Antique and Vintage Mantel Clock's - Shelf Clock's
Shelf or Mantle Clocks are relatively small, moveable clocks traditionally placed on the shelf, or mantel, above the fireplace. In the 1800s even mass produced Tall Clocks were too expensive for most Americans. That was when Eli Terry turned his attention to improving the smaller clocks intended to stand on a shelf or mantel. He adapted wooden gearing that permitted a relatively short pendulum to keep the mechanism working.
Terry's shelf clock transformed the clock industry and by 1839 shelf clock mechanism's were made entirely of brass. Even smaller clocks were produced in the late 1800s due inexpensive springs. They were followed by even smaller clocks in the 20th Century.
