Grandfather Clocks: Little-Known Facts And Tips On The ClockThat Has Been An American Tradition Since The Early 1700s

Furniture World Magazine

Long known for their beautiful, tall wooden cases and complex chimes, grandfather clocks are precious heirlooms handed down from generation to generation. Most grandfather clocks are made of polished wood and have beautiful brass pendulums. They are one of the few furniture items today that include genuine handcrafting. "Our grandfather clocks are hand-sanded a number of times, and many of the finishes are hand-rubbed as well," said Howard Miller® Executive Vice President Philip D. Miller. "We have found that once in the home, grandfather clocks become one of the most treasured family possessions." Did You Know? The first pendulum clock was built by Dutch scientist Christian Huygens in 1656. Soon, English craftsmen added wooden cases to protect the pendulum and weights and these new clocks became very popular in the American colonies. The grandfather clock got its name from a popular American song called "Grandfather's Clock" composed by Henry Clay Work in 1876. One of its verses read, "My Grandfather's clock was too tall for the shelf, so it stood 90 years on the floor." Thanks to that verse, the clock once referred to as the tall-case or long-case clock is now known as today's grandfather clock. And, "Hickory, dickory, dock" is not just a silly rhyme. Back in the age when clock gears were wooden and greased with animal fat, mice would run up the clock to nibble on the hands of time. Phases of the moon indicated on clock faces helped people plan travel by daylight and farmers plan their labors. A popular feature today, once set, a moon dial will keep track of the moon revolution. It takes 29 days (a lunar month) for the moon to go around the earth. The full moon occurs on the 15th day. About once every two-and-a-half years there is a full moon that occurs in the same month. That is called a blue moon. Tips for Buying Grandfathers According to Cheryl Stormzand, National Accounts Manager of Howard Miller, the following are what to look for when purchasing a grandfather clock: Cross-member construction so the clock won't twist or come apart at the joints, wooden dowels and screws for extra support, and a consistent, smooth finish with no gaps or signs of wood fill Craftsmanship in movements Advance the hands and listen to the chimes. Most will play the familiar Westminster Chimes heard on London's Big Ben, or the St. Michael or Whittington. Howard Miller offers a Kieninger Symphonic movement that plays "What Child Is This" (also known as Greensleeves) and Beethoven's "Für Elise" in addition to Westminster chimes. Just introduced by the company, a new Ambassador Collection grandfather plays a Kieninger Concerto Movement of Shubert's "Ave Maria," Beethoven's Ninth Symphony "Ode to Joy" or Westminster chimes. Generally the smallest grandfather clocks are just under seven feet tall. The most popular styles for grandfather clocks are Traditional, Lodge, Mission, Post-Modern and Neoclassic. On the attached page, a Chippendale-style grandfather clock from Howard Miller's premium Ambassador Collection is featured. Called the Lawrence, the clock includes a rich cherry finish and book-matched crotch mahogany overlays. Prices of new clocks range from $700 to $15,000. Living with Them To wind a grandfather clock, pull on the chain or use the winding crank to lift the weights up. This should be done once a week. Your clock should make a steady "tick-tock" sound, if not, adjustment is needed. It should also be accurate to one minute per month. To take care of a grandfather clock, oil it every two or three years and have it professionally cleaned every eight to ten years. In terms of decorating, a grandfather clock can easily become the focal point of a room, whatever the style. A two-story foyer with a stairway is an ideal resting spot for a grandfather clock. The clock makes a statement when you walk through the door, and it also adds warmth. Headquartered in Zeeland, Mich., and family-operated since 1926, Howard Miller is the world's largest grandfather clock manufacturer and one of the world's most recognized brand names in mantel, wall and table clocks as well as collectors cabinets. Howard Miller products are available at fine retailers nationwide. For free information on fine clocks and collectors cabinets or to find a store near you, call 800-873-0506.v