What defines a longcase or grandmother clock?

A longcase clock, commonly known as a grandfather or grandmother clock, is a free-standing, weight-driven pendulum clock enclosed within a tall wooden case. Grandmother clocks are slightly smaller in scale and slimmer in proportion compared to traditional grandfather clocks, making them suitable for compact interior spaces.

What materials were traditionally used in 1920s clock making?

During the 1920s, cases were frequently constructed from hardwoods such as mahogany or oak, often featuring flame veneers and carved geometric or classical details. The clock movements utilised cast brass plates, steel arbors, and silvered or brass engraved dials.

How can authentic 1920s chiming longcase clocks be identified?

Authentic pieces from this era typically feature makers signatures or trademarks on the dial or movement backplate, such as those from noted makers like Gillett & Johnston. Additionally, look for Period-specific movement constructions, Westminster or Whittington chiming rods, and early 20th-century wood joinery.

How do you style a longcase clock in a contemporary home?

Positioning a longcase clock against a neutral or rich dark wall creates a strong architectural focal point. It integrates well into formal entryways, quiet reading nooks, or dining rooms, providing texture and mechanical interest alongside modern furnishings.

How should a mechanical longcase clock be maintained?

Ensure the clock case stands perfectly level on a stable surface to allow the pendulum to swing freely without rubbing. Movements should be professionally lubricated every three to five years, and the wooden cabinet should be dusted regularly and treated with high-quality beeswax.

for sale €5,792 $6,287

£4,950

FJ & RD Story Antique Clocks

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2010

View Dealers Stock Page

Relevant Links

Slim Grandfather Clock

Chiming Grandmother Clock

Silvered Dial Floor Clock

Traditional Weight Driven Clock

Id #SA1178818

PDF

SAVE

Gillett & Johnston, Westminster Chiming Mahogany Long Case / Grandmother / Grandfather / Regulator Clock C. 1920

1900 - 1920

For Sale by FJ & RD Story Antique Clocks

Description

A high quality and rare weight driven Westminster quarter chiming longcase / grandmother clock by Gillett & Johnston, Retailed by Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co Ltd, 112 Regent Street, London W.

The beautifully proportioned case, veneered in finely figured flame mahogany, of excellent colour and patination.

The flat topped hood with fretted frieze and turned freestanding columns with wooden capitals flanking the wavy edged glazed hood door. Green silk lined sound frets to the hood sides.

The matching wavy edged panelled trunk door with well figured book matched mahogany veneer, the original lock and hinges. Figured mahogany recessed wavy edge panel to the base with step moulding and ogee bracket feet.

The case is made to a very high standard using the very best materials and is in excellent original condition.

The 8 '' square silvered brass dial signed to the centre Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Ltd, 112 Regent Street, London W.

The engraved silvered brass Roman chapter ring with outer minute track.

The finely engraved dial centre with the original gilded ornate cast brass spandrels to the corners.

Chime / Chime silent lever above the XII and Westminster / Whittington selector to the left of IX.

A very crisp and well executed dial with the beautiful contrasting spandrels.

The fully restored high quality eight day duration twin weight movement strikes the quarters and hours on eight rod gongs playing either Whittington or Westminster on the quarters. The substantial regulator movement has deadbeat escapement, maintaining power, thick brass plates and large knopped plate pillars. There is a small brass weight for the going train and a very large brass weight for the striking train, both polished and lacquered.

The movement backplate is stamped with Patent No: 25242/20, this was applied for in 1920. The mechanism used allows just two weights to be used rather than three for the quarter striking feature. Gillett & Johnston specialised in Turret clocks and public clocks, they also supplied bells from their own Foundry.

The movement is fully restored by our horologist who works exclusively for us.

Our horologist is a Fellow of the British Horological Institute (FBHI), having 35 years of full time professional engagement in the repair & restoration of clocks, watches, music boxes & barometers. He was the recipient of the 1977 Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Bronze Medal.

The pendulum is hung from the back cock using a separate suspension which is hooked onto the brush decorated invar rod. The cast lozenge shaped pendulum bob is typical of Gillett & Johnston, with a brass knurled rating nut to the centre.

Two polished brass cased weights with substantial pulleys.

Finely fretted blued steel hands.

A very fine longcase clock of beautiful proportions, in excellent original condition and of superior regulator quality with quarter chiming two tune movement.

All of our clocks have been sympathetically restored and have been expertly vetted for originality and good working order.

All clocks purchased from us are guaranteed for twelve months.

Delivery and set up is included in the price for all UK mainland deliveries. All clocks are carefully delivered and fully commissioned by ourselves.

For overseas customers a fully insured shipment can be organised direct to your door for most locations in the world, please contact us for a shipping price.

Visit our website for more details, please email to request a video / audio clip of the clock chiming.

www.storyclocks.co.uk

Physical Dimensions

Height

184cm (72.44")

Width

39cm (15.35")

Depth

27cm (10.63")

Declaration

FJ & RD Story Antique Clocks has dated this Mahogany Longcase Clock to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1178818

Dealers Internal Reference

Goldsmiths

Description

A high quality and rare weight driven Westminster quarter chiming longcase / grandmother clock by Gillett & Johnston, Retailed by Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co Ltd, 112 Regent Street, London W.

“

The beautifully proportioned case, veneered in finely figured flame mahogany, of excellent colour and patination.

