Unpacked an antique family heirloom mantel clock #TBT
Posted By RichC on January 8, 2026
The Christmas decorations have been taken down and almost put away for another year. While doing so, I re-stacked and re-stored a few items (should have thrown more away). One of the items that made me smile was my Grandma and Grandpa Bluhm’s ceramic clock that I clearly remember and can still see on their mantel in Toledo (mention in 2024). It was never running and always read, 9 o’clock. I don’t remember if the faceplate was broken or if the corner was cracked? Maybe I should ask my brother (he is likely too young) or my older cousin Diane? Hm, an excuse to send her a message. 😉
After pulling it out and unwrapping … and thinking about putting it on our mantel … I wondered if there was anything AI could tell me about it?
The “Wicket” mark on the back is almost certainly the name of the ceramic maker or decorator, not the clockmaker.
- In the late 19th to early 20th century (roughly 1880–1930), many clocks were made this way:
- The ceramic case was produced by a pottery (often in Germany, France, or Austria)
- The clock movement inside was made by a separate clock manufacturer
- “Wicket” does not appear to be a major horological brand, which suggests:
- It was a decorative or export line
- Possibly made for the European or American market
The hand-painted floral motif, cobalt blue glaze, and gilded scrollwork are all consistent with German or Central European decorative ceramics from that era.
Style and age
Based on the design and materials:
- Type: Ceramic mantel clock
- Style: Late Victorian / early Art Nouveau influence
- Estimated age: circa 1890–1920
- Origin: Very plausibly German, which fits perfectly with your grandparents’ history
The crackle glaze on the back is normal aging and
actually helps confirm authenticity.About the clock movement (why it doesn’t work)
From the front photo:
- It has two winding holes, meaning it was likely:
- An 8-day mechanical movement
- Possibly with a strike (hour or half-hour chime)
- The movement is almost certainly:
- Brass
- Either German or French-made
Non-working is very common and usually due to:
- Dried oil
- Dust
- A broken mainspring (still repairable)
Do not try to force it to wind — that’s how damage happens.
Monetary value (realistic expectations)
In today’s market:
- As-is, non-working: ~$75–150
- Professionally serviced and running: ~$200–400
The ceramic case is the main value, not the movement.
Clock repair often costs $200–400, so restoring it usually doesn’t make financial sense unless you want it working for personal reasons.Is it worth keeping?
Yes — absolutely worth keeping, and here’s why:1. Family provenance
A clock owned by your German grandparents gives it something money can’t:
- Proven history
- Emotional and cultural value
- A tangible link to family life (these clocks were usually kept in living rooms)
2. Decorative and historical value
Even non-working:
- It’s a legitimate antique
- It displays well as a mantel or shelf piece
- The craftsmanship is far better than modern decorative clock
3. Repair is optional
You have three good options:
- Leave it as-is and enjoy it as a display piece
- Have the movement cleaned (not fully rebuilt) to see if it can run again
- Preserve it untouched as a family heirloom
What I’d recommend
If this were mine:
- I’d keep it
- I’d not rush into repair
- I’d maybe have a local clock shop do a basic evaluation (often inexpensive)
- I’d write down its story: “Belonged to my German grandparents” and keep that with it
That context dramatically increases its long-term value — especially for future generations.
Comments