Clocks Tips
Read these 13 Clocks Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Antique tips and hundreds of other topics.
Grandfather Clocks
The Grandfather clock originated in the late 1600's in London. Clockmakers invented the long case model, about 6 feet tall. In the United States owning one of these clocks conveyed status. In the 1880's a popular song about a clock that stopped when it's owner died, hence the name "Grandfather" clock was created.
Temperature Control
Keep wooden clocks away from sunlight, fireplaces, heaters and radiators. Heat warps and shrinks wood. In addition, wooden clocks are sensitive to humidity. Ideal room climate is 64 F [18C] and 50 percent humidity, with a 20 percent variation.
Placement of Clocks
Special care must be given to longcase or tallcase clocks in regards to placement. Since they are rather top heavy, anchoring to the wall will prevent them from tipping over.
Dials
The dials on a clock can tell you a lot about the history and quality of a clock. Ranging from painted wood to engraved and inlaid brass, and everything in-between. In early clocks the materials, rather than cost of labor, determines the quality of the dial. An ornate, hand painted wooden dial is often less valuable than a plain brass one.
Shelf Clocks
This type of clock is also called bracket, table or mantle clocks. They are low and shallow. Developed around the same time as longcase clocks and sometimes sharing the same materials and styles.
Carriage Clocks
A carriage clock was designed to be small and convenient for travel by carriage. Usually they have a carrying handle to their top and were produced in larger quantities than the larger ones.
Cleaning a Clocks Movements
About every five to ten years, a clocks movements should be cleaned and maintained by a specialist. While ,you might want to oil a movement yourself, be aware that oil attracts dust that ultimately increases friction in the movements. Leave this up to a professional to do.
Movements
The most common movements of a clock have either a thirty hour or eight day durations, however, there are movements with durations of thirty days, three months or even one year. In general, the longer the duration, the more sophisticated and valuable the movement. Although some thirty hour clocks are in high demand since they represent the most basic form of the clock.
Wall Clocks
Also called tavern, dial, cartel and banjo clocks. They were developed as a low cost alternative to longcase clocks.
Moving Clocks
When moving clocks, particularly the larger pieces, take extra care and remove the pendulum and any other parts that come off. Pack them separately from the rest.
Longcase or Tallcase
Most commonly named "Grandfather" clocks. They can be as tall as ten feet high and by far the most desirable.
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