Advertising Clock    

This type of clock displays promotional information on its case, dial, or tablet.  Two U.S. advertising clock companies began manufacturing this wall clock in the late 1800s.  The two companies were the Sidney Advertising Co. and the Baird Co.  

Alarm Clock

The Greeks developed a water-operated alarm clock in 250 BC.  However, the first mechanical alarm clock was not invented until 1787.  During that time, Levi Hutchins of Concord, New Hampshire, made a crude model.  This alarm clock could only be set to ring at 4:00 a.m.  Seth Thomas  created and patented a wind-up alarm clock that could be set for any hour.

Banjo Clock

It  became known as the banjo clock because of its shape.  It was patented by Simon Willard in 1802, and unlike many clocks during that time,  featured an original design rather than the European version.  Its popularity diminished after 1860, but it has frequently been copied ever since.

Cabinet Clock

This refers to a 12 to 24 inch tall, highly polished shelf clock, whose case has been built by a skilled cabinet maker.  These cabinet timepieces have hidden pendulums, and feature oak, ash, walnut, ebony, or mahogany cases.  They are eight-day time and strike models.

Calendar Clock

The first simple calendar clock was made by John  Hawes of Ithaca, New York, in 1853.  Several years later, the first perpetual calendar clocks were produced.  They automatically adjust for leap years and number of days in the months.  Most of  them have two dials,   one for time and the  other for date.

Carriage Clock

They were designed to hang inside coaches and were often covered with leather cases to protect them.  Featured was a rectangular brass case with glass front and side, a porcelain dial, and a bail-type handle on top.

Crystal Regulator Clock

Crystal regulators are so named because they have clear glass panels on all four sides, allowing their work to be seen.  They are also known to be precise timekeepers.

Cuckoo Clock

These cuckoos originated in the Black Forest of Germany in the 1700s.  They are wall clocks that usually have ornately carved wooden cases in the shape of a house or cottage, and are decorated with birds and foliage.  On some models a bird pops out from behind a door, chirping the number of times that corresponds to the given time.

Gallery Clock

Introduced in 1845.  They have large round dials printed with large, dark numbers so that they can be easily read from a distance.  They were commonly used in train stations, lobbies, and other large public gathering places.

Grandfather Clock

They were also know as hall, tall, floor or long-case clocks and were first made in England in the 1660s.  They were among the most common early clocks in the colonies because the settlers did not have mills capable of producing springs for spring-driven  timepieces.  Grandfathers were large because they required a tall case to provide adequate drop to run it.

Mantel Clock

These mantels began replacing Grandfathers when spring-driven movements became available.  Mantel clocks became more popular and affordable when mass production methods were introduced.

Metal Front Clock

Metal Front and metal case clocks became more common in the U.S. after the mid 1850s as more foundries opened.  Until then, wood had been the primary material for clock cases and works.  Metal cases were commonly molded with elaborate designs and then painted or gilded.

Parlor Clock

Parlor clocks are products of the Victorian era, which was in the late 1800s.  The clocks were elegant and were displayed on a shelf or mantel in the best room of the house, where guests were entertained. They often have carved walnut cases and stenciled glass doors.