Like the storied countryside of England, grandfather clocks from that country are rich in history and tradition. The first known pendulum clock was made in 1656. Grandfather clocks got their name in 1875 from a song by Henry Work. Grandfather clocks are also known as longcase or tallcase clocks.
English clockmakers have been involved in grandfather clock design and construction since the beginning. English grandfather clocks span a period of history that included the reign of Charles II, the Queen Anne period, the Georgian period, and the days of Queen Victoria. In fact, the famous Eastgate Clock was designed to celebrate Queen Victoria’s 80th birthday in 1897.
English grandfather clocks are not the work of a single man. Rather, they exemplify the best in teamwork. Each clock is a testament to a fine collaboration between designers, woodworkers, and silversmiths. Only the finest craftsman in each category worked on the clocks. Together, they created grandfather clocks that were beautiful, functional, and long-lasting.
In early 18th century, English grandfather clocks were made with moon dials. This enabled clock owners to know the moon phase at a glance, in addition to the hour and the minute. More than just a stylish fad, the moon dial was critical to the lifestyle of the day. This feature was helpful to travelers, as they often needed their journeys to coincide with the moon’s phases. Journeys were safer by the light of the moon. Moon phases were also helpful for farmers. Some clocks today still feature a moon dial and lunar calendar.
Today, many antique English grandfather clocks are still in circulation. These valuable clocks are quite popular with collectors. Some popular English grandfather clocks include those by Holmes, Trubshaw, Thomas Cartwright, Thomas Wright, Matthew & Thomas Dutton, Daniel Quare, Allam & Clements, and Thomas Johnson. For a clock of enduring quality and classic beauty, any of these fine examples would be a valuable prize for someone considering the purchase of an English grandfather clock.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The German Grandfather Clock Tradition
We expect a lot from our clocks. We expect them to be breathtakingly beautiful. We expect them to make a strong statement about our status in life. They should brighten our home with their elegance. Their rich chimes should fill our life with music. Above all else, though, they should be reliable and steadfast.
At some point, we’ve all heard the phrase that something works “like clockwork.” That is how dependable we expect our clocks to be. We think of them as infallible. Clocks have become a symbol of everything strong and faithful. In fact, we put our lives in their hands, trusting them to keep us on time, on track, and on schedule. What could be a better symbol of steadfast loyalty than the grandfather clock? Standing well over 6 feet tall and constructed of solid wood, they are the very picture of faithful duty.
In the world of grandfather clocks , German grandfather clocks are known to be well-made and valuable. They are among the most respected and trusted clocks of all. In fact, some of the most revered antique grandfather clocks are of German craft. Harfen-Gong grandfather clocks, for example, are German-made antiques. Many are still working today, which is further testimony to the quality of German craftsmanship. Another popular German clock was made by Berger & Wuerker in the early 1900s.
German parts are often an intricate ingredient even in clocks made in other parts of the world. In any country, German movements are synonymous with quality and reliability. The oldest existing maker of mechanical movements is the Kieninger Clock Factory, founded in Germany in 1912 by Joseph Kieninger. Today, many of the world’s best clocks, such as Howard Miller and Ridgeway, rely on the technology of German movements.
Though most grandfather clocks are not actually made in Germany today, the German technology is still the driving force behind some of the greatest and most valuable grandfather clocks on the market.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
At some point, we’ve all heard the phrase that something works “like clockwork.” That is how dependable we expect our clocks to be. We think of them as infallible. Clocks have become a symbol of everything strong and faithful. In fact, we put our lives in their hands, trusting them to keep us on time, on track, and on schedule. What could be a better symbol of steadfast loyalty than the grandfather clock? Standing well over 6 feet tall and constructed of solid wood, they are the very picture of faithful duty.
In the world of grandfather clocks , German grandfather clocks are known to be well-made and valuable. They are among the most respected and trusted clocks of all. In fact, some of the most revered antique grandfather clocks are of German craft. Harfen-Gong grandfather clocks, for example, are German-made antiques. Many are still working today, which is further testimony to the quality of German craftsmanship. Another popular German clock was made by Berger & Wuerker in the early 1900s.
German parts are often an intricate ingredient even in clocks made in other parts of the world. In any country, German movements are synonymous with quality and reliability. The oldest existing maker of mechanical movements is the Kieninger Clock Factory, founded in Germany in 1912 by Joseph Kieninger. Today, many of the world’s best clocks, such as Howard Miller and Ridgeway, rely on the technology of German movements.
Though most grandfather clocks are not actually made in Germany today, the German technology is still the driving force behind some of the greatest and most valuable grandfather clocks on the market.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Annely
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Monday, January 29, 2007
Idol chatter
Idol chatter .Rick Maese Let the others rely on ticking grandfather clocks, sunrises, rooster crows and good-morning kisses. I have something so much more dependable by which to track the passage of time, and I'll never need to wind up anything or change a battery. We've reached the point where the entire world can be viewed and measured by the incessant and inconsequential Barbaro health updates.
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Sunday, January 28, 2007
John Anthony Sorriento
John Anthony Sorriento .Wall, mantle and grandfather clocks tick and chime away. Watch and Horological Times, trade magazines, are scattered on countertops. Quote: "Whether it's a Rolex or a Timex, if it's important to the person, I can repair the watch or clock. It's ...
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Grandfather Clocks and Their Long, Longcase History
Grandfather clocks are also known as floor clocks or longcase clocks. In fact, although the first grandfather clocks were made around the mid-1600s, they were not commonly called “grandfather clocks” until after 1875.
What is the history of the grandfather clock?
The true history of grandfather clocks begins back in 1582 when Galileo Galilei first discovered that you could use a pendulum to keep time. It was Galileo, in fact, who drew the first designs for a floor clock. A man named Christiaan Huygens built the first working floor clock by using what Galileo discovered. Of course, it is William Clement who usually gets accredited with the first true grandfather clock.
You might say that William Clement is the “father of grandfather clocks.” The very first clocks did not actually keep time all that well. It was William Clement who helped fix this problem by making the pendulum longer. With a longer pendulum, a floor clock could keep better time. Of course, longer pendulums required longer cases, and this is where the term long case clock came from.
Where did the name "grandfather" clock come from?
The story of the grandfather clock generally goes like this: Once upon a time, in Piercebridge, North Yorkshire, England, there was a lovely lodge known as the George Hotel. Two handsome and loyal bachelor brothers named Jenkins managed the George hotel.
The Jenkins brothers had a beautiful floor clock that stood in the hotel lobby. Hotel guests would often admire the beauty of the clock, and the Jenkins brothers were very proud of it. This particular floor clock kept very good time (which was not terribly usual since the mechanics of long case clocks were still being fixed and improved at the time).
One day, one of the Jenkins brothers died quite suddenly and the old clock started to lose time. Eventually, the old floor clock began to lose an hour a day. When the second brother died, the floor clock stopped working completely. The floor clock was never repaired, and instead it just sat motionless in the hotel lobby.
