Milwaukee County Historical Society

Collections - Clocks

Clocks may be known only for keeping time, but their style and type differ greatly. The collection at the Society showcases these disparities. Cuckoo clocks, Mantle, Grandfather, and Steeple are but a few of the types represented. Their origins are as unique as their styles. British, French, and American clock manufacturers are represented, and were owned by several historic families of Milwaukee. Similar clocks may be hanging in your home.

Mantle Clock

Mantle Clock
MCHS Number: M1965.018.016

Has ornate metallic case, painted a bronze color. Scroll-work with leaves and flowers adorns the sides and base. A cherub holding a tablet in his left hand sits on the top of the clock. Dial has a crystal door with a brass rim that is hinged. The dial itself is hand painted in gold leaf and black roman numerals. A rural manor scene is inscribed on the top and bottom of the dial. Below the dial is another painted surface, an 18th century scene of a man and woman walking on a path with a manor house in the distance. It is bordered by gold scrolling.

Mantle Clock

Mantle Clock
MCHS Number: M1994.030.001

Mantle Clock. Has square brass and glass case. Pendulum is circular shaped and positioned horizontally. Numbers on dial, its hands, and movement are composed of the same polished metal that makes up the frame and base. "Le Coultre" is inscribed on the dial. They are a Swiss clock maker during the mid-20th century. The clock functions on degrees of barometric pressure.

Cuckoo Clock

Cuckoo Clock
MCHS Number: M1915.001.001

Cuckoo Clock. Hanging cuckoo pendulette with molded wood and carved foliage running down both sides and the bottom of the clock. A label, "How to hang an cuckoo clock", is glued onto the back of the case.

Crystal Regulator Clock

Crystal Regulator Clock
MCHS Number: 1940.053.018

Polished brass crystal regulator clock, French made with mercury type pendulum, open escapement, with eight-day time and strike. Corner brass panels enclosing beveled glass front and sides. Gilt dial with Arabic numerals.

Glass Dome Clock

Glass-Dome Clock
MCHS Number: M1992.005.014

A Jahresuhrenfabrik made clock, with an upright brass frame raised on brass columns set on a stepped round base. A compensating pendulum made up of four sections of metal with blue spheres on each is separated from the mechanics of the clock. The dial is a hand painted scene of a musician serenading a couple. Numbers and hands are made of brass. Three turned brass capitals are above the dial. The original glass dome separates from the clock.

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