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Grandfather clock
Grandfather clock
Grandfather clock
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8-day longcase clock. This example dates back to 1700 and the case to late 19th – early 20th century. The original dial of this clock was replaced by a brass dial with Tamil numerals, perhaps around the same time as the case. The original long-case was also replaced by a mandapa-shaped wooden carved case done in South Indian style. The front and the side panels are done in metal repoussé work with floral meanders. The lower part of the case depicts mythological scenes and the case was manufactured at the Madras School of Arts. This clock is on display in The Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai and was donated by Dorab Tata.

A grandfather clock (also a longcase clock, tall-case clock, grandfather's clock, hall clock or floor clock) is a tall, freestanding, weight-driven pendulum clock, with the pendulum held inside the tower or waist of the case. Clocks of this style are commonly 1.8–2.4 metres (6–8 feet) tall with an enclosed pendulum and weights, suspended by either cables or chains, that have to be occasionally calibrated to keep the proper time. The case often features elaborately carved ornamentation on the hood (or bonnet), which surrounds and frames the dial, or clock face.

The English clockmaker William Clement is credited with developing the form in 1670. Pendulum clocks were the world's most accurate timekeeping technology until the early 20th century. Furthermore, longcase clocks, due to their superior accuracy, served as time standards for households and businesses. Today, they are kept mainly for their decorative and antique value, having been superseded by analog and digital timekeepers.

Naming

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Longcase clock circa 1730 by Timothy Mason (clockmaker) of Gainsborough, Lincolnshire

The Oxford English Dictionary states that the popular 1876 song My Grandfather's Clock is responsible for the common name "grandfather clock" being applied to the longcase clock.[1]

Clock face circa 1730 Timothy Mason (clockmaker) of Gainsborough

The song was composed by the American songwriter Henry Clay Work, who discovered a longcase clock in The George Hotel in Piercebridge, County Durham, England. When he asked about the clock, he was informed that it had two owners. After the first owner died, the clock became inaccurate, and when the second owner died, the clock stopped working altogether. The story inspired Henry to create the song.

Grandfather clocks are of a certain height, generally at least 1.9 metres (6 ft 3 in). There are also so-called "grandmother" and "granddaughter" clocks, which are slightly shorter.[2][3]

Origin

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Lateral view of a longcase clock movement without striking mechanism, mid-1800s

The advent of the longcase clock was due to the invention of the anchor escapement mechanism by Robert Hooke in about 1658. Before adopting the anchor mechanism, pendulum clock movements used an older verge escapement mechanism, which required very wide pendulum swings of about 80–100 degrees.[4] Long pendulums with such wide swings could not be fitted within a case, so most free-standing clocks had short pendulums.

Lateral view of a Timothy Mason longcase clock movement with striking mechanism, circa 1730
The "tick-tock" of a grandfather clock

The anchor mechanism reduced the pendulum's swing to around 4 to 6 degrees,[4] allowing clockmakers to use longer pendulums, which had slower "beats". They consumed less power, allowing clocks to run longer between windings, caused less friction and wear in the movement, and were more accurate.[4] Almost all longcase clocks use a seconds pendulum (also called a "Royal" pendulum[5]) meaning each swing (or half-period) takes one second. They are about 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) long (to the centre of the bob), requiring a long, narrow case. The case pre-dated the anchor clock by a few decades, appearing in clocks in 1660, to allow a long drop for the powering weights. However, once the seconds pendulum began to be used, the long case proved perfect for housing it as well.[6][7]

British clockmaker William Clement, who disputed credit for the anchor escapement with Robert Hooke, had made the first longcase clocks by 1680.[8] Later the same year, Thomas Tompion, the most prominent British clockmaker, was making them too.[8] Longcase clocks spread rapidly from England to other European countries and Asia.

The first longcase clocks, like all clocks prior to the anchor escapement, had only one hand; an hour hand. The increased accuracy made possible by the anchor motivated the addition of the minute hand to clock faces in the next few decades.

Between 1680 and 1800, the average price of a grandfather clock in England remained steady at £1 10s. In 1680, that was the amount paid by an average working family for a year's rent, so the purchase of clocks was confined to the wealthy. By 1800, wages had increased enough to let many lower middle-class households own grandfather clocks.[9]

Modern longcase clocks use a more accurate variation of the anchor escapement called the deadbeat escapement.

Description

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Most of a longcase clock's height is used to hold the long pendulum and weights. The two chains attached to the weights and the lack of winding holes in the dial show this to be a 30-hour clock.