Around 1875, Henry Work, an American songwriter stayed at the George Hotel while traveling through England. When he asked about the motionless clock, he received the story of the Jenkins brothers. Henry Work decided to write a song about the long case clock. The song lyrics start out, “Oh my grandfather’s clock…”
Nowadays, because of the Jenkins brothers and Henry Work, we refer to long case clocks as grandfather clocks. Grandfather clocks are still very popular in both the United States and England, as well as other countries. They are often cherished heirlooms. After all, why wouldn’t you want to pass on a clock through your family that has such a “family” name like grandfather clock and such a “family” story associated with it about the Jenkins brothers?
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on clocks, please visit Clocks.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
What is the history of the grandfather clock?
The true history of grandfather clocks begins back in 1582 when Galileo Galilei first discovered that you could use a pendulum to keep time. It was Galileo, in fact, who drew the first designs for a floor clock. A man named Christiaan Huygens built the first working floor clock by using what Galileo discovered. Of course, it is William Clement who usually gets accredited with the first true grandfather clock.
You might say that William Clement is the “father of grandfather clocks.” The very first clocks did not actually keep time all that well. It was William Clement who helped fix this problem by making the pendulum longer. With a longer pendulum, a floor clock could keep better time. Of course, longer pendulums required longer cases, and this is where the term long case clock came from.
Where did the name "grandfather" clock come from?
The story of the grandfather clock generally goes like this: Once upon a time, in Piercebridge, North Yorkshire, England, there was a lovely lodge known as the George Hotel. Two handsome and loyal bachelor brothers named Jenkins managed the George hotel.
The Jenkins brothers had a beautiful floor clock that stood in the hotel lobby. Hotel guests would often admire the beauty of the clock, and the Jenkins brothers were very proud of it. This particular floor clock kept very good time (which was not terribly usual since the mechanics of long case clocks were still being fixed and improved at the time).
One day, one of the Jenkins brothers died quite suddenly and the old clock started to lose time. Eventually, the old floor clock began to lose an hour a day. When the second brother died, the floor clock stopped working completely. The floor clock was never repaired, and instead it just sat motionless in the hotel lobby.
Around 1875, Henry Work, an American songwriter stayed at the George Hotel while traveling through England. When he asked about the motionless clock, he received the story of the Jenkins brothers. Henry Work decided to write a song about the long case clock. The song lyrics start out, “Oh my grandfather’s clock…”
Nowadays, because of the Jenkins brothers and Henry Work, we refer to long case clocks as grandfather clocks. Grandfather clocks are still very popular in both the United States and England, as well as other countries. They are often cherished heirlooms. After all, why wouldn’t you want to pass on a clock through your family that has such a “family” name like grandfather clock and such a “family” story associated with it about the Jenkins brothers?
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on clocks, please visit Clocks.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Monday, January 22, 2007
Why Do They Call Fred The Tick Tock Man
Why Do They Call Fred The Tick Tock Man .All Clocks Repaired, 35 Years of Clock Repair Experience - and Free Pick Up and Delivery Too!
( EMAILWIRE.COM, January 22, 2007 ) Livonia, MI -- Diana Masuoka said 'I met Mr. Bartholomew when I got my mother's antique 8-day clock repaired. It had not been working for over 30 years. It sat on my mother's mantel collecting dust because she could not locate a repairman who would guarantee that he could get it to run correctly. Thanks to Mr. Bartholomew, the clock was restored to its original beauty and sound-
Mr. Bartholomew moved to the Detroit area in 1983 from Dallas, Texas. He brought with him a wealth of experience repairing and restoring all types of clocks , including antiques and modern. I've seen him working on some amazingly beautiful French clocks, which he handled with expert care. When it comes to the larger clocks, such as the big grandfathers, he has the knowledge to properly handle the extremely heavy weights and movements that are inherent with this style. He also handles the most intricate and delicate parts of the movements that an Atmos clock requires.
Mr. Bartholomew's 'people skill- is high grade. His goal is 'customer satisfaction,- and he delivers. He gets referrals from the Howard Miller corporate office for clock set up, annual servicing, and any other specialty repairs that are needed. He is a professional that can handle from the most simple repair to the most elaborate. He specializes in repairing all types of clocks, including antique, modern, cuckoo, battery, grandfather, Atmos, mantel, wall, one-day, eight-day, 30-day, and 400-day.
He services the Detroit Metropolitan area, which includes Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Waterford, Clarkston, Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Lake Orion, Auburn Hills, Detroit, Grosse Pointes, Warren, Sterling Heights, Clawson, Madison Heights, Novi, Belleville, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Northville, Plymouth, Romulus, Southfield, Lathrup Village, Huntington Woods, Ferndale, Berkeley, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, Oxford, and Ortonville.
Ralph Marcus Maupin jr, customer, said 'I call Fred the Tick Tock Man because there in nothing in the clock business Fred can not fix or find the answer on!- ....
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
( EMAILWIRE.COM, January 22, 2007 ) Livonia, MI -- Diana Masuoka said 'I met Mr. Bartholomew when I got my mother's antique 8-day clock repaired. It had not been working for over 30 years. It sat on my mother's mantel collecting dust because she could not locate a repairman who would guarantee that he could get it to run correctly. Thanks to Mr. Bartholomew, the clock was restored to its original beauty and sound-
Mr. Bartholomew moved to the Detroit area in 1983 from Dallas, Texas. He brought with him a wealth of experience repairing and restoring all types of clocks , including antiques and modern. I've seen him working on some amazingly beautiful French clocks, which he handled with expert care. When it comes to the larger clocks, such as the big grandfathers, he has the knowledge to properly handle the extremely heavy weights and movements that are inherent with this style. He also handles the most intricate and delicate parts of the movements that an Atmos clock requires.
Mr. Bartholomew's 'people skill- is high grade. His goal is 'customer satisfaction,- and he delivers. He gets referrals from the Howard Miller corporate office for clock set up, annual servicing, and any other specialty repairs that are needed. He is a professional that can handle from the most simple repair to the most elaborate. He specializes in repairing all types of clocks, including antique, modern, cuckoo, battery, grandfather, Atmos, mantel, wall, one-day, eight-day, 30-day, and 400-day.
He services the Detroit Metropolitan area, which includes Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Waterford, Clarkston, Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Lake Orion, Auburn Hills, Detroit, Grosse Pointes, Warren, Sterling Heights, Clawson, Madison Heights, Novi, Belleville, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Northville, Plymouth, Romulus, Southfield, Lathrup Village, Huntington Woods, Ferndale, Berkeley, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, Oxford, and Ortonville.
Ralph Marcus Maupin jr, customer, said 'I call Fred the Tick Tock Man because there in nothing in the clock business Fred can not fix or find the answer on!- ....
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Business keeps on ticking
Business keeps on ticking .Dan Hooper is a clock doctor who makes house calls. I suppose you could call him a clock specialist. After six years training as a clock and watchmaker in Ontario, he took 11 months post-grad training on a scholarship to Neuchatel, Switzerland, the capital of the clock-making world.