FJ & RD Story Antique Clocks

fig 1. A tall mahogany grandmother clock featuring a brass and silvered dial with Roman numerals, geometric carved mouldings, and bracket feet. — fig 1. Gillett & Johnston, Westminster Chiming Mahogany Long Case / Grandmother / Grandfather / Regulator Clock C. 1920

The flat topped hood with fretted frieze and turned freestanding columns with wooden capitals flanking the wavy edged glazed hood door. Green silk lined sound frets to the hood sides.

The matching wavy edged panelled trunk door with well figured book matched mahogany veneer, the original lock and hinges. Figured mahogany recessed wavy edge panel to the base with step moulding and ogee bracket feet.

fig 2. A tall mahogany grandmother clock featuring a brass and silvered dial with Roman numerals, geometric carved mouldings, and bracket feet. — fig 2. Gillett & Johnston, Westminster Chiming Mahogany Long Case / Grandmother / Grandfather / Regulator Clock C. 1920

The case is made to a very high standard using the very best materials and is in excellent original condition.

The 8 '' square silvered brass dial signed to the centre Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Ltd, 112 Regent Street, London W.

fig 3. A tall mahogany grandmother clock featuring a brass and silvered dial with Roman numerals, geometric carved mouldings, and bracket feet. — fig 3. Gillett & Johnston, Westminster Chiming Mahogany Long Case / Grandmother / Grandfather / Regulator Clock C. 1920

The engraved silvered brass Roman chapter ring with outer minute track.

The finely engraved dial centre with the original gilded ornate cast brass spandrels to the corners.

Chime / Chime silent lever above the XII and Westminster / Whittington selector to the left of IX.

fig 4. A tall mahogany grandmother clock featuring a brass and silvered dial with Roman numerals, geometric carved mouldings, and bracket feet. — fig 4. Gillett & Johnston, Westminster Chiming Mahogany Long Case / Grandmother / Grandfather / Regulator Clock C. 1920

A very crisp and well executed dial with the beautiful contrasting spandrels.

The fully restored high quality eight day duration twin weight movement strikes the quarters and hours on eight rod gongs playing either Whittington or Westminster on the quarters. The substantial regulator movement has deadbeat escapement, maintaining power, thick brass plates and large knopped plate pillars. There is a small brass weight for the going train and a very large brass weight for the striking train, both polished and lacquered.

fig 5. A tall mahogany grandmother clock featuring a brass and silvered dial with Roman numerals, geometric carved mouldings, and bracket feet. — fig 5. Gillett & Johnston, Westminster Chiming Mahogany Long Case / Grandmother / Grandfather / Regulator Clock C. 1920

The movement backplate is stamped with Patent No: 25242/20, this was applied for in 1920. The mechanism used allows just two weights to be used rather than three for the quarter striking feature. Gillett & Johnston specialised in Turret clocks and public clocks, they also supplied bells from their own Foundry.

fig 6. A tall mahogany grandmother clock featuring a brass and silvered dial with Roman numerals, geometric carved mouldings, and bracket feet. — fig 6. Gillett & Johnston, Westminster Chiming Mahogany Long Case / Grandmother / Grandfather / Regulator Clock C. 1920

The movement is fully restored by our horologist who works exclusively for us.

Our horologist is a Fellow of the British Horological Institute (FBHI), having 35 years of full time professional engagement in the repair & restoration of clocks, watches, music boxes & barometers. He was the recipient of the 1977 Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Bronze Medal.

fig 7. A tall mahogany grandmother clock featuring a brass and silvered dial with Roman numerals, geometric carved mouldings, and bracket feet. — fig 7. Gillett & Johnston, Westminster Chiming Mahogany Long Case / Grandmother / Grandfather / Regulator Clock C. 1920

The pendulum is hung from the back cock using a separate suspension which is hooked onto the brush decorated invar rod. The cast lozenge shaped pendulum bob is typical of Gillett & Johnston, with a brass knurled rating nut to the centre.

fig 8. A tall mahogany grandmother clock featuring a brass and silvered dial with Roman numerals, geometric carved mouldings, and bracket feet. — fig 8. Gillett & Johnston, Westminster Chiming Mahogany Long Case / Grandmother / Grandfather / Regulator Clock C. 1920

Two polished brass cased weights with substantial pulleys.

Finely fretted blued steel hands.

A very fine longcase clock of beautiful proportions, in excellent original condition and of superior regulator quality with quarter chiming two tune movement.

fig 9. A tall mahogany grandmother clock featuring a brass and silvered dial with Roman numerals, geometric carved mouldings, and bracket feet. — fig 9. Gillett & Johnston, Westminster Chiming Mahogany Long Case / Grandmother / Grandfather / Regulator Clock C. 1920

All of our clocks have been sympathetically restored and have been expertly vetted for originality and good working order.

All clocks purchased from us are guaranteed for twelve months.

Delivery and set up is included in the price for all UK mainland deliveries. All clocks are carefully delivered and fully commissioned by ourselves.

fig 10. A tall mahogany grandmother clock featuring a brass and silvered dial with Roman numerals, geometric carved mouldings, and bracket feet. — fig 10. Gillett & Johnston, Westminster Chiming Mahogany Long Case / Grandmother / Grandfather / Regulator Clock C. 1920

For overseas customers a fully insured shipment can be organised direct to your door for most locations in the world, please contact us for a shipping price.

Visit our website for more details, please email to request a video / audio clip of the clock chiming.

www.storyclocks.co.uk