What is the difference between a grandfather clock and a grandmother clock?

A grandmother clock is a smaller, more slender version of the traditional longcase grandfather clock, typically standing between five and six feet tall.

What materials are traditionally used in antique longcase clocks?

These clocks are traditionally constructed from solid hardwoods such as mahogany, oak, or walnut, featuring brass dial faces and intricate mechanical movements.

How should a grandmother clock be styled in a contemporary interior?

Positioning the clock against a neutral wall in a hallway or living space allows its vertical lines and timber tones to serve as a sophisticated focal point.

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Rare Grandmother Clock by Gillett & Johnston of Croydon

Name: Rare Grandmother Clock by Gillett & Johnston of Croydon
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA498846
Price: 6250 GBP
Availability: SoldOut

1900 - 1920

Sold by P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers

Sold 8 May 2025 · P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers

This “Rare Grandmother Clock by Gillett & Johnston of Croydon” found a buyer.

It was listed by P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Description

A very high quality and rare weight driven English grandmother clock by these well known makers.

The two train 8 day duration weight driven movement strikes the quarters and hours on five rods with the tune of Westminster on the quarters. The substantial regulator movement has deadbeat escapement, maintaining power, thick brass plates and large plate pillars. There is a very small brass weight for the going train and a very large brass weight for the striking train. The pendulum is hung from the back cock using a separate suspension which is hooked onto the cast iron rod. The lozenge shaped pendulum bob is typical of Gillett & Johnston. The engraved silvered brass square dial has Roman hours, elaborate blued steel hands and a strike/silent facility above the number XII. The retailers name of H. Pearce & Sons, Huddersfield is displayed to the centre of the dial.

The small solid mahogany case is of excellent proportions with a lockable full length trunk door, brass paterea and canted corners to the side. The base has a single plinth and a plain panel. The hood also has canted corners, a flat top and inspection windows to each side.

A rare example.

Note: The movement is stamped with Patent No: 25242/20. This was applied for in 1920. The ingenious mechanism used allows just two weights to be used rather than three for the quarter striking feature. Gillett & Johnston are still trading in Croydon. They specialised in Turret clocks and public clocks. They also supplied bells from their own Foundry. We have sold two similar clocks by these makers in the past. In over 40 years of dealing with antique clocks we have only dealt with a very small number of these high quality weight driven English Grandmother clocks.

Height: 6'0"

Physical Dimensions

Height

183cm (72.05")

Declaration

P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers has dated this Mahogany Grandmother Clock to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA498846

Dealers Notes

OUR MAIN WEBSITE

Please visit our main website http://www.british-antiqueclocks.com where you can also listen to our clocks. Every striking antique clock on our main website has its own individual sound file. This is particularly useful if you are unable to view our antique clocks in person. Other information regarding the history of the longcase/grandfather clock and how to setup a longcase/grandfather is also a feature of our website.

LAPADA MEMBER

We are a member of LAPADA, The Association of Art and Antique Dealers, which is the UK's largest association of professional dealers in antiques and works of art. We therefore follow a strict Code of Practice upheld by LAPADA which gives further confidence for future purchasers.

Open by appointment only. Please call or email to make arrangements to view our collection of fully restored antique clocks & barometers.

Description

A very high quality and rare weight driven English grandmother clock by these well known makers.

“

The two train 8 day duration weight driven movement strikes the quarters and hours on five rods with the tune of Westminster on the quarters.

P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers

The substantial regulator movement has deadbeat escapement, maintaining power, thick brass plates and large plate pillars. There is a very small brass weight for the going train and a very large brass weight for the striking train. The pendulum is hung from the back cock using a separate suspension which is hooked onto the cast iron rod. The lozenge shaped pendulum bob is typical of Gillett & Johnston. The engraved silvered brass square dial has Roman hours, elaborate blued steel hands and a strike/silent facility above the number XII. The retailers name of H. Pearce & Sons, Huddersfield is displayed to the centre of the dial.

fig 1. A dark brown mahogany grandmother clock featuring a square brass dial, glass viewing panels, and a slender floor-standing wooden case. — fig 1. Rare Grandmother Clock by Gillett & Johnston of Croydon

The small solid mahogany case is of excellent proportions with a lockable full length trunk door, brass paterea and canted corners to the side. The base has a single plinth and a plain panel. The hood also has canted corners, a flat top and inspection windows to each side.

fig 2. A dark brown mahogany grandmother clock featuring a square brass dial, glass viewing panels, and a slender floor-standing wooden case. — fig 2. Rare Grandmother Clock by Gillett & Johnston of Croydon

A rare example.

Note: The movement is stamped with Patent No: 25242/20. This was applied for in 1920. The ingenious mechanism used allows just two weights to be used rather than three for the quarter striking feature. Gillett & Johnston are still trading in Croydon. They specialised in Turret clocks and public clocks. They also supplied bells from their own Foundry. We have sold two similar clocks by these makers in the past. In over 40 years of dealing with antique clocks we have only dealt with a very small number of these high quality weight driven English Grandmother clocks.

Height: 6'0"

Physical Dimensions

Height

183cm (72.05")

Date of Manufacture

P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers has dated this Mahogany Grandmother Clock to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA498846

About the Dealer

P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers

Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2010

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers Profile Page

Trade Associations

P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers is a registered member of LAPADA

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SAVE

A dark brown mahogany grandmother clock featuring a square brass dial, glass viewing panels, and a slender floor-standing wooden case.

1 / 4

Archive I

Rare Grandmother Clock by Gillett & Johnston of Croydon

Archive II

A dark brown mahogany grandmother clock featuring a square brass dial, glass viewing panels, and a slender floor-standing wooden case. View II

Archive III

A dark brown mahogany grandmother clock featuring a square brass dial, glass viewing panels, and a slender floor-standing wooden case. View III

Archive IV

A dark brown mahogany grandmother clock featuring a square brass dial, glass viewing panels, and a slender floor-standing wooden case. View IV

Authentic pieces often exhibit hand-cut brass gears, maker signatures on the dial, hand-carved wooden cabinetry, and natural signs of age in the wood grain and movement wear.

They require regular professional servicing, careful winding, placement away from direct sunlight and moisture, and keeping the case level to ensure accurate timekeeping.

P A Oxley Antique Clocks & Barometers

Rare Grandmother Clock by Gillett & Johnston of Croydon

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Rare Grandmother Clock by Gillett & Johnston of Croydon

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Cataloguer’s note

FAQs

What is the difference between a grandfather clock and a grandmother clock?

What materials are traditionally used in antique longcase clocks?

How can one identify an authentic antique longcase clock?

How should a grandmother clock be styled in a contemporary interior?

What care and maintenance do antique mechanical clocks require?

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