Now he spends his days adjusting, cleaning and repairing clocks and watches from all over Ontario in his clock hospital at Hoopers Jewellry Store in downtown Bowmanville, about 50 km east of Toronto. Many of his evenings are devoted to house calls, tending to big grandfather clocks in country homes from Kingston to Niagara.
He even has a clock ambulance, a van with foam-rubber fittings in which he can transport critically ill Grandfather clocks for repairs in his shop where he makes parts that aren't easily obtainable from factories.
From Dan I learned that clock sales are booming in Canada but every year there are fewer and fewer repair technicians. The last course to train them in Canada -- at George Brown College in Toronto -- closed its doors a few years ago.
Meanwhile the demand for clocks, particularly big Grandfather clocks, is growing as exurbanites fill up the Ontario countryside with big houses that seem to demand important-looking clocks for their front halls.
Dan Hooper grew up in a clock-making family. His father, Art, was a watchmaker and instrument mechanic for the Canadian Army and later in private practice. Dan, after graduating from Bowmanville high school, served an apprenticeship with his father and took the four-year course at George Brown. After returning from studies in Switzerland, he worked for his father and other watchmakers and for a time travelled for the Canadian government to Ontario towns where he cleaned and cared for huge old weight-driven clocks in post office towers.
From the Clock and Watch Corner of the Hooper Jewellry Store -- reputed to be the oldest east of Yonge St. in Ontario -- he now sells as well as repairs many new and used clocks and watches. Television's Antiques Road Show has recently focused a lot of attention on old clocks, he says.
Every year, the store sells 12 or more used or new Grandfather clocks for $2,500 to $3,000. Most of the new ones come from factories in Waterloo, Ont., or Zeeland, Mich. Big ornate cuckoo clocks are also favourites, the new ones powered by batteries, the older ones by weights. For bigger clocks such as Grandfathers, weights are preferred because they provide a constant power source. Spring-driven clocks tend to lose power and get slower as springs run down. That's why so-called eight-day clocks really need to be wound every four days to keep them accurate ....
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Now he spends his days adjusting, cleaning and repairing clocks and watches from all over Ontario in his clock hospital at Hoopers Jewellry Store in downtown Bowmanville, about 50 km east of Toronto. Many of his evenings are devoted to house calls, tending to big grandfather clocks in country homes from Kingston to Niagara.
He even has a clock ambulance, a van with foam-rubber fittings in which he can transport critically ill Grandfather clocks for repairs in his shop where he makes parts that aren't easily obtainable from factories.
From Dan I learned that clock sales are booming in Canada but every year there are fewer and fewer repair technicians. The last course to train them in Canada -- at George Brown College in Toronto -- closed its doors a few years ago.
Meanwhile the demand for clocks, particularly big Grandfather clocks, is growing as exurbanites fill up the Ontario countryside with big houses that seem to demand important-looking clocks for their front halls.
Dan Hooper grew up in a clock-making family. His father, Art, was a watchmaker and instrument mechanic for the Canadian Army and later in private practice. Dan, after graduating from Bowmanville high school, served an apprenticeship with his father and took the four-year course at George Brown. After returning from studies in Switzerland, he worked for his father and other watchmakers and for a time travelled for the Canadian government to Ontario towns where he cleaned and cared for huge old weight-driven clocks in post office towers.
From the Clock and Watch Corner of the Hooper Jewellry Store -- reputed to be the oldest east of Yonge St. in Ontario -- he now sells as well as repairs many new and used clocks and watches. Television's Antiques Road Show has recently focused a lot of attention on old clocks, he says.
Every year, the store sells 12 or more used or new Grandfather clocks for $2,500 to $3,000. Most of the new ones come from factories in Waterloo, Ont., or Zeeland, Mich. Big ornate cuckoo clocks are also favourites, the new ones powered by batteries, the older ones by weights. For bigger clocks such as Grandfathers, weights are preferred because they provide a constant power source. Spring-driven clocks tend to lose power and get slower as springs run down. That's why so-called eight-day clocks really need to be wound every four days to keep them accurate ....
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Grandfather Clocks: A History
Grandfather clocks have not been around forever. Humans have attempted to find the most reliable way to keep track of time since the beginning of civilization. When they first attempted to track time, it was done so through the tracking of the phases of the moon in the nighttime sky. In the earliest days, the seasons, months and years were tracked by carefully monitoring the phases of the moon. As the years passed by, it was the sun and stars that became the known way for civilizations to keep track of time.
The Sumerian civilization began to use the device known as the sundial to break out days into even two-hour blocks. The Egyptian civilization used a device that did the same thing, which became Cleopatra's Needle. The Ancient Romans were the first to divide the day into day and night increments.
An increasing desire for more precise measurements stemmed the invention of the water clock, and then later on came the hourglass. These two time tracking inventions were limited, as they depended upon water and sand to function properly. Still, people wanted ways to track time that did not depend upon seasonal forces.
The first form of grandfather clocks surfaced in 1582. Although not called that when discovered, Galileo found that a pendulum could be used to track time. Once that was figured out, the designs for a grandfather clock, though he did not build it, were first put into motion. Then, years later in 1656, Christiaan Huygens constructed the first known grandfather clock, putting Galileo's discovery to use and brought his plans to fruition. Although a significant breakthrough, the clock was not able to keep accurate time. This does not deter from the fact that it was a major breakthrough in the technological world of timekeeping. As the years passed, many inventors put their own touches on this clock to maintain accurate time, but all failed.
Then in 1670, as with most logical reasoning, an edit was made to the clock design. A longer pendulum was put in the clock. Time was kept with pinpoint accuracy from that time on. But it was not until a song from Henry Work in 1875, did we get the name grandfather clock. The name was from one of his songs, and the name has stuck.
The grandfather clocks of today rely on the same form of pendulum swing and the design is the exact same as it was over 100 years ago. It is a piece of technology that time has not yet altered.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
The Sumerian civilization began to use the device known as the sundial to break out days into even two-hour blocks. The Egyptian civilization used a device that did the same thing, which became Cleopatra's Needle. The Ancient Romans were the first to divide the day into day and night increments.
An increasing desire for more precise measurements stemmed the invention of the water clock, and then later on came the hourglass. These two time tracking inventions were limited, as they depended upon water and sand to function properly. Still, people wanted ways to track time that did not depend upon seasonal forces.
The first form of grandfather clocks surfaced in 1582. Although not called that when discovered, Galileo found that a pendulum could be used to track time. Once that was figured out, the designs for a grandfather clock, though he did not build it, were first put into motion. Then, years later in 1656, Christiaan Huygens constructed the first known grandfather clock, putting Galileo's discovery to use and brought his plans to fruition. Although a significant breakthrough, the clock was not able to keep accurate time. This does not deter from the fact that it was a major breakthrough in the technological world of timekeeping. As the years passed, many inventors put their own touches on this clock to maintain accurate time, but all failed.
Then in 1670, as with most logical reasoning, an edit was made to the clock design. A longer pendulum was put in the clock. Time was kept with pinpoint accuracy from that time on. But it was not until a song from Henry Work in 1875, did we get the name grandfather clock. The name was from one of his songs, and the name has stuck.
