How do I wind an eight-day grandfather clock?

Use the winding key provided to gently draw up the weights inside the waist door every week. Take care not to overwind the movement past its natural stop point. Keep the pendulum locked or secured if you need to move the heavy timber case to a different room in the house.

Where should I place a longcase clock?

Position the tall wooden case against a sturdy interior wall away from direct sunlight and damp draughts. External walls can experience temperature swings that affect the wood and the brass movement. Ensure the floor is level so the pendulum swings evenly and the clock keeps accurate time throughout the day.

How do I tell an 18th-century clock from a later one?

Examine the construction of the wooden case, the style of the painted chinoiserie decoration, and the signature on the brass dial face. Eighteenth-century examples often bear the names of regional makers or London horologists active during the Georgian era. Later nineteenth-century pieces may show different pigment wear patterns and variations in the cast brass spandrels surrounding the dial.

Why does my clock lose or gain time?

Changes in household temperature cause the metal pendulum rod to expand or contract slightly. You can adjust the small nut at the bottom of the pendulum to speed up or slow down the beat. Regular servicing by a professional horologist keeps the brass gears clean and ensures the weight-driven mechanism runs smoothly.