for letting us see them,they are superb.
Pretty pieces. Clocks are one of my favorite decor items too, but I collect mostly wall clocks. Either way, they are all fun, to have and hunt!
What a gorgeous clock, I must look out for something like this for my home. I used to have a lovely carraige clock but it wasn’t antique but it was special, however it broke down on me after some years and I now realise that I miss it.
Lee
What a gorgeous clock, I must look out for something like this for my home. I used to have a lovely carraige clock but it wasn’t antique but it was special, however it broke down on me after some years and I now realise that I miss it.
Lee
I have gotten away from designing around vintage or antique clocks, yet seeing yours nestled about evoke a beauty in collecting something of passion. It inspires me to look into bringing out some of the family clocks for added timeless beauty.
Xx
Dore
Wonderful to be able to se the smaller unexpected pieces in Your home.
Beautiful Anita. Love all your clocks and how you added them into your beautiful decor.
Kris
I too collect clocks and yours are certainly lovely. I must tell you that though mine did not work when I found them they all work now. Do yourself a favor and find yourself a quality clock repairman. Hearing my clocks all ticking at their own pace and chiming at different times is my joy! I love looking at them but I love listening to them just as much.