The grandfather clocks of today rely on the same form of pendulum swing and the design is the exact same as it was over 100 years ago. It is a piece of technology that time has not yet altered.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Friday, January 19, 2007
Bradford Woods man passes time creating clocks
Bradford Woods man passes time creating clocks .A downed tree may be a nuisance when it's in your yard, but to Richard Mowrey, it's raw material.
Most weekends, Mr. Mowrey, 55, can be found in his back yard, hollowing out 10-foot-long logs in a first step toward creating unique grandfather clocks .
As the year drew to a close, he was outside his Bradford Woods home working on an enormous white oak. He'd salvaged the tree trunk from a home-building project under way next to his house.
In the chilly morning, Mr. Mowrey used hand tools to hollow out the trunk and to strip off the bark.
When all that work is done, he will move the 500-pound chunk of wood into his basement workshop, where it will be dried for months. If the wood survives the process without cracking, it will be carved into a grandfather clock, sanded, and waxed.
The whole process takes about eight months, but Mr. Mowrey is fine with that timeline. This is not a job, just a possibility to one day make a little extra money for tools or, perhaps, retirement.
For now, Mr. Mowrey works as director of marketing and business development for Centria, a Moon-based supplier of metal roofs and walls.
Before settling on making grandfather clocks, Mr. Mowrey dabbled for years in woodcrafting and working with slate. But those hobbies did not consume his weekends the way clock-carving has.
"I wasn't excited about anything I made," Mr. Mowrey said. "It wasn't until I found I really enjoyed making something totally different that I really got into it.
"I finally stumbled onto something I can create myself," he said.
The clocks are shaped out of a single piece of wood.
He usually works with wood he salvages; he found a nice, workable cherry stump on a friend's property after it was logged, for instance.
The wood is dried out in a controlled process that Mr. Mowrey has perfected through research and trial and error, and that he won't discuss in detail.
Because every tree is different and responds differently to the drying process, no two look alike.
In fact, Mr. Mowrey is drawn to raw materials with odd characteristics.
One piece ready for carving in his basement now has a dark scar emblazoned on its trunk. That scar won't be removed, but instead will be a highlight of the final product.
"That will be front and center," Mr. Mowrey said. "It's the artwork Mother Nature gave me."
Mr. Mowrey said he is not sure if his clocks should be considered art or furniture, but he displayed some at the Three Rivers Arts Festival last summer. The most popular piece was an Austrian pine clock with a pronounced bend to it.
"The kids liked it," he said. "They thought it looked like the 'Beauty and the Beast' clock."
One little girl even hugged it, he said.
Despite the favorable responses, no one bought any of the pieces, so Mr. Mowrey is now displaying his works at a furniture shop near Seven Springs Mountain Resort. He envisions chalets and ski lodges as the perfect environment for his timepieces.
He doesn't build the movements that are placed in the clocks, but buys them from Hermle, a German company. The movements themselves cost from $100 to $300, Mr. Mowrey said....
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Most weekends, Mr. Mowrey, 55, can be found in his back yard, hollowing out 10-foot-long logs in a first step toward creating unique grandfather clocks .
As the year drew to a close, he was outside his Bradford Woods home working on an enormous white oak. He'd salvaged the tree trunk from a home-building project under way next to his house.
In the chilly morning, Mr. Mowrey used hand tools to hollow out the trunk and to strip off the bark.
When all that work is done, he will move the 500-pound chunk of wood into his basement workshop, where it will be dried for months. If the wood survives the process without cracking, it will be carved into a grandfather clock, sanded, and waxed.
The whole process takes about eight months, but Mr. Mowrey is fine with that timeline. This is not a job, just a possibility to one day make a little extra money for tools or, perhaps, retirement.
For now, Mr. Mowrey works as director of marketing and business development for Centria, a Moon-based supplier of metal roofs and walls.
Before settling on making grandfather clocks, Mr. Mowrey dabbled for years in woodcrafting and working with slate. But those hobbies did not consume his weekends the way clock-carving has.
"I wasn't excited about anything I made," Mr. Mowrey said. "It wasn't until I found I really enjoyed making something totally different that I really got into it.
"I finally stumbled onto something I can create myself," he said.
The clocks are shaped out of a single piece of wood.
He usually works with wood he salvages; he found a nice, workable cherry stump on a friend's property after it was logged, for instance.
The wood is dried out in a controlled process that Mr. Mowrey has perfected through research and trial and error, and that he won't discuss in detail.
Because every tree is different and responds differently to the drying process, no two look alike.
In fact, Mr. Mowrey is drawn to raw materials with odd characteristics.
One piece ready for carving in his basement now has a dark scar emblazoned on its trunk. That scar won't be removed, but instead will be a highlight of the final product.
"That will be front and center," Mr. Mowrey said. "It's the artwork Mother Nature gave me."
Mr. Mowrey said he is not sure if his clocks should be considered art or furniture, but he displayed some at the Three Rivers Arts Festival last summer. The most popular piece was an Austrian pine clock with a pronounced bend to it.
"The kids liked it," he said. "They thought it looked like the 'Beauty and the Beast' clock."
One little girl even hugged it, he said.
Despite the favorable responses, no one bought any of the pieces, so Mr. Mowrey is now displaying his works at a furniture shop near Seven Springs Mountain Resort. He envisions chalets and ski lodges as the perfect environment for his timepieces.
He doesn't build the movements that are placed in the clocks, but buys them from Hermle, a German company. The movements themselves cost from $100 to $300, Mr. Mowrey said....
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Mantle Clocks - Great Deals And Huge Selection
Nothing gives the appearance of traditional style like a mantle clock that you display with pride. For centuries mantle clocks have been a prominent part of any formal room. The mantle clock is still a timeless statement of grace and today you can find styles ranging from the traditional to modern and eclectic. Your mantle will be transformed into an indication of your exquisite taste and your family and guests will appreciate the classic addition to your family room. Mantle clocks come in all sizes, styles, and materials. You can find a mantle clock to fit your budget and your dcor from a variety of online merchants and your local retailers.
Mantle clocks can be expensive, especially if you are searching for a traditional style made from exquisite wood, suitable for heirloom status. The good news is that you can find upscale mantle clocks for significantly less than you imagined. Shopping for and comparing the various styles of mantle clocks is simple due to the advent of the internet and the numerous choices available to your from merchants around the world. Do not be fooled by cheap mantle clocks that come with an inflated price tag. Make sure the mantle clock you choose will last for generations and will be cherished for years to come by your family.
If you have a mantle in your home but have yet to purchase a mantle clock, there has never been a better time to shop. Safe, secure purchasing and fast shipping means you can get the mantle clock you desire and have it delivered directly to your door. You'll be thrilled with the choices and the customer care you receive from the professional retailers you find online. Your new mantle clock could be gracing your mantle in a very short period of time.
