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Figural Clocks

Antique Figural Clocks

An often elaborate style of shelf clock is a figural clock, which is generally made of bronze or cast iron and has a clock separate from the figure but part of the cast design. Usually the statues are of mythological figures, animals, or historical persons. The great thing about Antique Figural clocks is that they obviously come in many different designs.

You can buy Classic Figural Clocks on EBay. The most popular figural clock is one that features people. There are many clocks that will have men and women and small children draped across the face of the clock. Animals are also prevalent on Figural Clocks.

Perhaps one of the finest American examples of figural clock making is the Ketterer Apostle Clock which was crafted in 1872. Following the American Civil War, there was a culture of war veterans who became engaged in clock making. Stirred by a competitive spirit, many of these craftsmen began to produce massively intricate figural clocks and timepieces in an attempt to outdo their fellow clock makers. Each new production would have a grander series of moving figures and scenes and these pieces of horological art would be toured on exhibit around the Eastern US. One of these clock makers, a man by the name of Charles Ketterer, created an incredible masterpiece which was lost to obscurity for decades.

What Ketter created was known as an 'Apostle Clock' and there were several other similar models created by rival craftsmen, but Ketterer`s is probably the grandest. With it`s dense configuration of handmade wooden parts, it is an astounding piece of early figural clock engineering. When it was first built it was known far and wide and sent to tour around the country to excited onlookers who would also listen to Ketter speak about his invention. Eventually though, it was pawned to pay off Ketterer`s debt and sadly sat untouched in a pool hall basement for 80 years.

Not only is the clock filled with jaw dropping detail, it is also mammoth in size for a clock of this kind. It stands at a whopping 5 feet tall by -three feet wide- by three feet thick! It sets atop a 4 foot base which brings its total height to close to 9 feet. It was designed to be dismantled in sections for easy travel, and as early as the 1870`s, it was valued at the princely sum of 20 grand. It`s current value, some believe, is near priceless.
The clock was saved from total obscurity when it was discovered by a collector in the 1960`s. It changed hands a few times and eventually ended up in the workshop of a Missouri craftsmen who lovingly set about restoring it until he passed away in 2001. It then became property of one of his friends who has cared for it since then. To date, the clock has never been restored to full working order, but even in it`s current state it is an astounding work of art.

The figural features are nothing short of remarkable. And perhaps most remarkable of all is that the entire thing was said to have been carved from only 2 pocket knives. This is probably hyperbole, as the intricate detailing and maching gears would have had to required other equipment. The inner movement design consists of factory cut gears which are quite different from the normal brass or wood gears seen in most clocks of its era. The movement also houses an impressive array of bells and chimes. Near the dial, a figure of Moses is featured bearing stone tablets and on the other side of the dial is a figure of Elias. The dial plates feature 4 indicators, one for hours/minutes, one for months, on for day of the week, and one for day of the month. It is set to strike at every quarter hour on one bell set and every hour on another. Above the top indicator is a disk which marks the age of the moon, and the disk is flanked by figures of Arch Angel Michael and Father Time. This whole part of the clock is surround with Gothic window and pillars and Egyptian obelisks. The dial is crested with the inscription 'The Apostolic Excelsior Clock'. The middle upper section features a figure of Jesus Christ waving a flag crested by a German inscription. The entire upper part is surrounded by a miniature gallery. At 12 o'clock noon, a door near the Christ figure opens, and figures of the 12 Apostles emerge and pass the statue of Jesus as the bell tolls a chime pattern. Peter leads the procession carrying a key, and the others carry tokens or symbols which represent their identities. When each figure comes near Christ it turns on its track to face him and then passes by. When Judas passes he does not turn. Once Peter has passed, the bells end, and a rooster sound figure emits a crowing sound and flaps its wings. A door on the other side then opens, and the apostles pass through it when the cock crows a second time. The clock is filled with countless other intricate details and icons as well, and is a true treasure of the clock making world.
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