Longcase clocks were traditionally made with two types of movement: eight-day and one-day (30-hour) movements. A clock with an eight-day movement required winding only once a week, while generally less-expensive 30-hour clocks had to be wound daily. Eight-day clocks are often driven by two weights – one driving the pendulum and the other the striking mechanism, which typically consisted of a bell or chimes. Such movements usually have two keyholes, one on every side of the dial, to wind each weight.

By contrast, 30-hour clocks often had a single weight to drive the timekeeping and striking mechanisms. Some 30-hour clocks were made with false keyholes for customers who wanted guests to think that the household was able to afford the more expensive eight-day clock. All modern striking longcase clocks have eight-day mechanical quarter chiming and full hour striking movements. Most longcase clocks are cable-driven, meaning that cables suspend the weights. If the cable was attached directly to the weight, the load would cause rotation and untwist the cable strands, so the cable wraps around a pulley mounted to the top of each weight. The mechanical advantage of that arrangement also doubles the running time allowed by a given weight drop.

Cable clocks are wound by inserting a special crank (called a "key") into holes in the clock's face and turning it. Others are chain-driven, meaning that the weights are suspended by chains which wrap around gears in the clock's mechanism, with the opposite end of the chain hanging down next to the weight. To wind a chain-driven longcase clock, one pulls on the end of each chain, lifting the weights until they are just under the clock's face.

Clock-face signature of Tim Mason

The world's tallest grandfather clock is 35 feet 10 inches (10.92 m) tall and is fully operational, with chimes on each quarter hour. It was made by Svoboda Industries in 1976 as a Bicentennial project and is located in Kewaunee, Wisconsin.[10][11]

Elaborate striking sequences

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In the early 20th century, quarter-hour chime sequences were added to longcase clocks. A full chime sequence sounds at the top of each hour, immediately followed by the hour strike. At 15 minutes after each hour, 1/4 of the chime sequence plays. Proceeding that, at the bottom of each hour, 1/2 of the chime sequence plays. Then finally, at 15 minutes before each hour, 3/4 of the chime sequence plays. The chime tune used in almost all longcase clocks is Westminster Quarters. Many also offer the option of Whittington chimes or St. Michael's chimes, selectable by a switch mounted on the right side of the dial, allowing one to silence the chimes if desired. As a result of adding chime sequences, all modern mechanical longcase clocks have three weights instead of two. The left weight provides power for the hour strike, the middle-weight provides power for the clock's pendulum and general timekeeping functions, and the right weight provides power for the quarter-hour chime sequences.

Types

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Comtoise clock

Comtoise

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Comtoise clocks, also called Morbier clocks or Morez clocks, are a style of longcase clock made in the French region Franche-Comté (hence their name). Features distinguishing this style are a curving "potbellied" case and a greater use of curved lines. A heavy, elongated, ornamented pendulum bob often extends up the case (see photo).

Production of these clocks began in 1680 and continued for about 230 years. During the peak production years (1850–1890), over 60,000 clocks were made each year. These clocks were very fashionable across generations; they kept the time on farms throughout France. Many Comtoise clocks can be found in France, but they are also frequently found in Spain, Germany, and other parts of Europe, less in the United States. Many Comtoise clocks were also exported to other countries in Europe and even further, to the Ottoman Empire and as far as Thailand. A wooden sheath usually protected the metal mechanisms during transport.

Bornholm and Mora

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Bornholm clock made by Edvart Sonne, from Rønne, Bornholm in the late 1700s

Bornholm clocks are Danish longcase clocks and were made on Bornholm from 1745 to 1900. In Sweden, a special type of longcase clocks was made in Mora, called Mora clocks.

Bornholm clock-making began in the 1740s when an English ship, which had longcase clocks in its hold, was stranded. They were sent for repair to a turner named Poul Ottesen Arboe in Rønne. As a result of his repair of them, he learned enough about clocks to begin making his own.

Historical manufacturers

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Longcase clock from about 1750 in the District Museum in Tarnów in Poland, mounted with use of imported components marked Wiliam Jourdain London and adorned with chinoiserie motifs

British

Irish

Finnish

  • Masters of Könni Könnin mestarit (1757–1865), Ilmajoki
  • Finnish Museum of Horology is master of Jaakko Könni manufactured table clocks and pocket watches
  • Ilmajoki Museum is Masters of Könni manufactured horse vehicles, clocks, looms, locks, tools, machine of gear "keervärkki"

Americans

Australian casemaker

  • Harry Williams – Oxford Cabinet Company Pty Ltd (1946–1961), Granville, New South Wales, Australia
Pendulum swinging on a grandfather clock in Japan

