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Antique Grandfather Clocks
Antique grandfather clocks are divided into two categories: 30-hour clocks or 8-day clocks. An 8-day grandfather clock may actually function more like a one-week clock as to allow for an extra day in case you may forget to wind it or are not physically there to do so. Some beautiful features of antique grandfather clocks include painted or brass dials as well as date and seconds dials. Some features found on rare clocks may be a rocking ship automatum or moon phase discs. And even rarer still are grandfather clocks that boast reeds in order to sound more like an organ and musical bells. Grandfather clocks of the period usually are constructed pine, walnut, oak, or mahogany. Woods such as satinwood, Elm and fruitwood are sometimes used, but it is extremely rare. Also, the majority of British grandfather clocks are composed mostly of either walnut or oak since the United Kingdom did not import mahogany until around the middle of the 18th century.
A 30-hour grandfather clock is wound utilizing a chain or rope instead of a key. These clocks feature one single weight which is used to make the clock strike as well as to make it run properly. Occasionally, some 30-hour grandfather clocks will have been built with dummy winding holes. These holes are found in the dial of the clock. Although they serve no real function, they will improve the aesthetics of a 30-hour clock by making it look more like an eight-day grandfather clock. This, in turn, gives the grandfather clock a more grand appearance. It should also be noted that 30-hour grandfather clocks are typically less costly and less valuable than their 8-hour counterparts.
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