Source: http://www.articlealley.com
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Mantle clocks can be expensive, especially if you are searching for a traditional style made from exquisite wood, suitable for heirloom status. The good news is that you can find upscale mantle clocks for significantly less than you imagined. Shopping for and comparing the various styles of mantle clocks is simple due to the advent of the internet and the numerous choices available to your from merchants around the world. Do not be fooled by cheap mantle clocks that come with an inflated price tag. Make sure the mantle clock you choose will last for generations and will be cherished for years to come by your family.
If you have a mantle in your home but have yet to purchase a mantle clock, there has never been a better time to shop. Safe, secure purchasing and fast shipping means you can get the mantle clock you desire and have it delivered directly to your door. You'll be thrilled with the choices and the customer care you receive from the professional retailers you find online. Your new mantle clock could be gracing your mantle in a very short period of time.
Source: http://www.articlealley.com
Visit our online site for a great selection of grandfather clocks .
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
What Is An Atomic Clock?
The first atomic clock came into existence in 1949. The U.S. National Bureau of standards was the home of this prototype of modern atomic clocks. The first accurate atomic clock was designed in 1955. This clock was based upon the transition of the caesium-133 atom. The discovery of this technology was the basis if the internationally agreed upon second. The United States has an official clock, an atomic clock, that is responsible for the accuracy of time throughout the country and is working in conjunction with clocks around the world to ensure that time is kept in unison across the globe.
Today we can find atomic clocks for our homes, offices, and electronic devices. These highly popular clocks can be purchased from your local retailers or from reputable online merchants who specialize in bringing you only the best, most precise timepieces around. Various styles and designs will make it easy for you to choose the atomic clock that best suits your needs. The atomic clocks used by government entities are by far the most accurate, but personal atomic clocks are highly reliable and you will be certain that you always know exactly what time it is at any given moment.
When shopping for an atomic clock, keep in mind that versions available to the general public are not suitable for scientific calculations, but instead a personal asset and a symbol of precise decisiveness. You can find an atomic clock in any price range and in many styles. An atomic clock makes a great conversation piece and will be a stylish addition to your home or office. Taste, style, and precision are what you will find when you begin your search for the perfect atomic clock. Great deals and numerous choices are a click away.
Source: http://www.articlealley.com
Today we can find atomic clocks for our homes, offices, and electronic devices. These highly popular clocks can be purchased from your local retailers or from reputable online merchants who specialize in bringing you only the best, most precise timepieces around. Various styles and designs will make it easy for you to choose the atomic clock that best suits your needs. The atomic clocks used by government entities are by far the most accurate, but personal atomic clocks are highly reliable and you will be certain that you always know exactly what time it is at any given moment.
When shopping for an atomic clock, keep in mind that versions available to the general public are not suitable for scientific calculations, but instead a personal asset and a symbol of precise decisiveness. You can find an atomic clock in any price range and in many styles. An atomic clock makes a great conversation piece and will be a stylish addition to your home or office. Taste, style, and precision are what you will find when you begin your search for the perfect atomic clock. Great deals and numerous choices are a click away.
Source: http://www.articlealley.com
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Clocks For Your Home And Your Lifestyle
Clocks are an important part of our culture and history.
For centuries the quest to keep accurate time has resulted
in the amazing ability to keep almost exact time in a
functional, stylish package. Clock manufacturers go to
great lengths to produce highly accurate clocks in a wide
variety of designs. It is often the easiest path to simply
purchase an inexpensive clock that functions adequately, but
there are numerous choices and types when it comes to
shopping for a clock. By simply taking the time to shop for
your next clock rather than just pick up the cheapest, most
convenient clock you can find, you will discover a wide
range of clocks for any room in your home that will express
your unique style and excellent taste.
Clocks are the perfect addition to any room, wall, desk,
outdoor area, shelf, or mantle. A clock can be handcrafted
so exquisitely crafted that it is of heirloom quality and
would be a treasured addition to your family. There are
clocks in any shape, color, style, and many feature
additional functions such as alarms and weather forecasters.
You may choose a traditional clock with hands and a
numerical face, or a modern digital clock with sleek,
contemporary styling. A clock is one of the better
accessories you can choose for your home or office dcor and
you can often find great deals from online merchants.
Choosing a clock should be given a larger place of
importance than we normally consider. A clock can be a
wonderful decoration, a purely functional item that is
purchased out of necessity, or an heirloom treasure to pass
from generation to generation. Whether you want a full-size
grandfather clock or a small wind-up alarm clock, take a
little time in choosing your next new clock and stop to
recall the pride and workmanship that have gone into
creating clocks throughout history.
Source: http://www.articlealley.com
For centuries the quest to keep accurate time has resulted
in the amazing ability to keep almost exact time in a
functional, stylish package. Clock manufacturers go to
great lengths to produce highly accurate clocks in a wide
variety of designs. It is often the easiest path to simply
purchase an inexpensive clock that functions adequately, but
there are numerous choices and types when it comes to
shopping for a clock. By simply taking the time to shop for
your next clock rather than just pick up the cheapest, most
convenient clock you can find, you will discover a wide
range of clocks for any room in your home that will express
your unique style and excellent taste.
Clocks are the perfect addition to any room, wall, desk,
outdoor area, shelf, or mantle. A clock can be handcrafted
so exquisitely crafted that it is of heirloom quality and
would be a treasured addition to your family. There are
clocks in any shape, color, style, and many feature
additional functions such as alarms and weather forecasters.
You may choose a traditional clock with hands and a
numerical face, or a modern digital clock with sleek,
contemporary styling. A clock is one of the better
accessories you can choose for your home or office dcor and
you can often find great deals from online merchants.
Choosing a clock should be given a larger place of
importance than we normally consider. A clock can be a
wonderful decoration, a purely functional item that is
purchased out of necessity, or an heirloom treasure to pass
from generation to generation. Whether you want a full-size
grandfather clock or a small wind-up alarm clock, take a
little time in choosing your next new clock and stop to
recall the pride and workmanship that have gone into
creating clocks throughout history.
Source: http://www.articlealley.com
Monday, January 15, 2007
A Clock, A Great Gift Idea !
A Clock, A Great Gift Idea !
Have you ever been stuck for a gift idea for that hard to buy for person on your list. Well is a time saving idea. Give them a clock ! Everybody sooner or later needs one.
You will have a wide range of clocks to choose from as well as a wide range in prices.
There are many clocks suited for collecting or just decorating our walls. Antique looking clocks are just one variety. They have that antique look and feel without the hefty antique price tag. These clocks are a very good way to start your own heirloom collection. You will be proud to hand these down through your family. They are sure to become cherished antiques.
Maybe antiques aren't your thing. There are many other styles or themes to choose from. For Example there are sport related clocks, lighthouse collectibles, religious oriented, desk clocks, mantel clocks, or a wide variety of wall clocks you could choose from. These are just a few ideas to get you started. So if you find yourself frantically searching for that perfect gift, consider saving time and trying a unique gift. Buy someone a clock.
Here at millersonlinemall.com we have a fine selection of great clocks for you to choose from. Stop by for a visit.
