Mauthe Mantel Clock – called a buffet clock by the marketing folks at Mauthe

Posted on by rjoiner2021

Mauthe mantel clocks are widely available in various shapes and sizes, often appearing on online marketplaces, at garage sales, flea markets, and in antique shops. However, not all are well-preserved, with many showing signs of age and neglect. This particular round-top mantel clock stands out for its excellent condition, especially considering its age.

RS Mauthe mantle clock (30)
Mauthe buffet clock

While this is commonly called a mantel or shelf clock, in Mauthe marketing parlance it is referred to it as a “buffet clock”. In the mid-20th century, clocks of this style were often designed to sit on buffets, sideboards, or credenzas in dining rooms. This placement allowed the clock to serve both a decorative and practical purpose that complemented the room’s furnishings. The term “buffet clock” reflects its association with this specific setting, distinguishing it from mantel or shelf clocks, which were typically placed in living areas or on fireplaces.

This 3-train Westminster chime pendulum clock features a 5-rod gong block and plays a quarter-hour musical tone. I discovered it at an antique shop in Great Village, Nova Scotia (Canada) some time ago. The movement is unmarked, lacking a trademark, but bears the number 50089 on the bottom right of the rear plate. There is no doubt that the movement is original to the case.

RS Mauthe mantle clock (29)
Back of the clock showing the 3-train movement
RS Mauthe mantle clock (28)
Mauthe clock and Stromberg Carlson console radio

Mauthe – The Company

Mauthe clocks were produced in Germany by a company with a long and distinguished history, manufacturing thousands of wall, mantel, office, and hall clocks. Founded in 1844 by Friedrich Mauthe and his wife, Marie, in Schwenningen, Germany, the company initially focused on producing watch parts. By the late 1860s, Mauthe began making its own wall clocks and movements, some produced through the “Gewerblern” method, a form of cottage industry, while others were made in a more industrial, factory-based approach.

In 1876, the Mauthe sons, Christian and James, took over the business. A decade later, in 1886, Mauthe started manufacturing its own spring mechanisms.

By around 1900, Mauthe offered a range of clocks, including alarm clocks, pendulum wall clocks, grandfather clocks, office clocks, and “Buffet Uhren” (Buffet clocks). At this time, the company employed around 1,100 people. The third generation of the Mauthe family took control in 1904, with Eugene Schreiber, Christian Mauthe’s son, Dr. Fritz Mauthe, Jacob Mauthe’s son, and Alfred Mauthe, Jacob’s other son, joining the leadership.

In 1925, Mauthe introduced a new trademark featuring an eagle with outstretched wings, clutching a three-part round plate marked with the letters F, M, and S. By 1930, the company was producing approximately 45,000 clocks per week, with over 2,000 employees. Around 60% of their production was for export, with England being the primary market.

In the mid-1930s, Mauthe began manufacturing wristwatches, some of which were supplied to the German Army (Wehrmacht). After a brief pause during the war years, Mauthe resumed production in 1946, focusing on wristwatches. The company continued operations through the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, but ultimately declared bankruptcy and closed in 1976.

RS Mauthe mantle clock (11)
Clock face showing three arbour points

This clock runs a complete 8-day cycle and produces a very pleasant sound. The case features a simple yet attractive design, is in excellent condition, and the movement is clean, having been recently serviced.

This Mauthe buffet clock is a fine example of the company’s craftsmanship, combining reliable timekeeping with a pleasing chime. Its well-preserved condition and recent servicing make it a standout piece for any clock collector.

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25 thoughts on “Mauthe Mantel Clock – called a buffet clock by the marketing folks at Mauthe”

  2. This mantel clock belonged to my parents. It has not worked for years. Can it be fixed and if so, where? Any idea what it may be worth? Thanks!

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    1. Val,

      Usually a professional repair is more than the clock is worth unless it has sentimental value which it seems to have in your case. Sadly I paid $40 for mine. I say sadly because the Mauthe movement is a work of art but the case its least attractive feature. When set up properly the Westminster chime is a sound to be heard. When you say not working what do you mean?

