What is the history and function of a longcase clock?

A longcase clock, commonly known as a grandfather clock, is a tall, free-standing, weight-driven pendulum clock housed in a wooden cabinet. Originating in the late seventeenth century, the long enclosure was engineered specifically to protect the pendulum and drop weights necessary for accurate timekeeping.

What materials are typically used in traditional longcase clocks?

Traditional longcase clocks feature cabinets constructed from high-grade hardwoods such as mahogany, oak, or walnut, frequently accented with flame veneers and decorative stringing. The clockwork mechanisms are engineered from brass and steel, accompanied by painted or brass dials.

How can authentic antique longcase clocks be identified?

Authenticity is verified by inspecting joinery techniques, movement construction, and dial details. Period examples feature hand-cut dovetails, weight-driven brass clockworks, original painted dials bearing maker signatures, and natural age-related patination on the timber casing.

How should a longcase clock be styled in a modern interior?

Positioning a longcase clock as a central focal point in an entrance hallway, study, or dining room adds structure and vertical interest. Pairing rich mahogany timber with neutral wall tones and modern minimalist decor highlights the craftsmanship of the period clock.

How should an antique longcase clock be preserved and maintained?

Position the clock on a stable, level floor away from direct sunlight, central heating, and damp conditions to protect the wood from warping. The internal mechanical movement should be serviced and lubricated by a professional horologist every three to five years.

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Antique Inlaid Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock Thomas De Gruchy Jersey

Name: Antique Inlaid Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock Thomas De Gruchy Jersey
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1107959
Price: 2100 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by N Wilson Antiques Clocks

Description

DESCRIPTION:

This is an exquisite mahogany long case clock, which is has been beautifully inlaid and is of lovely elegant and grand proportions. It has an eight-day movement on an arch painted face. This truly is a majestic clock which has the most fantastic mahogany case and is incredibly detailed with the most outstanding attention to detail.

If we start with the hood, this has swan necks with arched moulded cornice and is finished which lovely carved pateras. The top od the clock is finished with three superb finials the two outer finials are finely turned whilst the central finial is exquisitely carved. The hood door is flanked by superb carved columns which are beautifully detailed. To the rear are simple back splats. Above the columns there are two superb carved sections.

Moving down to the trunk, the lovely shaped door which is inlaid with fine stringing and is flanked by candy twist columns and there is lovely grain to the mahogany to the centre. Above the centre of the door is a pretty carved applied detailing.

The base is is again beautifully inlaid with stringing with the centre panel having a wonderful flame of mahogany. The base is then raised on lovely shaped base.

The eight-day movement has an arched painted face and subsidiary second and date dials. The four corners are beautifully adorned with beautiful delicately painted and gilded flowers and the arch has a lovely painting of a young lady and gentleman by the water edge. The dial bears the makers name 'Thos De Gruchy, Jersey'.

The movement is eight day duration and is rack striking on a single bell. The movement is in perfect working order having recently been professionally cleaned and serviced. As can be seen from the photographs the movement is immaculately clean.

AGE / MAKERS DETAILS:There is one De Gruchy of Jersey listed in 'Watchmaker and Clockmakers of the World Volume 2 by Brian Loomes' :

'DE GRUCHY, Thomas. Jersey. 1832'.

DIMENSIONS:The approximate MAXIMUM dimensions of the clock are:

- 95.75 inches / 243 cm high

- 22 inches / 56 cm across widest part of hood

- 15 inches / 38 cm across the trunk

- 20.75 inches / 52.5 cm across widest part of base

CONDITION: The clock is in wonderful condition. The movement is lovely and clean and in perfect working order having recently been professionally cleaned and serviced.

Overall this clock is perfect for someone who wants to purchase a stunning Longcase Clock which can be placed straight into their home, no work is required to be carried out at all, on this super clock. It simply needs to take pride of place in your home.

Declaration

N Wilson Antiques Clocks has dated this Inlaid Mahogany Longcase Clock to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1107959

Dealers Internal Reference

Thomas De Gruchy, Jersey

Description

DESCRIPTION:

“

This is an exquisite mahogany long case clock, which is has been beautifully inlaid and is of lovely elegant and grand proportions.

