Novelty clocks, which tell the time in a particularly unusual or intriguing way, are among the most fascinating of all clocks. Most of those seen today date from the 19th century when they were produced by French, Swiss and English makers.

skeleton-clocks

The value of a novelty clock is dependent on rarity, appearance and the complexity of moving features, rather than the clock mechanism. Condition is of particular importance, as broken novelty clocks can be extremely expensive to repair.

Antique Collection

Mystery Clocks

This is one of the most common types of novelty clock. The movement, concealed in the base, rotates the figure slightly from left to right, and this motion makes the pendulum swing, even though the figure holding it seems unconnected to the mechanism. £2,500

Automaton Clocks

Automaton clocks are among the most varied and valuable of novelty clocks. This one is relatively simple — it contains a bird which every hour sings a melodic nightingale song, while flapping its wings, turning its head, and opening its beak. £4,000- 6,000

Skeleton Clocks

English-made skeleton clocks, in which as much of the working mechanism as possible is visible, are usually far more complex and elaborate than those Made in France. This typically elaborate one (with protective glass dome removed) dates from c.1870. It was made by J. Smith & Sons and is worth £6, 000-12, 000.

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Old British Novelty and Skeleton Clocks