Antique Grandfather Clocks
Antique Grandfather Clocks
Antique grandfather clocks rank among some of the oldest timepieces out there. The grandfather clock that appeared in the 17th century was big and made of iron, the cases were ornate and a reflection of social status. Galileo, the famous astronomer is credited with creating the first grandfather clock and it is said he got the idea from watching a light pendulum swing back and forth, realizing that the pendulum moved in perfect time. He drew the first designs for the first grandfather clock. Later on, Christian Huygens in 1656 applied what Galileo discovered and built the first of the grandfather clocks. These clocks did not keep very good time. In 1721George Graham improved the clock by taking into account the effect temperature change had on the motion of the pendulum. His designs kept the grandfather clocks working with an accuracy of one second. Some antique grandfather clocks of that period are still available on the market and in working condition. A grandfather clock generally speaking is at least 6 foot 3 inches tall, anything smaller than this is classified as a grandmother clock. The grandmother clocks did not appear on the scene until the 1930's. Antique grandfather clocks can be labeled as antique even when sometimes they are not that old.
Collecting Antique Grandfather Clocks
The word antique seems to be used rather loosely when referring to antique grandfather clocks. Typically the word antique is used for many items that have been around for at least a century, but evidently when it comes to antique grandfather clocks, if you use the word as a noun it is perfectly permissible to advertise and sell an antique grandfather clock that is merely 30 years old. If collecting antique grandfather clocks is your heart's desire you should be sure to do the research and get the opinion of a professional appraiser before you buy.
Styles of Antique Grandfather Clocks
The styles of antique grandfather clocks vary greatly. Most antique grandfather clocks are of Swiss, German, French, Italian or English heritage - although there are clocks of this type that have been made in virtually every country around the world. The cases of antique grandfather clocks are as varied as the countries they come from, they can be made of beautiful pine, brilliant mahogany or other woods, and of course, iron as in the original clock.
Cost of Antique Grandfather Clocks
The cost of an antique grandfather clock can really break the bank. The prices range from $700 to $70,000 and up. Collecting antique grandfather clocks is a passionate endeavor that should be approached as any other investment - research and ask the experts for opinions before buying one.