Antique Clocks Ticking Past - Old Timers

Olden day Clocks

The grandfather clock is the clock that first comes to mind when one imagines antique clocks. This is because the grandfather clock is magisterial as it stands proudly in your hallway, just like a sentinel, marking the passage of time.

Collectible time pieces

Clocks, as well as watches and other scientific recorders of time have become more collectable now than ever before. This is because of the combination of fine workmanship and mechanical precision that is present in an antique clock. Whilst many of these old clocks cannot match the electronic, digitally perfect time recorders of today they represent remarkably precise artifacts, which, in most instances were hand made.

Scientific advances in the twentieth century such as quartz movements and electronics have meant that we have timepieces which do not need pendulums and do not need to be mechanically wound up (nor need a key) but the loss of these clocks in the home is sad.

Winders

Many homes had a clock than ran 5 minutes fast (or slow) and needed constant winding and indeed the antique clock marked a passage of growing up whereby you reached some level of maturity by being allowed to wind the sacred object. Only in rare circumstance was it permissible to allow the clock to stop or to deliberately stop it.

Household clocks

Household clocks had a dignity and a sense of presence in the home because they measured more than just the passage of a few hours. They measured whole families growing up and its significance when someone in the home died was important too as the clock would be deliberately stopped at the hour of someone’s death.

Clock custom

They were not restarted until after the burial ceremony. Grandfather clocks, Grandmother clocks and Granddaughter clocks were antiques frequently (and specifically) mentioned in wills and passed on from generation to generation.

First recollections

I remember well the ‘ding dong, ding dong’ of the antique clock in my grandparents house, especially during the night when the house was otherwise silent. It was a most reassuring sound somehow as was the ‘tick tock’ sound throughout the night. Some antique clocks will sound every fifteen minutes and it always amazed me how my grandmother always knew the time no matter what part of the house she was in.

Taking care of antique clocks

It is imperative that you do not try to mend old clocks unless, of course, you are a horologist. The internal workings of old mechanical clocks, watches and other instruments such as marine instruments and barometers are quite delicate and even cleaning them needs expertise. Quartz clocks have been with us for over 80 years but the surface appearance of the old clocks remains, perhaps because of the beautifully crafted solid wood cases that housed many antique clocks. Modern clocks retain the outward appearance of the old timepieces but the inner workings are electronically and quartz controlled for accuracy.

Longcase (grandfather)

This clock was very tall and could range in size from 60 to 100 inches high and needed a big room to accommodate it with sometimes a matching antique bookcase or other piece of furniture made form the same wood. Because of its height there existed an opportunity to embellish the case with its own architectural form, including geometric designs and brass or other metal fittings. Some of the following terms might be desirable to know if you are going to purchase a Longcase clock.

Longcase terminology

You will need to understand the difference between the beat plaque and the double footed plinth, not to mention that you will need some knowledge of the pillars, plates, train and end stops. Initially, the wooden cases used on large clocks were only an afterthought because the weights and heavy pendulums had to be covered up from view. The beautifully ornate carvings on the exterior of the clock case are now as much a part of the clock as the precise brass internal workings themselves.

Clocks other than the Longcase

The Longcase clock usually refers to a clock and case combination which stands by itself and is the height of an average man. The mantle clock was quite common too, in years gone by, and stood on the mantelpiece of many homes and was wound once a week. They had an eight day movement, meaning that they ran for 8 full days when fully wound up. The dial was often white enamel and the numerals were black giving a very distinctive face indeed, where we all learned our roman numerals.

Bracket clocks

A shelf clock was also known as a bracket clock or mantel clock and could be placed on a shelf or a convenient ledge. Shelf clocks were portable, because they used a coiled spring rather than weights and a pendulum. These clocks, usually featuring a mahogany or rosewood case, command very good prices at auction with a bottom figure of $4000.

Mini antique clocks

Cartier clocks from the 1920s are very collectable, especially the famous Art Deco mantle clock which is less than 4 inches high. This beautiful clock, with vertical stripes using gold and enamel alternately, is a magnificent specimen, the stripes being just one of it many design features.

Double Bell

A popular timepiece is the traditional brass ‘Double Bell’ alarm clock with its clear white face and thin supporting legs, which raise it to a height of 6 inches. If you do decide to invest in a timepiece then do make sure of the antique clock's provenance before you make your purchase.