Nowadays, nanotechnology in timekeeping where smaller is better cannot beat the appeal, beauty and charm of colonial grandfather clocks. After all, who can resist the appeal of traditions, the beauty of polished wood and the charm of chimes in your home? Definitely not you, that's for sure!
Description
The grandfather clock goes by many names, all of which reflect its form, which include long case clock, tall case clock, floor clock, pendulum clock, and more ominously, coffin clock. Strictly speaking, grandfather clocks are freestanding clocks that are weight-driven, chime-sounding and pendulum-centered.
You will find these clocks ranging in height from 1.8 to 2.4 meters tall, of which anything lower than these heights are either called grandmother or granddaughter clocks. Usually, the chains, cables and pendulum are visible with colonial grandfather clocks, thanks to their clear glass cases.
History
Although Galileo is popularly credited with their invention by virtue of his discovery of the pendulum, history has shown us that William Clement, an English clockmaker, deserves the glory with his development of the first true grandfather clock in 1670. However, it was only in 1876 with the popularity of the song My Grandfather's Clock was the modern term adopted.
Acquisition
Most of these traditional clocks, either of the colonial or the modern types, can be purchased in both online sites and offline stores. Often, however, online sites offer the best prices on many models of colonial clocks by virtue of lower inventory, manpower and overhead costs as well as strategic partnerships with the manufacturers themselves.
You can buy these colonial clocks anywhere from 0 to ,000 per unit. You must note, however, that good quality is often marked by higher prices when it comes to timepieces due to the complex craftsmanship involved. You are better off purchasing your grandfather clocks from reputable manufacturers like Howard Miller, Hentschel, Kieninger, Hermle, Ridgeway and Bulova. You are assured of only the highest craftsmanship in horology.
Beauty
The beauty of virtually all colonial clocks lie in their exquisite wood and metal craftsmanship as well as their complex mechanical movements. On the outside, the sophisticated details like intricate carvings on the wooden hood, base and waist attract the attention. When coupled with the polished metal of the chains and pendulum, you have a definite beauty that can either serve as the focal point of interest or as a complementary part of the décor.
On the inside where it matters most, the mechanical movements of these clocks provide for accurate timekeeping the likes of which have yet to be seen. And with the chimes that tell the hour in the most pleasant manner, keeping up with time has definitely taken a positive meaning. Yes, with grandfather clocks, you don't have to be bothered by those pesky alarm clocks!
Cleaning
And lest you think that these clocks require strenuous cleaning, think again. You just dust the interior and exterior of the clock with good quality furniture polish and/or glass cleaner on a soft cloth. Just be careful not to bump the pendulum!
With these fast facts on hand, you are now ready to grace your home with the beauty, traditions and practicality of colonial grandfather clocks!
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