It's The Traditional Decor Everyone Had In Their Homes — Now It's A Rare Clock Worth Hunting For

At one point in time, every home would have featured a lovely clock settled on the fireplace mantel. The mantel, or shelf above a fireplace, evolved from a functional architectural feature into a decorative focal point. However, mantel clocks became a focal point as homeowners became concerned with how to decorate a mantel to emphasize domestic prosperity. Many of these clocks, especially in the Victorian era, featured ornate decorative boxes made out of wood or metal. Some of the most beautiful and elegant designs today are worth a pretty penny. For example, a gorgeous mid-century Antique Tiffany & Co. Bronze-Mounted Slate Mantel Clock is on the market for $8,900. Considering many antique mantel clocks are worth between $100 and $300, finding a piece like this would be an exceptional discovery.

Tiffany & Co. has been producing timepieces since 1853 and continues to sell incredible designs today. Today, the company's grand antique mantel clocks are more likely to be found in an older relative's attic or tucked away in a secondhand shop. Most antique Tiffany clocks remain a prime collector's item, and even a simpler design like this Tiffany & Co. Mantel Desk Clock retails at $695. One of the more rare Tiffany finds, what makes the Bronze-Mounted Slate Mantel Clock unique is the black slate box accentuated with bronze mounts. Black slate, although they usually used Belgian calcite, became popular after the death of Queen Victoria's husband due to its connection with the color of mourning. The addition of the intricate Neoclassical figures and the impressive oval shape, make this an exceptional antique piece.

Not every mantel clock is built the same. With so much variation, even within companies like Tiffany & Co., it can be difficult to identify the real deal. The obvious signs of a reproduction or modern clock are stickers or writing labeled "Made in China." Likewise, if the clock has an obvious spot for batteries, you know that you haven't stumbled upon a great, rare find like the Bronze-Mounted Slate Mantel Clock above. Unfortunately, a technique has been documented where old, antique clocks (that are not produced by Tiffany & Co.) are given "rub-on" lettering to create a forged Tiffany mark. That's why it's important to check for signs of authenticity before buying a clock at a thrift store. For example, check for an authentic mark by rubbing your finger across the mark to see if it disappears.

A real Tiffany mantel clock will feature several signs, including the authentic maker's mark indicating the origin of the item. A real Tiffany clock should display a mark like "Tiffany & Co., New York" or "Tiffany & Co., France." Beyond the maker's mark, check for the original working French movement inside the case. Sometimes antique clocks are assembled from parts of multiple clocks. The result is an old, antique box without the original clock movement mechanism inside, which means a much lower value. If you have any doubts and want to authenticate your latest thrifting find, consider taking it to an expert for a proper appraisal.