Source: http://www.articlealley.com
Have you ever been stuck for a gift idea for that hard to buy for person on your list. Well is a time saving idea. Give them a clock ! Everybody sooner or later needs one.
You will have a wide range of clocks to choose from as well as a wide range in prices.
There are many clocks suited for collecting or just decorating our walls. Antique looking clocks are just one variety. They have that antique look and feel without the hefty antique price tag. These clocks are a very good way to start your own heirloom collection. You will be proud to hand these down through your family. They are sure to become cherished antiques.
Maybe antiques aren't your thing. There are many other styles or themes to choose from. For Example there are sport related clocks, lighthouse collectibles, religious oriented, desk clocks, mantel clocks, or a wide variety of wall clocks you could choose from. These are just a few ideas to get you started. So if you find yourself frantically searching for that perfect gift, consider saving time and trying a unique gift. Buy someone a clock.
Here at millersonlinemall.com we have a fine selection of great clocks for you to choose from. Stop by for a visit.
Source: http://www.articlealley.com
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Clocks and the World
Clocks come in many shapes and sizes. Some clocks play familiar melodies or chime, ring or gong on the hour, and still others just tick away the seconds, minutes, and hours. Take the time to stop and think just how important clocks are to each and every person on earth. Every day each of us depends on some sort of clock, watch or, other time piece to either wake us up or keep us on time for appointments, meetings, or other events in our busy lives.
Since clocks were invented clock designers have tried to make clocks that fit each of us personally. They design clocks in many shapes, sizes, colors and themes. There are clocks for mantels, desks, wall clocks, clocks shaped like lighthouses, golf balls, race cars and even crosses. There are religious clocks, animal shaped clocks, calendar clocks, and many other uniquely crafted clocks. I think there is a clock out there to fit everyone.
It's amazing if you stop and think that every man, woman, and child will at some point in time need a clock, watch, or other time keeping piece. This is why I decided to write this article, to make everyone aware of just how important clocks are to world. So if you or someone you know is searching for that special gift for that hard to buy for person on your list consider a clock to fit their special personality...
Source: http://www.articlealley.com .
Since clocks were invented clock designers have tried to make clocks that fit each of us personally. They design clocks in many shapes, sizes, colors and themes. There are clocks for mantels, desks, wall clocks, clocks shaped like lighthouses, golf balls, race cars and even crosses. There are religious clocks, animal shaped clocks, calendar clocks, and many other uniquely crafted clocks. I think there is a clock out there to fit everyone.
It's amazing if you stop and think that every man, woman, and child will at some point in time need a clock, watch, or other time keeping piece. This is why I decided to write this article, to make everyone aware of just how important clocks are to world. So if you or someone you know is searching for that special gift for that hard to buy for person on your list consider a clock to fit their special personality...
Source: http://www.articlealley.com .
Friday, January 12, 2007
Clock sold at auction in Glens Falls garners $39,000
Clock sold at auction in Glens Falls garners $39,000.GLENS FALLS -- It's a hefty price to pay for a grandfather clock -- $39,050. Even Tyrer Galleries owner Bob Tyrer says so.
But that's the price a Philadelphia Tall Case clock fetched at Tyrer's annual New Year's Day auction, setting a gallery record for clock prices.
"Most clocks go for anywhere up to $4,000. This price is unheard of. But it's really an exceptional piece of Americana. We had standing-room-only and seven people from all over the country making bids by phone," Tyrer said.
The clock dates to 1770, when its maker, William Hudson, crafted the piece in Mount Holly, N.J.
"Hudson was the son of the mayor of Philadelphia. He was a well-known clock maker," Tyrer said.
The clock was purchased by a "prominent family living in Salem, N.J.," in the 1800s, who then moved to Baltimore, Md., in the 1900s, according to Tyrer.
Tyrer said he couldn't say who the family was, per their request, but that the clock moved with the family to Whitehall in the mid-1970s.
Tyrer said the auction for the clock opened at around $8,000, with several bidders active.
"The clock is a walnut case Philadelphia Tall Case clock with a moon face and silvered dial," Tyrer said. "The Henry Francis DuPont Winterthur Museum (in Delaware) asked for photos of it in the 1970s for their archives. Anyone who knows antiques knows this museum. It means this clock is a rarity. At auction, people knew it was a find."...
But that's the price a Philadelphia Tall Case clock fetched at Tyrer's annual New Year's Day auction, setting a gallery record for clock prices.
"Most clocks go for anywhere up to $4,000. This price is unheard of. But it's really an exceptional piece of Americana. We had standing-room-only and seven people from all over the country making bids by phone," Tyrer said.
The clock dates to 1770, when its maker, William Hudson, crafted the piece in Mount Holly, N.J.
"Hudson was the son of the mayor of Philadelphia. He was a well-known clock maker," Tyrer said.
The clock was purchased by a "prominent family living in Salem, N.J.," in the 1800s, who then moved to Baltimore, Md., in the 1900s, according to Tyrer.
Tyrer said he couldn't say who the family was, per their request, but that the clock moved with the family to Whitehall in the mid-1970s.
Tyrer said the auction for the clock opened at around $8,000, with several bidders active.
"The clock is a walnut case Philadelphia Tall Case clock with a moon face and silvered dial," Tyrer said. "The Henry Francis DuPont Winterthur Museum (in Delaware) asked for photos of it in the 1970s for their archives. Anyone who knows antiques knows this museum. It means this clock is a rarity. At auction, people knew it was a find."...
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Grandfather Clocks: How to Set One Up In Your Home
A grandfather clock lends an aura of elegance to any room. If you've bought one but are not sure how to set it up so that looks and works at its best, here are several quick tips to help you out.
* A grandfather clock should always stand on a level surface. This sounds elementary, but failure to ensure this can affect its functioning adversely.
When setting it against the wall, sometimes you'll find that the carpet is thicker towards the wall because of grip rods. Or perhaps there's a skirting board where the floor meets the wall and so you don't have a level surface.
If the case leans a little in any direction, compensate for it by using pieces of wood, carpeting or other material so that it stands vertically.
You can even screw a long case clock to the wall, provided it stands upright and doesn't lean backwards.
* When fastening the pendulum, remember that most pendulums are not uniform -- they have distinct front and back sides. The front of the pendulum is usually the flat side of the bob. It's the side that's highly polished.
The pendulum should hang free from all sides of the case. If it touches the backboard or makes a scratching noise, it may mean that the case is leaning backwards. You'll need to compensate for it.
* Most grandfather clocks are weight driven rather than spring driven. After you hang the weights in the clock, ensure that they stand free of the pendulum at all times. They should not touch the pendulum or any part of the casing as they fall.
* Once everything is in place and the clock is wound up, start the pendulum swinging. Listen carefully for a steady tick-tock sound. The sound should be regular and evenly spaced.
If the tick-tock is not regular, you have some adjustments to do. The case may be leaning a bit in one direction or another. Use pieces of wood or carpet pieces to make adjustments. Keep testing until you get a steady tick-tock sound.
