Buy Grandfather Clocks
The Grandfather Clock Chimes … Soon
For many years now I have been "secretly" planning to purchase my very own grandfather clock; or to be more precise, I have wanted to buy grandfather clocks (the more the merrier, I’d figure). And now – at last – I have enough room to fit one in.
I suppose this is one of the very few downsides to these strikingly beautiful and timeless items – the full-size ones do indeed require some room and take up quite a bit of space, compared to say an ordinary wall clock. But hey, if you simply need one as bad as I do then you just have to make that space available, right? And who knows, hopefully I can eventually make the space for more of these beauties in my older years?
My fascination for these stunning, wooden time-pieces goes way back to my early childhood. I can still recall the sound, look and even smell of that grand, beautifully polished black clock in my grandparents living room. Somehow I guess I knew — without ever being told as far as I can recall — that this treasure was off limit for my constant prying and young, but oh so busy, hands. Grandpa was a loving but also firm man of the old school. I suppose his fixed eyes was all it took to assure me that I was in a world of trouble if anything happened to his prized clock.
The high point to me — apart from the magnificent and stylish appearance — was, and is, the distinct tic-toc sound of the pendulum inside of the wooden case (some times also called waist or tower). I remember how I could spend longer periods of time just listening to that clock and watching the dials. And the sound of the bells… You would definitely hear it when the clock hit upon the hour!
These eye-catching clocks (usually 180 cm – 6′ or taller) are designed to be placed on the floor. The pendulum, found inside the tower/waist are driven by a weight mechanism.
Traditionally, the wooden case could be made out of oak, maple, beech, cherry or mahogany – or they were produced in plainer woods and then painted or lacquered. Some times they were finished in hi-gloss lacquer. Even though the base and tower of a clock could be quite plain, you would usually find carved ornamentation, some times quite elaborate ornamentation, on the top of the clock. This top bonnet (or hood) surrounds and frames clock face.
Tall-case clock history and function
The development of this distinct form of clock, commonly called a grandfather clock, tall-case (or longcase) clock, or floor clock, goes back to England in the year 1670. A British clockmaker by the name of William Clement is usually credited with the design, although the mechanism used in these clocks was probably invented by a (British) scientist named Robert Hooke.
It was this invention called "anchor escapement mechanism" that made it possible to have longer pendulums fitted inside a clock case. The earlier, less precise mechanism needed a much wider swing and thus shorter pendulums. Around the year 1715, another British clockmaker by the name of George Graham introduced what was called the deadbeat escapement. This mechanism proved very accurate and is even used in most of theses pendulum clocks built today.
The very best, and more high-end, traditional grandfather clocks sold today typically feature mechanical parts made in Germany.
Grandfather clocks are wound in one of two ways:
– A cable-driven clock is wound by inserting a crank or key
– A clock driven by chain is wound by pulling the chains until the weights are in the correct position (that’s the type I recall from my childhood).
You can also find traditional type of long case clocks with a quartz "brain". These use batteries or electricity to keep time and will of course never have to be wound.
Most of these pendulum clocks sounds the hours audibly with a gong, bell or chime (referred to as striking clocks). Usually you’ll hear one strike/chime per hour (one at one o’clock, two at two o’clock and so on).
Today, most grandfather clocks allow you to adjust the volume of the chimes. You may also find a night shut-off option which disables the movements and sounds while still keeping the correct time.
It’s in the family
The story goes that two brothers named Jenkins worked as managers at a hotel in Piercebridge (England). When one of the brothers died, the clock began to lose time. Several attempts to repair the clock were made, all without success. At the age of 90, the other brother died, and the clock is said to have broken down altogether. In remembrance of the two brothers, the clock was never repaired.
Henry Clay Work, an American songwriter and composer, was told this story in 1875 and he went on to write a song about it in 1876 – called ‘My Grandfather’s Clock’. As the song became popular, people began to refer to these clocks as grandfather clocks … or so the story goes.
You will find that these longcase pendulum clocks can be referred to as grandfather clocks, grandmother clocks, or granddaughter clocks. Still, most people in the know will likely argue that a "granddaughter" is the smallest of the three – 5 feet (150cm) or lower. The tallest, 6 feet (180 cm) or above, are the "grandfathers". The ones in between are the "grandmothers".
So there you have it!
I hope you have gotten the irresistable urge to buy grandfather clocks for yourself – or at least one… There is definitely nothing uncool, out-dated or passé about these works of art, that’s for sure. They will be a true asset to any home for generations to come. Even Flea, the bass player with famous rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers has one. "I get a nice feeling every time its chimes ring through the house" he says.
Please feel free to read more about the tradtion, care and purchase of pendulum floor clocks on the following pages: Buy Grandfather Clocks – Grandfather Clock For Sale – Contemporary Grandfather Clocks – Grandfather Clocks Kits – Cleaning a Grandfather Clock – Discount Grandfather Clocks – Old Grandfather Clock – Grandfather Clock Plans – Grandfather Clock Movement – Grandfather Clocks Repair, Grandfather Clock Weights – Antique Grandfather Clocks – Oak Grandfather Clock – Modern Grandfather Clock – Cherry Grandfather Clock.
Here’s a video of the song ‘Grandfather’s Clock’ – hope you enjoy the banjo… ;)
Contemporary Wall Clock
For my formal dinning area I chose a contemporary grandfather clock. Believe me, it does not slightly resemble the grandfather clocks that come to mind. It is made of chrome and metal and is the focal point of the room.
Fine Art Friday
He is, as described by the painting’s title, standing between the tall grandfather clock and the bed. Vibrantly colored and painted with a tumultuous energy, this image does not immediately connote Munch’s typical themes of death and (…)
Moon dials and how to read them
Very old grandfather clocks many times have moon dials, so they not new idea Their purpose do time moon, hands do time day—they keep track you Once set properly, you can look your moon dial and know right away (…)
Grandfather’s Clock
Can you hear the ‘tick, tock, tick, tock’ of it? Made by bronze, metal. Really is a clock!
Garment travel bag
The grandfather clock in my parent’s house stood in the corner of the dining room from the time of their marriage. This antique clock was a bargain at the purchase price of 5 at an auction when they first set up home and nearly 60 years (…)
Cleaning Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks
Cleaning Howard Miller grandfather clocks instructions available. Learn to remove the clock mechanism. Buy grandfather clocks.
A Very Mary Find is mine now
And it’s now hanging on the wall in Lily’s room. I ticks rather loudly but I like that. It makes it seem like an old grandfather clock in an old established, cozy house. Except it’s an orange mushroom. If you see what I mean.