      If you have it done professionally it will give you years of daily service and it will be a constant reminder of your parents. These three train movements are not the easiest to work on and would be a challenge to a beginner, like myself.

      Ron

      Ron

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  3. I have a Mauthe mantle clock that has been in my family for a few generations. It a nice clock and runs well keeping good time. On its face it’s marked with UM and the profile of a lion walking left to right. It will keep good time as the clock mentioned above for about eight days but like the clock mentioned earlier it will stop striking the hours and chiming after about 6 days. I’m glad I found this site, none of the shops I’ve taken it into knew who made it or where it came from. Thanks.

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    1. Hi and thanks for writing. Your clock is actually not a Mauthe but an Uhrenfabrik Muhlheim, Muller and Co. Muller clocks have the distinctive Lion on the clock face with the letters U and M under the lion. Muller clocks can be dated by the lion logo on the clock face. If the lion’s tail is up it is pre 1930. In Schmid’s Lexikon, it states that the original founders of this company in Mühlheim started in 1867. It was acquired by R. Schnekenburger around 1880, then by Gebrüder Müller around 1896 when it became Uhrenfabrik Mühlheim Vormals R. Schnekenburger. In 1900 it assumed the name Uhrenfabrik Mühlheim, Müller & Co. These clocks are very well made, as well made as a Mauthe and some of their clocks are up to the standards of the finer Gustav Becker clocks of the period.

      Two issues about your clock. The springs are very well made, typical German engineering but tend to lose some power over the years due to frequent winding. It sounds like the spring on the strike side is losing power. If it is a chime clock as you mentioned, the chime is run from the strike side. No strike – no chime.The other issue is that it likely needs a good cleaning and oiling at a minimum or it may need servicing.

      As pivots and bushings wear there is a loss of power through the gear train and the result is that these clocks and clocks that are typically very old, require bushing repair. You could either live with the slowdown of the strike side and wind it every 6 days or if the clock has sentimental value and you would like to see it running, contact a reputable horologist in your area for servicing.

      By the way I have a 1930s U M Muller wall clock and it is one of the most accurate mechanical clocks in my house and one of my favorites.

      Ron

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    2. I can help you with your creative writing if you’d like? No need to sign up for an online course…..Don’t worry im not a freak, I was actually online researching a clock i inherited when I came across your arbitrary comment. Let me know, and ill give you my details?

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  6. Hi. I enjoyed reading about yours. We just bought this Mauthe today for $20 at an estate sale. It’s running and chiming. It’s interesting in that there is no logo, only Mauthe and 11327 and 14 stamped into the backplate. No logo on the clock face either. The funniest thing is instead of a stamp stating where it was made, it’s stamped ‘Foreign’ on the face and the backplate.
    The read door label is in very good condition and reads: MAUTHE MOVEMENT
    FULL 4/4 WESTMINSTER CHIME
    Fitted into English Made Case.

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    1. The word foreign obviously means that it was made for the English market. The movements were very well made and lasts for years but do require servicing, at the very least cleaning and oiling. Thanks for coming to my blog.

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  7. I have a running mauthe mantel clock in the back is a paper note original mauthe on the back plate is the number401862 can you tell me what year it was made

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    1. With a little research I might be able to find a database of Mauthe clocks but in the meantime if you sent me a photo of the clock I might be able to determine it’s age by it’s style. Is it a pendulum driven clock and does it strike and chime?

      Ron

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  10. Hi Ron, I am trying to find out more about a small wooden clock that I purchased. It is a very small mantle clock with a round face, round base and small round feet. I was told that it could have been a music box and was given a small metal wind up “key” with it. The base is empty but I was told that it would have had a compartment at the bottom. It has the FMS eagle on the back and two arrows with feathered ends and the letters F S A W T. It says Made in Germany on the face – but these are the only markings. It looks 1920’s – 1930’s? I haven’t seen any others like it.

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