What is a longcase grandfather clock?

A longcase clock, also known as a grandfather clock, is a tall, free-standing, weight-driven pendulum clock enclosed within a wooden cabinet. Originating in the 17th century, these timepieces feature long pendulums housed inside the central trunk to maintain precise timekeeping.

What materials are traditionally used to build longcase clocks?

Traditional longcase clocks feature solid wood or veneered cases crafted from mahogany, oak, or walnut. Internal mechanical movements utilize cast brass dials, steel hands, and solid brass weights and pendulums.

How can authentic antique longcase clocks be identified?

Authentic period longcase clocks display hand-jointed cabinetry, hand-engraved or painted brass dials, original weight-driven mechanical movements, and maker signatures carved or engraved on the dial face.

How do you style a longcase clock in a modern interior?

Position the clock as a focal piece in a spacious entry hallway, formal dining room, or library to contrast modern architectural elements with classic horological craftsmanship.

How should an antique mahogany longcase clock be preserved?

Keep the wooden cabinet dust-free using a soft microfibre cloth, apply natural beeswax periodically, position away from direct heat sources, and ensure the mechanical movement is professionally serviced every five to seven years.

for sale €2,340 $2,540

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Antique Musical Chiming Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock Lister & Sons

Name: Antique Musical Chiming Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock Lister & Sons
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1107974
Price: 2000 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by N Wilson Antiques Clocks

Description

DESCRIPTION:

This is a truly exquisite mahogany longcase musical clock which is in superb condition and is exceptional quality. The clock this is of lovely petite proportions which is a lovely feature. The clock is WESTMINSTER chiming or can be selected 'CHIME / SILENT' via the selector at '3' or a for 'STRIKE / SILENT' selector located at '9'. The clock is by W. LISTER & SONS LTD NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE'.

The movement is outstanding quality. In addition to being musical it is maintaining power. The clock is in perfect working order and is ideal for anyone looking for a high quality clock to place straight into their home.

If we start with the hood, this has a lovely arched top. Pretty cluster columns flank the hood door. To the sides of the hood are wonderful fretted panels lines in fabric which allow the sound of the chimes to pass nicely from the case. The hood door is complete with it's lock which is operated by a key which also operates the trunk door.

If we then move down to the trunk it has a wonderful full length door which with an glazed panel which contains a lovely applied shaped and carved moulding. The door is also complete with it's lock and key which also works the hood door. The trunk door is flanked by canter corner which have been nicely reeded. Finally the base has a lovely applied moulding to the centre and is raised on a nicely shaped plinth base. The eight-day movement is superb quality and is in perfect working order. In addition to being musical it is maintaining power which means that the clock continues to go even when being wound which is a rare feature to find and a reflection of the quality of this clock.

The clock chimes the hours on Westminster chimes on the quarter hours in such a manner that it chimes a quarter of the tune at quarter past, half the tune at half past, three quarters of the tune at quarter to then the full tune on the hour followed by striking the hour. The dial is a work of art in it's own right with silvered chapter ring with applied Arabic Numerals. The four corners are adorned with engraved spandrels. The background to the centre is the most intricate engravings and there had been exceptional attention to detail as can be seen from the photographs. The dial is also signed with the makers details 'W. LISTER & SONS LTD NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE'. The arch is engraved 'Tempus Fugit' which is Latin for 'Time Flys' to select 'CHIME / SILENT' ' and at the '9' is the selector lever to choose between 'STRIKE/SILENT' these can be used to select the required chimes or they can be use to switch off the chimes and striking of the hours if required.

There is one Lister of Newcastle Upon Tyne listed in 'Brian Loomes Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the Worlt Volume 2':

'LISTER. William. Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (B1815-)1827-56'.

DIMENSIONS:

The approximate dimensions are:

- 77 inches (195.5 cm) high

- 18.5 inches (47 cm) across the widest part of the hood

- 13 inches (33 cm) across the trunk

- 18.75 inches (47.5 cm) across the widest part of the base

- 12.5 inches (32 cm) deep

As can be seen from these dimension this is a clock of lovely proportions.

CONDITION:

The clock is in wonderful condition just minor marks commensurate with age. The movement is in perfect working order.

This wonderful clock would make a super addition to any home

Declaration

N Wilson Antiques Clocks has dated this Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1107974

Dealers Internal Reference

LISTER & SONS

Description

DESCRIPTION:

“

This is a truly exquisite mahogany longcase musical clock which is in superb condition and is exceptional quality.

N Wilson Antiques Clocks

The clock this is of lovely petite proportions which is a lovely feature. The clock is WESTMINSTER chiming or can be selected 'CHIME / SILENT' via the selector at '3' or a for 'STRIKE / SILENT' selector located at '9'. The clock is by W. LISTER & SONS LTD NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE'.

fig 1. A tall dark mahogany longcase clock featuring an arched hood, a brass face with Arabic numerals, and a glass door revealing internal brass weights. — fig 1. Antique Musical Chiming Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock Lister & Sons

The movement is outstanding quality. In addition to being musical it is maintaining power. The clock is in perfect working order and is ideal for anyone looking for a high quality clock to place straight into their home.

fig 2. A tall dark mahogany longcase clock featuring an arched hood, a brass face with Arabic numerals, and a glass door revealing internal brass weights. — fig 2. Antique Musical Chiming Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock Lister & Sons

If we start with the hood, this has a lovely arched top. Pretty cluster columns flank the hood door. To the sides of the hood are wonderful fretted panels lines in fabric which allow the sound of the chimes to pass nicely from the case. The hood door is complete with it's lock which is operated by a key which also operates the trunk door.

fig 3. A tall dark mahogany longcase clock featuring an arched hood, a brass face with Arabic numerals, and a glass door revealing internal brass weights. — fig 3. Antique Musical Chiming Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock Lister & Sons

If we then move down to the trunk it has a wonderful full length door which with an glazed panel which contains a lovely applied shaped and carved moulding. The door is also complete with it's lock and key which also works the hood door. The trunk door is flanked by canter corner which have been nicely reeded. Finally the base has a lovely applied moulding to the centre and is raised on a nicely shaped plinth base. The eight-day movement is superb quality and is in perfect working order. In addition to being musical it is maintaining power which means that the clock continues to go even when being wound which is a rare feature to find and a reflection of the quality of this clock.

fig 4. A tall dark mahogany longcase clock featuring an arched hood, a brass face with Arabic numerals, and a glass door revealing internal brass weights. — fig 4. Antique Musical Chiming Mahogany Longcase Grandfather Clock Lister & Sons

The clock chimes the hours on Westminster chimes on the quarter hours in such a manner that it chimes a quarter of the tune at quarter past, half the tune at half past, three quarters of the tune at quarter to then the full tune on the hour followed by striking the hour. The dial is a work of art in it's own right with silvered chapter ring with applied Arabic Numerals. The four corners are adorned with engraved spandrels. The background to the centre is the most intricate engravings and there had been exceptional attention to detail as can be seen from the photographs. The dial is also signed with the makers details 'W. LISTER & SONS LTD NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE'. The arch is engraved 'Tempus Fugit' which is Latin for 'Time Flys' to select 'CHIME / SILENT' ' and at the '9' is the selector lever to choose between 'STRIKE/SILENT' these can be used to select the required chimes or they can be use to switch off the chimes and striking of the hours if required.