understanding grandfather clocks part i

Grandfather Clocks for Home

• Understanding Grandfather Clocks - Part I The History of Grandfather Clocks

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Humans have been keeping track of time throughout the ages using everything from hourglasses to sundials.

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During the second half of the 13th century, the very first mechanical clocks were developed.

Understanding Grandfather Clocks – Part I

• These early clocks were huge contraptions made with heavy iron frames and large gears, usually placed in church towers and striking the church bell on the top of each hour, calling people to church services, or community events.

Grandfather Clocks for Home

Grandfather Clocks for Home

• Enhancements led to an hour hand and the ability of the clocks to strike every quarter-hour.

Understanding Grandfather Clocks – Part I

• Eventually, during the first half of the 15th century, personal clocks started to appear.

• As time progressed, these clocks became a popular fixture in the homes of the upper classes, especially Grandfather Clocks.

Grandfather Clocks for Home

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Galileo was first credited with the discovery that a pendulum could be used to keep time.

Grandfather Clocks for Home

• This led to Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens developing the first pendulum clock, the prototype for the Grandfather Clock.

Understanding Grandfather Clocks-Part I

• These clocks hung on walls and were affectionately entitled "wags-on-the-wall" due to their short pendulums.

Grandfather Clocks for Home

• In the mid-1600's, English clockmakers introduced a clock which was even closer to today's Grandfather Clock known as the "long case" clock, which was nearly 6 feet long (tall) with a 10-inch pendulum.

Understanding Grandfather Clocks-Part I

• By 1670, an even longer pendulum was used, various changes were incorporated, and the first Grandfather Clock was produced.

• The advancements resulted in an increase in precision that meant the clocks held time to within a few seconds variance per week.

Grandfather Clocks for Home

• This was the start of the popularity of Grandfather Clocks due to their ability to keep time so accurately.

Understanding Grandfather Clocks-Part I

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A minute hand was added, and eventually a glass front was introduced to better display the internal workings of the pendulum, chains, and weights.

Grandfather Clocks for Home

• These lovely timepieces were not referred to as ‘Grandfather Clocks,’ but rather were called ‘long case clocks’ or ‘floor clocks’ until nearly 1900.

Understanding Grandfather Clocks-Part I

• Throughout these early years, Grandfather Clocks were made almost exclusively for people of noble heritage.

Grandfather Clocks for Home

• Though produced in America since the late 1600's, it was not until the 19th century that Grandfather clocks became affordable for everyone.

Understanding Grandfather Clocks-Part I

• It is our mission here at GRANDFATHER CLOCKS FOR HOME to provide these lovely timepieces at a truly affordable price for everyone.

• Quality craftsmanship, dependable movements, excellent woodworking all combine to create a beautiful Grandfather Clock for your home, or your loved ones. Your grandchildren will value this superior heirloom piece at an affordable price.

Grandfather Clocks for Home

• Grandfather Clocks for Home• http://GrandfatherClocksforHome.com/

Grandfather Clocks for Home