It may take a bit of experimentation to find the right direction to lean the case in and to figure out the amount by which it should be adjusted.
* When moving the hands of grandfather clocks to set the time, don't move them backwards more than a few minutes. And never move them backwards past the number twelve.
You can safely move the hands forward. When moving the hands past the number twelve, wait until the clock has finished striking the hour before moving on.
* Some grandfather clocks come with moon phase and / or day count discs. When you adjust these discs, wait until they are unmeshed from the clockwork mechanism. Usually, they are meshed with the clockwork between 5 pm and 7 pm or between 11 pm and 1 pm. So avoid adjusting the moon phase and day count at these times.
Your clock may work a bit differently, so experiment to find out when the discs are unmeshed from the rest of the mechanism before making adjustments.
* As your long case clock runs for several days, you may find that it is gaining or losing time. To set this right, you need to alter the length of the pendulum.
To slow down the clock, increase the length of the pendulum. Usually, you'll find a nut at the end of the pendulum bob. When you turn the nut downwards, the bob will move downwards thus increasing the pendulum length. Move the nut upwards to make the clock go faster.
These simple tips should help you set up your grandfather clock correctly. If necessary, get help from the store you purchased the clock from. Enjoy the look of elegance and grandeur a grandfather clock adds to your home!
Source: http://www.articlealley.com
* A grandfather clock should always stand on a level surface. This sounds elementary, but failure to ensure this can affect its functioning adversely.
When setting it against the wall, sometimes you'll find that the carpet is thicker towards the wall because of grip rods. Or perhaps there's a skirting board where the floor meets the wall and so you don't have a level surface.
If the case leans a little in any direction, compensate for it by using pieces of wood, carpeting or other material so that it stands vertically.
You can even screw a long case clock to the wall, provided it stands upright and doesn't lean backwards.
* When fastening the pendulum, remember that most pendulums are not uniform -- they have distinct front and back sides. The front of the pendulum is usually the flat side of the bob. It's the side that's highly polished.
The pendulum should hang free from all sides of the case. If it touches the backboard or makes a scratching noise, it may mean that the case is leaning backwards. You'll need to compensate for it.
* Most grandfather clocks are weight driven rather than spring driven. After you hang the weights in the clock, ensure that they stand free of the pendulum at all times. They should not touch the pendulum or any part of the casing as they fall.
* Once everything is in place and the clock is wound up, start the pendulum swinging. Listen carefully for a steady tick-tock sound. The sound should be regular and evenly spaced.
If the tick-tock is not regular, you have some adjustments to do. The case may be leaning a bit in one direction or another. Use pieces of wood or carpet pieces to make adjustments. Keep testing until you get a steady tick-tock sound.
It may take a bit of experimentation to find the right direction to lean the case in and to figure out the amount by which it should be adjusted.
* When moving the hands of grandfather clocks to set the time, don't move them backwards more than a few minutes. And never move them backwards past the number twelve.
You can safely move the hands forward. When moving the hands past the number twelve, wait until the clock has finished striking the hour before moving on.
* Some grandfather clocks come with moon phase and / or day count discs. When you adjust these discs, wait until they are unmeshed from the clockwork mechanism. Usually, they are meshed with the clockwork between 5 pm and 7 pm or between 11 pm and 1 pm. So avoid adjusting the moon phase and day count at these times.
Your clock may work a bit differently, so experiment to find out when the discs are unmeshed from the rest of the mechanism before making adjustments.
* As your long case clock runs for several days, you may find that it is gaining or losing time. To set this right, you need to alter the length of the pendulum.
To slow down the clock, increase the length of the pendulum. Usually, you'll find a nut at the end of the pendulum bob. When you turn the nut downwards, the bob will move downwards thus increasing the pendulum length. Move the nut upwards to make the clock go faster.
These simple tips should help you set up your grandfather clock correctly. If necessary, get help from the store you purchased the clock from. Enjoy the look of elegance and grandeur a grandfather clock adds to your home!
Source: http://www.articlealley.com
Monday, January 8, 2007
Grandfather Clocks Through the Centuries
The inexpensive quartz watches and clocks you see everywhere today keep time far more accurately than the stately grandfather clocks of yesteryear. But the latter have a charm and presence that few modern time-keeping devices can match.
It is thought that the very first mechanical clocks were devised by European monks sometime during the 13th century. They didn't have clock faces and hands to show the time. Instead, they struck a bell on the hour. So you couldn't tell the time by looking at these early clocks!
Later, an hour hand was added. Small domestic clocks made an appearance during the first few decades of the 15th century. There used to be a device called a lantern clock, which was a weight-driven time piece, which made its way to upper class homes around that time.
The major breakthrough in clock design came about in 1582 when Galileo discovered that a pendulum has a fixed period and so could be used for timekeeping. However, he did not actually build a pendulum-based clock.
That task was accomplished by Christiaan Huygens in 1656. His design was a significant improvement over the earlier mechanical clocks, because it was accurate to within three minutes or so per day.
The early pendulum clocks had short pendulums. The movements were made of cast iron and the clocks hung on the wall. Subsequently, they were encased in wood to improve their looks.
Around 1660, clocks with longer pendulums were introduced by English clockmakers. In another decade, the anchor escapement was perfected by William Clement. Robert Hook introduced the 39.1 inch pendulum. Together, these developments led to the creation of the first grandfather clocks, which often stood a majestic 7 feet tall.
They weren't called grandfather clocks , though. The early name was long case clocks or floor clocks. The term grandfather clock became popular only during the 1880s, after Henry Work wrote a song titled 'Grandfather's clock'.
Meanwhile, clock movements improved in design and manufacture. Long case clocks could keep time to within a few seconds variation per week. At this stage, a minute hand was added to clocks. With elaborately carved wood casings and the use of glass to highlight the clock face and pendulum, the grandfather clock evolved into an attractive timepiece.
In the early days, it cost a lot to produce long case clocks. They adorned mansions of royals and nobles. Production costs came down with time and other well-off households could afford them too.
It was in the 1680s that long case clocks first reached America. A few years later, they began to be produced in New England, Pennsylvania, Virginia and other places. In the 19th century, American clock making centers came up with brass movements, which cut costs significantly. That ended the dominance of the English as clock makers.
Grandfather clocks with their pendulum time-keepers can't rival the precision or reliability of modern atomic clocks. But there's something reassuringly solid and comforting about these time pieces of another era. One can safely predict that grandfather clocks will remain fixtures in connoisseurs' living rooms for a long time to come.
http://www.articlealley.com
It is thought that the very first mechanical clocks were devised by European monks sometime during the 13th century. They didn't have clock faces and hands to show the time. Instead, they struck a bell on the hour. So you couldn't tell the time by looking at these early clocks!
Later, an hour hand was added. Small domestic clocks made an appearance during the first few decades of the 15th century. There used to be a device called a lantern clock, which was a weight-driven time piece, which made its way to upper class homes around that time.
