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The description 'mantle clock' is just a generic term for almost any free-standing clock that is not known by another name (such as Bracket clock or Carriage clock). So it can be used to describe anything from a French four glass clock or a Swiss tortoiseshell and brass inlaid boulle clock, to a German Napoleon Hat Westimster chiming clock or an American steeple clock (though the Americans seemed to prefer to call theirs Shelf clocks).

The expression presumably originate from Mantle piece though modern mantle pieces are too narrow for most of these and would be a wholly inappropriate place to position a clock anyway because of the extreme temperature variations and the propensity for attracting dirt and other harmful substances which slowly grind down the movement's pivots and pivot holes.

The commonest mantle clocks are probably French and include the ubiquitous French marble clock, which often conceals an eight-day one or two train movement of equal quality to much more valuable French clocks. If you have a marble clock, get a copy of Nicholas Thorpe's book dedicated to them ('The French Marble Clock' published by NAG Press). It's informative, well illustrated and written in an easy to understand way, with lots of historical background. Much cheaper is a 32-page booklet called 'Marble Clocks' by Wotton and Oliver, if you just want a basic background.

Another popular French clock is the four-glass (which looks like a large carriage clock at first sight), so-called because the sides, front and back are all glazed with bevelled glass. Differentiating it from the carriage clock is the fact that it has a pendulum rather than a balance wheel to regulate time-keeping. Sometimes the pendulum incorporates two sealed glass phials containing mercury (or quicksilver as it was once known). The design improved timekeeping by compensating for temperature changes, which were more common overnight before we all had central heating installed. In the cold nights, the contraction of a steel pendulum rod causes a clock to run slightly faster but for the same scientific reason the mercury in these clock pendulums also contracts, lowering the centre of the bob, having a counteractive effect.

American movements are much cheaper by comparison but be aware that US makers often copied French designs. So before buying a 'French' marble clock, check that the case isn't just painted wood or iron; check that the pendulum isn't comprised of steel tubes instead of mercury in glass; and check that when it strikes it sounds healthy and not like a bag of spanners!

When it comes to repair and overhaul, the good news is that the cost is the same; £75 for a timepiece and £100 for a striker. I'll dismantle the movement and clean each part separately, checking for wear and the proper engagement of wheels, pinions and pallets. It will be properly oiled and set up for a level surface and of course all paid for work is guaranteed for a year.

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