How do I wind a longcase clock?

Most eight-day movements require the heavy brass weights to be pulled up using a crank inserted into holes on the dial face. Care must be taken not to pull too quickly or damage the gut lines supporting the weights. Running the clock regularly keeps the oil distributed properly within the brass gear train, ensuring accurate timekeeping between adjustments.

Where should I place a longcase clock?

These tall clocks need a stable, dry interior wall away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and exterior doors. Fluctuating humidity and temperature cause the wood case and internal wooden components to expand or contract. Securing the tall waist of the case to the wall using discreet brackets prevents accidental tipping on uneven historic floors.

How do I tell an 18th-century clock from an Edwardian copy?

Early clocks exhibit hand-cut timber construction details, secondary wood types appropriate to the region, and dial signatures engraved by hand. Edwardian revivals often utilise machine-processed timbers and standardised internal components. Examining the inside of the case and the backboards usually reveals tool marks and wear patterns consistent with genuine age.

What is the difference between a grandfather and grandmother clock?

A grandfather clock is the standard full-sized floor-standing timepiece, standing well over six feet tall with an impressive presence. A grandmother clock is a scaled-down version produced mainly in the early twentieth century. Despite the smaller proportions of the grandmother clock, makers still incorporated chiming movements and marquetry inlay.