The major breakthrough in clock design came about in 1582 when Galileo discovered that a pendulum has a fixed period and so could be used for timekeeping. However, he did not actually build a pendulum-based clock.
That task was accomplished by Christiaan Huygens in 1656. His design was a significant improvement over the earlier mechanical clocks, because it was accurate to within three minutes or so per day.
The early pendulum clocks had short pendulums. The movements were made of cast iron and the clocks hung on the wall. Subsequently, they were encased in wood to improve their looks.
Around 1660, clocks with longer pendulums were introduced by English clockmakers. In another decade, the anchor escapement was perfected by William Clement. Robert Hook introduced the 39.1 inch pendulum. Together, these developments led to the creation of the first grandfather clocks, which often stood a majestic 7 feet tall.
They weren't called grandfather clocks , though. The early name was long case clocks or floor clocks. The term grandfather clock became popular only during the 1880s, after Henry Work wrote a song titled 'Grandfather's clock'.
Meanwhile, clock movements improved in design and manufacture. Long case clocks could keep time to within a few seconds variation per week. At this stage, a minute hand was added to clocks. With elaborately carved wood casings and the use of glass to highlight the clock face and pendulum, the grandfather clock evolved into an attractive timepiece.
In the early days, it cost a lot to produce long case clocks. They adorned mansions of royals and nobles. Production costs came down with time and other well-off households could afford them too.
It was in the 1680s that long case clocks first reached America. A few years later, they began to be produced in New England, Pennsylvania, Virginia and other places. In the 19th century, American clock making centers came up with brass movements, which cut costs significantly. That ended the dominance of the English as clock makers.
Grandfather clocks with their pendulum time-keepers can't rival the precision or reliability of modern atomic clocks. But there's something reassuringly solid and comforting about these time pieces of another era. One can safely predict that grandfather clocks will remain fixtures in connoisseurs' living rooms for a long time to come.
http://www.articlealley.com
Friday, January 5, 2007
Selecting a Grandfather Clock
The traditional grandfather clock has stood the test of time and continues to be a symbol of elegance and style. A grandfather clock goes well almost anywhere in a home. If there is enough space, the kitchen can be a great centerpiece for one. They should always be placed in a social room because they are a centerpiece and make a grand statement. Choosing a clock can be a complicated process, but it does not have to be. The first decision is whether you are looking for an authentic antique clock or if you just want to add some style to your space. Antique clocks are for the true aficionado and you should know what you are looking for before you venture out to find one. Most modern clocks are a great investment because they have finely tuned the technology. Even cheaper discounted clocks are a good choice. To truly impress anyone who knows about clocks, Howard Miller and Bulova are the most exceptionally crafted clocks out there. Anything German is also a very respectable choice. German engineering is impeccable with these clocks. There is also no need to worry about repair costs. Most clocks are very reliable and any problems can be fixed by a clock smith for a minimal fee. Beyond the type of clock you are looking for, it is hard to make a bad decision. Most clocks follow similar style are designed with much care. Grandfather clock buyers weeded out unimpressive style over a long period of time, so there aren't many that are distasteful. All you'll have to after you select one is to show it off.
http://www.articlealley.com .
http://www.articlealley.com .
Monday, January 1, 2007
The Value of Antique Grandfather Clocks
The Value of Antique Grandfather Clocks .These days, everything from ovens to telephones silently mark the minutes in glowing red and green letters, rendering the “tick tock” of the mechanical clock increasingly unnecessary. Digital clocks might be more convenient and accessible, but they will never hold our affection the way a good old-fashioned round-faced clock does.
Antique grandfather clocks are not collected for their time-keeping ability, they are a treasured piece of history, an heirloom to pass down to future generations. These classic timepieces are part of our lives, our homes, our families even. They are decorations and sometimes act as the design focal point of a room.
Antique clocks from the mid 1600s still exist. Some of these are worth well over $70,000. Some extremely rare models are worth over $100,000. A wise consumer, before spending this type of money, would have any prospective clock appraised before purchase.
These timeless treasures are available at flea markets, estate sales, local auctions, and through newspaper ads. Antique grandfather clocks can also sometimes be found at online auction sites. To be certain of a clock’s authenticity, you should only buy from a trusted and reputable seller. Read any listing carefully to ensure that the product you are buying is truly an antique. In addition to online auctions, established auction houses hold auctions for antique grandfather clocks, although these may happen only twice a year.
Antiques are a significant purchase, and should not be taken lightly. When buying an antique grandfather clock, there are several things to consider:
•Does the seller offer any guarantee of authenticity?
•What is the total price of the clock? Be sure to figure in shipping charges, tax, financing charges, etc.
•What is the clock’s condition? Obviously, a clock in excellent condition is considerably more valuable than one that is in poor form. A clock with all of its original components intact is worth more than one that has been restored.
•What are your intentions for the clock? If you intend to sell the clock, you need to find it at the absolute lowest price so that you can make a profit. On the other hand, if you are buying the clock purely for enjoyment, you might not be as concerned about original components, identifying marks, etc.
•How much is the clock really worth in today’s market. Knowledge of recent sales of similar clocks is extremely helpful in deciding how much to pay for a clock. If you do not have this knowledge, you should have a professional, unbiased appraisal done.
For those desiring the look of antique grandfather clocks without the hefty price tag, reproductions are available....
Antique grandfather clocks are not collected for their time-keeping ability, they are a treasured piece of history, an heirloom to pass down to future generations. These classic timepieces are part of our lives, our homes, our families even. They are decorations and sometimes act as the design focal point of a room.
Antique clocks from the mid 1600s still exist. Some of these are worth well over $70,000. Some extremely rare models are worth over $100,000. A wise consumer, before spending this type of money, would have any prospective clock appraised before purchase.
These timeless treasures are available at flea markets, estate sales, local auctions, and through newspaper ads. Antique grandfather clocks can also sometimes be found at online auction sites. To be certain of a clock’s authenticity, you should only buy from a trusted and reputable seller. Read any listing carefully to ensure that the product you are buying is truly an antique. In addition to online auctions, established auction houses hold auctions for antique grandfather clocks, although these may happen only twice a year.
Antiques are a significant purchase, and should not be taken lightly. When buying an antique grandfather clock, there are several things to consider:
•Does the seller offer any guarantee of authenticity?
•What is the total price of the clock? Be sure to figure in shipping charges, tax, financing charges, etc.
•What is the clock’s condition? Obviously, a clock in excellent condition is considerably more valuable than one that is in poor form. A clock with all of its original components intact is worth more than one that has been restored.
•What are your intentions for the clock? If you intend to sell the clock, you need to find it at the absolute lowest price so that you can make a profit. On the other hand, if you are buying the clock purely for enjoyment, you might not be as concerned about original components, identifying marks, etc.
•How much is the clock really worth in today’s market. Knowledge of recent sales of similar clocks is extremely helpful in deciding how much to pay for a clock. If you do not have this knowledge, you should have a professional, unbiased appraisal done.
For those desiring the look of antique grandfather clocks without the hefty price tag, reproductions are available....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)