Accent interiors with a selection from traditional grandfather clocks and let an heirloom into your home. A variety of finishes and mechanisms ensure that a complementing model is ready for your design.
A Stately Presence
Design, not mechanics, makes grandfather clocks a traditional element for design. For a better understanding of grandfather clock construction, consider the parts that make up the whole:
- Crown:
Traditional grandfather clocks are topped with one of five core designs. Two in particular, the split pediment and bonnet, are popular choices.
- Casing:
Since the charm of traditional grandfather clocks is observing the mechanics at work, the casing is usually made of glass.
- Pendulum:
The swinging part of grandfather clocks. The bob is the polished disk at the end of the arm.
- Base:
The bottoms of traditional grandfather clocks are attractively detailed. The base and toe moldings also provide a solid stand to hold weight.
Essence of Motion
The swinging pendulum is only one part of the timekeeping mechanism. With each tick of the pendulum, a series of weights slowly fall. These weights hang from either cables or chains. Either type performs well, though they do require regular upkeep. Traditional grandfather clocks must have weights pulled reset on a weekly basis.
Name That Tune
An hourly chime is the legendary feature of traditional grandfather clocks. Some simply ring off the number of hours, though most carry a familiar tune. Popular melodies come from famous churches such as St. Michael's in South Carolina. Another well-known melody is the Clock Tower at the House of Parliament in London. While browsing traditional grandfather clocks, take special note of the origins of the chimes.
The decision to decorate with traditional grandfather clocks requires detailed considerations. Type of wood, hue of the stain, and even the melody leave the designer with many choices to solve. Take your time, do some research, and the right clock will step out for you.