Current manufacturers

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Grandfather clock

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A grandfather clock is a tall, freestanding that stands on the floor, typically measuring about six feet in height and enclosed in a wooden case to house its long and weights. The design originated in around the 1670s, when clockmaker William Clement introduced the longcase format to accommodate the and a , improving timekeeping accuracy over earlier spring-driven clocks. This innovation built on Christiaan Huygens's of the first -regulated clock in 1657, which stemmed from principles discovered by . By the late , these clocks—initially known as longcase or tall-case clocks—had become a hallmark of English clockmaking, with production spreading to the American colonies by 1685 and local manufacturing emerging in the 1690s. The colloquial name "grandfather clock" emerged in the United States in the late , popularized by the song "" written by , which anthropomorphized the timepiece as a that "stopped short never to go again" upon its owner's . The song's immense , selling over 800,000 copies, led to the term's widespread adoption by 1883, supplanting the more technical "longcase" designation. These clocks remained symbols of domestic sophistication and precision, often featuring ornate hoods, trunk cases, and brass dials, until in the made them more accessible.

History

Origin

The origins of the grandfather clock, also known as the longcase clock, trace back to advancements in pendulum technology during the mid-17th century. The itself was invented by Dutch scientist and mathematician in 1656, with a granted in 1657. Huygens' design utilized a as a to regulate the mechanism in weight-driven clocks, achieving isochronism—where the swing period remains consistent regardless of amplitude—which dramatically improved timekeeping accuracy from about 15 minutes per day error in earlier clocks to just 15 seconds per day. This breakthrough, inspired by earlier observations of on motion, marked a pivotal shift in horology, enabling more precise measurement essential for astronomy, navigation, and daily life. The specific longcase form, which defines the grandfather clock's tall, freestanding structure, emerged in England around 1670 through the innovations of clockmaker William Clement. Clement developed the anchor escapement, a refinement that reduced the pendulum's swing from wide arcs of up to 100 degrees to narrower ones of 4 to 6 degrees, further enhancing accuracy and allowing for longer pendulums without excessive space requirements. To accommodate these longer "seconds pendulums"—typically about 39 inches (one meter) in length, with a two-second period (one second per beat)—Clement enclosed the mechanism in a tall wooden case that protected the pendulum from air currents and drafts, a design first implemented by the late 1670s. This longcase innovation, often called the "Royal Pendulum" design, represented the culmination of pendulum clock evolution up to that point and was the most accurate timepiece available, losing or gaining only a few seconds daily under ideal conditions. Early longcase clocks were crafted by skilled English makers like Clement, with examples attributed to him including a for , in 1671 that incorporated similar long principles. By 1680, Clement was producing weight-driven movements housed in these tall cases, some featuring elaborate carved crests, which quickly gained popularity among the affluent for their reliability and aesthetic appeal. Although the term "grandfather clock" originated much later in an 1876 American song, the longcase design's foundational elements were firmly established in Clement's work, building directly on Huygens' to create a enduring timekeeping tradition.

Development and Popularity

The development of the grandfather clock, also known as the longcase clock, stemmed from advancements in technology during the late . Dutch physicist patented the first in 1657, which dramatically improved timekeeping accuracy from about 15 minutes per day to just 15 seconds, addressing the limitations of earlier mechanisms. English clockmaker William Clement further refined this in 1670 by introducing the and a longer housed within a tall wooden case, allowing for a more stable swing and reducing errors to mere seconds per day; this design is widely credited with establishing the longcase form, though contemporaries like and Joseph Knibb also contributed to its evolution. Early examples featured simple weight-driven movements in slim cases, often made of or , and were crafted in and the , where English influences spread via clockmakers like Fromanteel, who trained under Dutch pioneer Salomon Coster. By the , longcase clocks gained prominence as the most reliable timepieces available, particularly among the affluent and scientific communities in . Makers such as and John Shelton produced high-precision regulators that lost only about five minutes per month, making them essential for astronomical observations and ; for instance, Shelton's clocks were used by the Royal Society for experiments like the 1769 . Their popularity surged due to the growing demand for accurate domestic timekeeping amid expanding trade and Enlightenment pursuits, with ornate features like dials and automata appearing in Dutch variants from workshops around 1700–1750. In , production centers like and Birmingham proliferated, but the clocks remained luxury items, symbolizing status and technological sophistication until industrialization lowered costs later in the century. The clock's spread to America in the early , particularly through Pennsylvania's German immigrant communities, marked a shift toward regional adaptations and broader appeal. Cabinetmakers and metalworkers in areas like Germantown collaborated on tall cases with distinctive painted dials and hoods, producing heirloom-quality pieces that became fixtures in colonial homes; notable early makers included Christopher Witt, whose clocks date to 1706. Popularity peaked in the mid- as symbols of prosperity and community rhythm—public versions regulated town life, such as Philadelphia's 1753 State House clock—but waned by the 1830s with the rise of cheaper, mass-produced shelf clocks from . The term "grandfather clock" itself emerged in 1876 through Henry Clay Work's hit song "," inspired by a legendary timepiece at England's George Hotel, which cemented the clock's nostalgic place in American culture.