N Wilson Antiques Clocks

It has an eight-day movement on an arch painted face. This truly is a majestic clock which has the most fantastic mahogany case and is incredibly detailed with the most outstanding attention to detail.

fig 1. An antique inlaid mahogany longcase clock featuring a swan-neck pediment with finials, a painted arch dial, and twisted side columns. — fig 1. Antique Inlaid Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock Thomas De Gruchy Jersey

If we start with the hood, this has swan necks with arched moulded cornice and is finished which lovely carved pateras. The top od the clock is finished with three superb finials the two outer finials are finely turned whilst the central finial is exquisitely carved. The hood door is flanked by superb carved columns which are beautifully detailed. To the rear are simple back splats. Above the columns there are two superb carved sections.

fig 2. An antique inlaid mahogany longcase clock featuring a swan-neck pediment with finials, a painted arch dial, and twisted side columns. — fig 2. Antique Inlaid Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock Thomas De Gruchy Jersey

Moving down to the trunk, the lovely shaped door which is inlaid with fine stringing and is flanked by candy twist columns and there is lovely grain to the mahogany to the centre. Above the centre of the door is a pretty carved applied detailing.

fig 3. An antique inlaid mahogany longcase clock featuring a swan-neck pediment with finials, a painted arch dial, and twisted side columns. — fig 3. Antique Inlaid Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock Thomas De Gruchy Jersey

The base is is again beautifully inlaid with stringing with the centre panel having a wonderful flame of mahogany. The base is then raised on lovely shaped base.

The eight-day movement has an arched painted face and subsidiary second and date dials. The four corners are beautifully adorned with beautiful delicately painted and gilded flowers and the arch has a lovely painting of a young lady and gentleman by the water edge. The dial bears the makers name 'Thos De Gruchy, Jersey'.

fig 4. An antique inlaid mahogany longcase clock featuring a swan-neck pediment with finials, a painted arch dial, and twisted side columns. — fig 4. Antique Inlaid Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock Thomas De Gruchy Jersey

The movement is eight day duration and is rack striking on a single bell. The movement is in perfect working order having recently been professionally cleaned and serviced. As can be seen from the photographs the movement is immaculately clean.

fig 5. An antique inlaid mahogany longcase clock featuring a swan-neck pediment with finials, a painted arch dial, and twisted side columns. — fig 5. Antique Inlaid Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock Thomas De Gruchy Jersey

AGE / MAKERS DETAILS:There is one De Gruchy of Jersey listed in 'Watchmaker and Clockmakers of the World Volume 2 by Brian Loomes' :

'DE GRUCHY, Thomas. Jersey. 1832'.

DIMENSIONS:The approximate MAXIMUM dimensions of the clock are:

fig 6. An antique inlaid mahogany longcase clock featuring a swan-neck pediment with finials, a painted arch dial, and twisted side columns. — fig 6. Antique Inlaid Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock Thomas De Gruchy Jersey

95.75 inches / 243 cm high

22 inches / 56 cm across widest part of hood

15 inches / 38 cm across the trunk

20.75 inches / 52.5 cm across widest part of base

CONDITION: The clock is in wonderful condition. The movement is lovely and clean and in perfect working order having recently been professionally cleaned and serviced.

fig 7. An antique inlaid mahogany longcase clock featuring a swan-neck pediment with finials, a painted arch dial, and twisted side columns. — fig 7. Antique Inlaid Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock Thomas De Gruchy Jersey

Overall this clock is perfect for someone who wants to purchase a stunning Longcase Clock which can be placed straight into their home, no work is required to be carried out at all, on this super clock. It simply needs to take pride of place in your home.

Date of Manufacture

N Wilson Antiques Clocks has dated this Inlaid Mahogany Longcase Clock to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1107959

Dealers Internal Ref

Thomas De Gruchy, Jersey

About the Dealer

N Wilson Antiques Clocks

Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2021

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the N Wilson Antiques Clocks Profile Page