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 Humans
have been keeping track of time throughout the ages using
everything from hourglasses to sundials.
During
the second half of the 13th
century, the
very first mechanical clocks were developed. 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.
Enhancements led to an hour hand and the ability of the clocks
to strike every quarter-hour. 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.
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Galileo
was first credited with the discovery that a pendulum could be
used to keep time. This led to Dutch scientist Christian
Huygens developing the first pendulum clock, the prototype for
the grandfather clock. These clocks hung on walls and were
affectionately entitled "wags-on-the-wall" due to their short
pendulums. 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 with a
10-inch pendulum.
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. This
was the start of the popularity of grandfather clocks due to
their ability to keep time so accurately.
A minute hand was added, and eventually a glass front was
introduced to better display the internal workings of the
pendulum, chains, and weights. These lovely timepieces were not
referred to as grandfather clocks but rather were called "long
case" clocks or "floor" clocks until nearly 1900. Throughout
these early years, grandfather clocks were made almost
exclusively for people of noble heritage. Though produced in
America since the late 1600's, it was not until the 19th century
that grandfather clocks became affordable for everyone.
It is our mission here at Grandfather Clocks 4 Less 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 you or your loved ones
which will last a lifetime.
Click here to learn how Grandfather Clocks
got their name |
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The History of Grandfather Clocks |
Grandfather
Clock Terms
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