Design and Construction

Case and Aesthetics

The case of a longcase clock, commonly known as a grandfather clock, serves both functional and decorative purposes, enclosing the weight-driven mechanism and long while contributing to the timepiece's overall stature and visual appeal. Typically measuring 6 to 8 feet in height, the case is structured in three primary sections: the base, which supports the entire clock; the trunk, housing the and suspended weights; and the hood, containing the dial and striking works. This vertical design evolved to accommodate the pendulum's length, ensuring stable and protection from drafts. Early cases, dating from the mid-17th century, were relatively simple and utilitarian, often constructed from carcasses veneered in or ebonized fruitwoods for a dark, polished finish. A representative example is the circa 1660 longcase clock by Ahasuerus Fromanteel, featuring an case veneered with , a lift-up hood glazed on three sides, and attached Corinthian columns with gilt-bronze bases and capitals, topped by a with laurel swags and acorn finials. These initial designs emphasized slender proportions and minimal ornamentation, reflecting the transitional period from wall-hung clocks to freestanding forms. By the early , aesthetics shifted toward greater elaboration, incorporating in with intricate inlays of darker woods depicting foliate scrolls, foliage, and exotic birds, as seen in John Draper's 1700–1710 clock, which stands over 9 feet tall with an inverted bell hood and ball-and-eagle finials. In the , case construction advanced with the use of fine hardwoods like , often combined with gilt-bronze mounts for opulence. James Cox's circa 1760 mahogany case, modified in 1806 by Thomas Weeks, exemplifies this with its glazed panels on all four sides, rectangular plinth base, arched hood, and decorative elements including brass Corinthian columns with lion's head mounts and a gilded . Regional variations influenced ; English cases frequently adopted architectural motifs such as broken pediments and columns, while American tall case clocks blended neoclassical —urn finials, geometric banding—with folk traditions like vine inlays and shell medallions, as in the circa 1810 example attributed to Peter Rife and David Whipple, crafted from mahogany, cherry, and inlaid . These designs not only protected the mechanism but also served as status symbols, integrating with period furniture styles from Queen Anne to Georgian. Overall, the evolution of longcase clock cases reflects broader trends in and , transitioning from austere functionality to lavish decoration while maintaining proportions that harmonize the clock's form with domestic interiors. Finishes ranged from polished veneers to carved details, with bases often featuring or scrolled feet for stability and elegance, ensuring the case's enduring role as an aesthetic centerpiece.

Internal Mechanism

The internal mechanism of a grandfather clock, also known as a longcase clock, is a mechanical weight-driven system that relies on gravitational potential to maintain timekeeping accuracy. Housed primarily within the upper "hood" section of the clock case, the mechanism consists of a series of interconnected components including weights, a , an , and a , which together convert stored into regulated motion. Power for the mechanism is provided by one to three lead or cast-iron weights, typically suspended from chains or cables wound around pulleys or drums within the movement. In a standard two-weight configuration, one weight drives the timekeeping , while the second powers the striking mechanism; a third weight is sometimes added for separate chime functions. As the weights descend slowly—usually over eight days in more complex movements or 30 hours in simpler ones—their (calculated as mghmgh, where mm is , gg is , and hh is descent ) is released to turn the . The , a series of wheels and pinions with precisely calculated , transmits this from the descending weights to advance the clock hands. For example, a typical of 60:1 converts the escapement's second-by-second impulses into minute-hand movement, while a 12:1 further drives the hour hand; tubular shafts allow multiple hands to operate concentrically without interference. This arrangement extends the time between windings by minimizing and optimizing energy transfer. Central to regulation is the , invented by around 1657 and widely adopted in longcase clocks by the late , which replaced the less efficient . The , a pivoted shaped like an inverted with two pallets, engages the teeth of a crown wheel (escapement gear); each swing allows one tooth to escape, delivering an impulse to maintain oscillation while locking the during the return swing. This design reduces to about 4–6 degrees, improving accuracy to within a few minutes per day. The , suspended from the movement plate and extending into the clock's trunk section, serves as the timekeeping regulator, with its period governed by the T=2πLgT = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}
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