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Grandfather Clocks: Everything You Need to Know

In this digital age of smartphones, are clocks going the way of the dodo? Maybe. There was a time when having a clock in the home was mandatory regardless of whether it was a bed clock in the bed, a wristwatch, or a wall-mounted one. However, if there's one clock that you have to bring to your home, it's the ominous grandfather clock. Where is the space, you might ask? It must begin from your heart. The grandfather clock is a classic piece of art that can increase the interest level of your home and make it unique.

The romanticism of the past period is reflected in the mechanism of this clock. The clock's rhythm is emotional, as the moods of the time change. With its loud pendulum, it's an indicator of your daily routine. 

Time Tickers

The term "grandfather clock" was popularized in 1875. The modern clock has undergone an overhaul - it's shiny in steel and brass. This is essential for any space where you prefer a vintage-inspired home décor as your preferred style. These grandfather clocks are both modern as well as traditional. There are clocks with different chimes, winding designs, and stunning case designs. 

The grandfather clock is a tall, floor-standing clock handed down from one generation to the next as a precious family item.

Does It Work for You?

If you're looking for an antique floor clock, have it engraved on an aluminium plate bearing your family's name and create your own heirloom piece. The grandfather clocks are loud and make a sound with regular chimes - similar to clockwork. If you are a light sleeper, this might not suit you. It could be analog or digital, but both must be set manually. The clock is ticking; what are you waiting for? 

Types of Grandfather Clock

Traditional:

Classic grandfather clocks are characterized by an old-fashioned and timeless look. This kind of clock comes in various wood shades and features a solid wooden frame with intricate carvings and metal accents. It can be used to decorate any formal area in your house, be it an entryway, living space, or even your home office.

Contemporary:

A modern grandfather clock such as a Morgan Clock isn't as lavishly detailed as a traditional one and is characterized by a subtle design. A perfect fit for contemporary spaces, the modern design offers an elegant look with brushed metallic finishes, clear lines, and neutral components. 

Grandfather Morgan Clocksamish morgan clock

Transitional:

A minimalist design, a transitional grandfather clock is a blend of modern and traditional styles. While it's not quite as elegant as the contemporary style and not as detailed as the traditional style, the transitional grandfather clocks can fit in with any room with clean lines and simple features, like the flat-top crown.

How does a Grandfather Clock Work?

In the case of an old country grandfather clock, the measurement of time is made by the amount of time it takes its pendulum to complete an oscillation. The pendulum finishes one to and fro oscillation within 2 seconds, i.e., it goes across the spectrum from one to another extreme in 1 second and returns from the opposite extreme to the initial extreme within 1 second. The dial is circular and has 12 marks split by four quadrants. Every marking can be further split into five smaller divisions, that is, 60 smaller divisions. Three needles are connected to the axle of the gear wheels at the center of the dial. They are referred to as the second's arms, minute's arms, and hour's arms. The second arm moves one tiny division within the interval of time in which the pendulum swings between one end and the other (i.e., it moves in 1 second). The minute's arm is moved by tiny divisions when the second's arm completes a cycle, i.e., in 60 seconds, while the hour's arm moves by five tiny divisions once the minute's arms complete the one-round (i.e., 1 hour). 

How to Set a Grandfather Clock?

Grandfather clocks are beautiful and practical pieces of interior décor. They do require more care than other types of clocks. To set the right timing and beat of the pendulum on an old-fashioned clock:

  1. Make sure it is located on level ground.
  2. Adjust your hands to display the appropriate time. Then set the pendulum to swing.
  3. Ensure the pendulum continues to swing freely and equally and that the hands show the correct time.

If not, a minor adjustment is often required to allow your clock to maintain a precise time. 

How to Store a Grandfather Clock?

Storing an old-fashioned clock is a far more complex process than simply putting away a standard wall clock in a box. Glass panels are fragile, and weighted pendulums and other components must be properly packed to avoid harm to the clock. Here we will guide you on how to move and store the grandfather clock to ensure it can reach its next destination safely.

To store a drawer storage cabinet clock correctly, it is necessary to take it apart and carefully secure its parts in a protective packaging material. Handling every piece with care is crucial since it's very delicate. 

storage cabinet clockStorage Cabinet Clock

Here's the step-by-step procedure to store this fragile clock:

  • Allow the clock to wind down for three days. Then carefully remove the weighted pendulums from the clock. Note their original positions (i.e., left, middle, or right) to make it easier for future assembly.
  • Cover the pendulums of the clock with a moving blanket and bubble wraps to shield them from abrasions.
  • Remove the clock's side glass panels and then wrap them in moving blankets or bubble wrap.
  • Put the chains or cables into a plastic bag and label them accordingly.
  • If the grandfather clock you have has chime rods, place them through the holes on the cardboard, then slide through the cardboard to keep them separate. The cardboard should be secured with masking tape to the back of the case. This will ensure that the chime rods won't strike one another during the movement and break.
  • Put soft moving cushions or bubble wrap around the clock to support the remaining glass parts.
  • Wrap the clock's outer surface in bubble wrap and a protective blanket, kept in place by tape. 

During this storage and protection process, you should wear gloves made of cotton to protect the delicate parts of your clock's inside. This will keep dirt and fingerprints off the pendulums, chimes, and glass components.

How to Move Your Grandfather Clock Safely?

Grandfather clocks can weigh between 200 to 300 pounds. It's not unusual to find an old-fashioned clock that weighs hundreds of pounds. That means moving it solo of it could cause injury and damage to the clock. For safe and secure moving, you must have at least one person to assist and use a dolly to move it safely. To ensure your safety of your Morgan clock, at least two persons must be able to move the clock, depending on the weight. There should be at least one person lifting and removing the top part of the clock and one person holding the bottom of the clock to ensure it is placed on the dolly safely. The same team must possess the strength and stamina to get the clock off the dolly onto the truck. 

To Conclude

Now that you know all about a grandfather clock, it is time to get one. At Online Amish Furniture, we offer the best quality Amish-made grandfather clocks at the best price possible in the United States. Order today and get an on-time doorstep delivery.

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