To some collectors, antique clocks are worth more than just a round display of numbers with hands that tell the time. For them, these are precious items of note. This is specially true of those made earlier with springs and pendulums, when clocks were made of heavy-set wood and brass, and there were neither batteries nor quartz crystals.
One of the most popular types of clocks is the longcase clock, commonly called the grandfather clock or tall-case clock. This type of clock is a free-standing, enormous structure for a clock, if we compare it to most of the clocks built today. Its height usually ranges from 6-8 feet, and with that itself, it can be called the king of all clocks. The most classical version was based on the design of William Clement in 1670 and has been modified and ornamented by carvings, bonnets, and wood finish. It is called a striking clock, or one that creates a sound on the turn of every hour or half-hour.
There are two types of longcase clock: the Comtoise Clock and Bornholm clocks. The Comtoise clock is of French Origin. Its form is not of the classic straight-sided longcase clock, but rather curved on the sides. They were most popular in French households but were later exported to other countries such as Spain, Germany and other parts of Europe. The Bornhom clock, on the other hand, took the form of a long wooden box that is driven by a pendulum.
There are longcase clocks of lesser height, known to as a Grandmother clock and Granddaughter clock. Because there isn’t much to distinguish them with except the succession of their heights, most clock enthusiasts will say that a Grandmother clock will be over five feet, while the granddaughter clock will be smaller then five feet.
These kinds of clocks are popular with antique collectors because of their majestic qualities. Longcase clocks can be found or purchased in the most popular antique shops all over the country or through online antique sellers who have a variety of other types of clocks that you can consider buying.
