Grandfather Clocks Overview

• Grandfather Clocks - The best way to define a grandfather clock is: any floor clock that is freestanding and operates using a pendulum to help keep the time. The pendulum is held in the trunk of the clock and the time piece is commonly built to be about 6-8 ft tall. These clocks are usually embellished with elaborate wood carvings on the hood surrounding the clock face. The English clockmaker William Clement was the inventor of the first grandfather clock in 1670, but Galileo originally developed the idea of using the pendulum in order to keep time more accurately. Almost all grandfather clocks are striking clocks. Meaning, every time the hour changes the clock will chime.
• Grandmother Clocks – Basically these clocks are just a lot daintier in size and appearance than the more stately and defined grandfather clocks. Though there is not an exact specification for this type of clock, the general consensus is that they are 6 ft 3in in height and shorter. They tend to be slim and spring-driven with a dome top. The usually brass dial is square or arched in shape and around 8 inches in size.
• Granddaughter Clocks - Most experts consider any long case clock that is less than 5ft 2in to be a granddaughter clock. These clocks are more modern, coming into fruition in the 1930's. These clocks are not usually made with the highest quality and can usually be procured at a cheaper price.
• A curio grandfather clock -These clocks have an oversized glass and wooden case that contain several shelves generally used for displaying knick knacks, keepsakes, etc.