Uncovering Antique Clockmakers: Names, Eras, and How to Identify Them

Antique clocks offer more than charm—they carry history. Each piece tells a story of craftsmanship, technology, and regional style. But identifying who made your clock and when they made it can be tricky, especially if no name is immediately visible.

Whether you’re a collector, a hobbyist, or simply curious about a clock passed down through generations, knowing how to identify the maker can help you determine age, origin, and value. At Clockworks, Inc., we help thousands of customers each year trace the origins of their antique clocks—and restore them to beautiful working order.

Let’s walk through how to identify a clockmaker, what resources to use, and how to handle an unsigned or dirty movement.

1. Look for Labels, Signatures, and Stamps

Start by inspecting every visible part of your clock. Begin with the dial, case interior, and movement itself.

• Dial markings – Some makers painted or engraved their name near the center or lower edge of the dial.
• Movement front plates – After carefully removing the dial (if possible), check the movement for names, serial numbers, or city names.
• Paper labels – American clocks often include factory-printed labels glued inside the case. Even partial fragments can help.
• Handwritten notes – Sometimes penciled or scratched names appear inside the case or on the backboard.

If you find a name, search it in a reputable clockmaker reference like Spittler & Bailey’s Clockmakers of America or Loomes’ Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World.

2. Study the Movement and Case Style

If no name is present, look at construction details:

• Movement type – Are the gears brass or wood? Are there three or more wheels in the time train?
• Escapement style – Wooden clocks usually use a verge escapement; brass clocks often use anchor.
• Pendulum – Note the length, style, and suspension.
• Case design – Materials and carvings can indicate English, American, German, or French origin.

The movement layout and case style often reveal the clock’s likely country and production era. Grandfather clocks with wooden gears, for instance, usually date to early 1800s Connecticut.

3. Cross-Reference with Trusted Sources

Once you’ve gathered physical clues, compare them with known patterns:

• Books – Use titles like American Shelf and Wall Clocks or European Clocks in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries.
• Online forums – The NAWCC forums or AntiqueClocksPriceGuide.com offer valuable visuals.
• Auction archives – Check recent sales of similar pieces on major auction websites.

Don’t rely on unverified blog posts or seller descriptions—mistakes are common.

4. Common Names to Know

While hundreds of names exist, some appear frequently in American and European clocks:

• Eli Terry – Early mass production, known for wooden movements.
• Seth Thomas – Reliable American factory clocks, often labeled.
• Ansonia Clock Co. – Known for decorative and novelty clocks.
• Gustav Becker – German precision and beautiful movements.
• Japy Frères – French maker, often stamped on movement plates.

Matching your clock’s components to these known styles can help even if no maker’s mark is present.

5. Need Help? Clockworks Offers Tools and Services

If you’ve removed the dial or case back and see grime, corrosion, or stuck gears—stop and reassess. Antique movements are delicate, and it’s easy to cause damage without proper tools.

That’s where Clockworks can help.

We offer:

• Professional cleaning and oiling services for both antique and modern clocks
• Toolkits including soft brushes, magnifiers, and screwdrivers sized for horology
• Clock-safe lubricants, cloths, and movement holders
• Customer support to help guide your restoration decisions

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced restorer, we supply the tools professionals trust—and use ourselves.

6. When There’s No Name

Don’t be discouraged if your clock has no visible name. Many 1800s clocks were unsigned, especially those made in bulk. Instead of a name, focus on:

• Movement gear count
• Strike or chime design
• Mounting method (pinned, screwed, chained)
• Case construction and wood type

Often, these structural clues can link your clock to a maker’s style or region.

7. Document Your Findings

Take clear photos of:

• The dial and hands
• Front and rear of the movement
• Case interior and label (if any)
• Unique features (chimes, gears, pendulum)

Write down everything you’ve learned—gear counts, plate size, pendulum length, etc. This record helps when seeking parts, restoring the movement, or appraising the piece.

Final Thoughts

Finding the maker of your antique clock is more than a name hunt—it’s a connection to history. Whether you uncover a well-known American factory stamp or simply match features to a known style, you’re adding to the clock’s legacy.

And if you’re stuck or need safe ways to clean or inspect your clock further, Clockworks.com is here for you. We provide clock parts, tools, and full-service restoration options. Reach out to clockworks@clockworks.com or visit www.clockworks.com to begin your journey.

Updated on: 03/10/2025