Bracket Clocks
What is a Bracket Clock?
Strictly speaking the term bracket clock refers to a type of clock mounted on a wall bracket of shelf. However the term is now far more widely used and is applied to any small standing clock with a spring driven mechanism and a short pendulum. So called bracket clocks can in fact be mounted on tables, shelves, etc. There is clearly an overlap between the bracket clock and the mantel clock and the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
History
The first bracket clocks were produced around 1660. Initially these had square brass dials. The arched dial became more popular by the early 18th century. Clocks with an arched dial needed to be larger in order to leave space for the arch above the dial.In many ways the bracket clock is similar to a smaller version of the longcase clock. The bracket clock often looked like the hood of a longcase. Since bracket clocks were smaller and lighter they could be relatively portable and sometimes had a handle on top. The early, square-dial bracket clocks usually had ebony or walnut cases. Later on mahogony became popular. Such examples were produced in large quantities in London.
There are a wide variety of styles available to buy, both original antiques and modern reproductions. The chamfer top case is very popular.
By the mid 19th century production of the English bracket clocks began to fall as cheaper production methods meant that people could buy less expensive versions. Many of these were manufactured in America.