Antique Longcase Clocks

Clocks & Watches — By admin on June 8, 2010 at 9:49 am

Antique longcase clocks are attractive floor-standing clocks, designed with long trunks to protect the weights and pendulum while their hoods housed the movement and dial. The long wooden case was an attractive but also practical solution to the problem of providing a stable, dust-free environment for the pendulum and the weights hanging below the clock movement. The basic frame, or carcass, is almost invariably oak.

Perhaps because of their homely appearance and reassuring “tick-tock” sound, longcases, popularly known as “grandfather” clocks, are among the most appealing of all antique clocks. The longcase clock is the classic English clock, and is generally considered the finest achievement of English clockmaking. Longcases are prized by collectors for the high quality of their cases and movements, and enjoy a wide popularity today.

They were soon birthed after the invention of the pendulum in Holland but were first made in Britain (c.1660) – where they were known as grandfather clocks. Longcase clocks were made in America, where they were called tallcase clocks, and also, although in smaller numbers, in continental Europe.

Movements
The first longcase clocks had verge escapements and used short pendulums. It was only with the development of the more accurate anchor escapement (c.1671) that they began to be made with the longer pendulum that beats the seconds. Most longcase clocks were made in Britain from the late 17th to 19thC, although lesser numbers were produced in Europe and the USA. The standard longcase clock runs for 8 days and has an anchor escapement.

As with most types of clock, value is dependent on the quality of the case, movement, and dial, and on the identity of the maker. If a clock has an unusual or attractively painted dial, or an elaborate marquetry or lacquered case, it will cost more than a run-of-the-mill version. Size can also have a bearing on price. Smaller longcases are usually more expensive than larger ones — and for good reason — taller ones were built to fit in rooms with much higher ceilings than are found in many homes today. So before you buy a tall longcase remember to check that it will fit!

Originally square, dial faces developed arches in c.1720. Most longcase clocks have brass dials or painted ones. Brass dials have applied chapter rings (the band with the numerals) and decorative spandrels (corners). Some of the earliest longcase clocks were decorated with walnut veneer over an oak carcass.

Longcase clocks were produced over a long period, with many variations to dial and case. Knowledge of the major stylistic and mechanical developments, and of problem areas peculiar to longcases, can help to distinguish an original piece from one that has been modified.

The main elements of the long case consist of:

The hood; encloses the dial and movement. Early longcases had a rising hood. From c. 1660-90, the hood was made to slide forward, with a glazed door that opens so that the clock can be wound.
Additional features include frets, finials and columns.
The trunk; the center section of the case. The trunk door opens to allow adjustment of the long pendulum and fitting of the weights. There may be a window, or lenticle, in the middle of the trunk door.
The base and plinth: the bottom section of the case. The base may be panelled. There may be bun- or pad-shaped feet.

Experts consider the very early examples, especially those with ebony, walnut or marquetry cases, to be the most important English longcases. The superb workmanship and fine proportions of these clocks, particularly those by Thomas Tompion, Joseph and John Knibb and Edward East, make them the most highly sought-after – and expensive — antique longcase clocks.

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