Clock Dials
Types of Dial As mentioned above, the shape and material that clock dials are made of can give us some good clues about when the clock was made. First, the shape of the dial:
Square Dials were used on very early clocks, including the Lantern Clock, and can be dated from around the beginning of 1600 through to early 1700s. Early Longcase clocks also made good use of the square dial.
Dial Materials Dials were also made of different materials at different times through history and you can quite often put an approximate date depending on what the material was. The three types you are likely to come across are brass, metal and wood.
You will also find brass dials that have a silvered finish; this is where silver is applied to the bare brass finish which adheres well. If you scratch away the surface you will find the original brass finish underneath. Even badly worn silvered dials can be repaired fairly easily.
It is a good indicator that the dial is not only old, but genuine. If you find a wooden dial that is not cracked, suspect that it may have been restored at some time during its life. This may not be a bad thing, but does indicate that the clock should be investigated further to ensure it is genuine.
Other metal dials include copper dials that have an enamel layer applied over them. Enamel is quite a hard material and while this is good if the clock has been looked after, many enamel dials are cracked and need repair. Unfortunately repair of enamel clock dials is not that easy and is likely to cost a fair bit. So before purchasing a clock with an enamel dial, make sure you are happy with the condition before you buy, especially if buying online.
Happy Collecting!
Below is a list of current US & UK eBay auctions of clock dials.
* all articles on auction courtesy of eBay ** links open a new window at eBay with product details. US Auctions Top
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Arched Dials dial were introduced at around 1710 and became popular in 
Round Dials became popular for use in 
Brass dials are the earliest types you are likely to find. These were popular for use on the Lantern clock and also in early Longcase clocks. The dial had an applied Chapter Ring, on which the numerals were placed. Early 17th Century brass dials had a hammered finish and had spandrels fixed to the corners of the dial for decoration. The brass dial was attached to the clock movement by brass rods, known as feet. 
Wooden dials may be found on some early clocks with gilt finishes applied to a black paint background. Later dials had a white background and cheaper painted black numerals applied. It is unusual to find a clock with a wooden dial that has not deteriorated through time. This is apparent by the amount of cracking visible on the dial. 
Metal dials, usually iron, painted with a white background are the most common found with numerals also painted in black. Many were also highly decorated and are quite popular today. Most will suffer some form of paint deterioration and possible chipping of the surface which will take some time to repair properly. Minor ageing of the dial, evident by a spider-web appearance on the dial is evidence of a genuine article that has not been subject to repair. 
