The History of the Grandfather Clock Part 3
In the final part of this series we will be looking at the modern history of the grandfather clock.
Initially the clock makers were constructing the cases, but their joinery skills weren’t up to much, so joiners were soon employed to design and build these. As such, ornamental cases soon became available. These also became more and more advanced with time, especially in the Victorian era. Glass frontage was also added due to customer demand to be able to watch the workings of the clocks.
These were the first clocks that you would recognise as resembling the grandfather clocks of today, but they were known as ‘long case’ clocks. The term “grandfather clock” became its most popular name after a song writer called Henry Clay wrote a song named “Grandfather Clock” in 1876.
A great variety of woods were used for the case construction. The most popular being oak, but walnut and mahogany were also used. These days ash wood has become popular due to the increase in ash furniture on the market.
Despite the fact that these clocks were manufactured in Europe and America from the early 18th Century onwards, it wasn’t until the late 19th Century that they became affordable to anyone but the very rich.
Today, not only are the cases carefully crafted of fine wood, (many have added beautifully decorated finials), but they also have intricately designed pendulums, they chime the hour, and they only need to be key wound once every month.
Nowadays the grandfather clock has once again become a rich person’s clock, again, this is mostly because of the steadily decreasing size of new houses these days, but also because they are seen as antiques. There are, in fact, many manufacturers of modern grandfather clocks, some of which produce some very contemporary designs, such as glass cabinets, gothic designs, 100% chrome plated, art deco, or even brightly coloured plastic! In my opinion though, a classic oak grandfather clock will compliment a room full of wood furniture beautifully.
Hi,
Thank you for the interesting post. I am currently in the market for a grandfather clock, preferably one with lots of gold on the face, but I would like some advice on what to look for when buying. Any tips?
Good lad!
Bobby
Hi Bobby,
Most antique grandfather clocks are made of mahogany, oak or walnut, so all the usual woodworm checks should be made. Cracks in the wood are a reason to walk away.
The movement should be checked by a qualified clockmaker, or, at the very least, should have a written warrenty. Make sure you see it working and have a go at winding it yourself.
With respect to the gold, more modern clocks may be gold plated, so look for signs of tarnishing.
If anyone else has any suggestions please feel free to post here.
Good luck Bobby :o)
Normally I am a staunch tradionalist when it comes to furniure, but I was intrigued by the picture of the “ultra-modern grandfather clock” at the bottom of the article. The juxtaposition of historic concept and contemporary execution roused the imagination and stirred the soul.
I was wondering if you could provide any more information, a “History of the Grandfather Clock - A Contemporary Special” perhaps?
Keep up the good work, one of the my favourite reads.
N. Larsson.
Hi Nils,
Glad you enjoyed the grandfather clock articles, I certainly enjoyed writing them!
I was going to write a contemporary grandfather clock special, but during my research I found a really good article, so I thought I’d just post a link to it:
http://rightpricefurniture.wordpress.com/2009/02/23/contomporary-grandfather-clocks/
Hope it helps.
Hello, I was wondering if yu had more information on the Ultra Modern clock, I’ve searched all over the internet for more info or even manufacturer info and came up short
Hi Sal, sorry for the delayed reply.
The ultra-modern clock is made by Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks. It’s model no. 623, made in USA, oak, ebonized wood and chromed steel case with chiming mechanism and weights, red and white enameled metal hands, marked with paper label and on clock face, original finish, 16”w x 10.5”d x 61”h
Hope this helps
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