Mark says…
I have an antique mantle clock that is key wound that I keep on top of the fireplace mantle. Will any damage be caused to the clock if it sets there when I have a fire in the fireplace? It looks so good there that I would hate to have to move it.
I can give you an easy test that was passed on to me by my father. When you build a fire in your fireplace, put a candle in a tray in front of your mantle clock, or until your mind is at ease, remove the mantle clock first. Let the fire burn for a few hours and if the candle is not melted, then your mantle clock should be safe.
There is one note of caution however. The heat from the fireplace could cause the wooden clock case to dry out. I would clean the clock on a weekly basis with Murphy’s oil soap or a comparable product. This will protect the clock as well as clean off any soot, etc. You’re probably only using the fireplace a few months out of the year anyway, so I don’t see a problem. Enjoy!
I can’t see where it should be a problem. After all, these clocks were made to sit on top of the mantle back in the days when folks were using coal and other high heat sources.