Long case clocks or as they are known colloquially, grandfather clocks, were made in many different styles and regional fashions. Our stock of longcase clocks tries to contain examples of these variations which were dependent on the period and location in which the grandfather clock was made. Early longcase case clocks were often veneered in walnut or marquetry, which could contained many beautifully stained exotic woods. Mahogany became increasing used in the construction of longcase clocks from the 1740's onwards, the cabinetwork of the case evolving with the styles of contemporary furniture. Meanwhile country clock makers would often use indigenous oak for their 30 hour movements as well as their 8 day longcase clocks.

The dials of grandfather clocks also changed through the years with painted dials being introduced in the early 1770's. One aspect of the domestic longcase that changed very little in design strangely enough was the movement. Once the typical longcase mechanism was developed in the 1670's it remained remarkably the same for the next 150 years.

If the our selection longcase/grandfather does not appear to contain a specific type that you are looking for please call as not all the stock is placed on the site and if we do not have an example we can find it for you.

Although seldomley accompanied or made with a bracket these clocks which sit perfectly on a table or mantle piece have acquired the sobriquet of bracket clock.

Bracket clock cases and dials like the long case clock mirror the developments in styles and use of materials as other contemporary furniture. Early Charles 2nd bracket clock cases use ebony, walnut and marquetry in their decoration, the Georgian period saw the introduction of mahogany and later in the early 19th century one finds satinwood and rosewood.

The diversity in the range of bracket clocks is as varied as one would expect from over 150 years of development as has fascinated the many who have cultivated fine collections.

Mechanically the bracket clock is very similar to the longcase clock. One significant difference however is that the bracket clock is powered by a coiled spring and not a weight. This feature gives the bracket clock a degree of portability. The strike repeat and quarter repeating mechanisms on many bracket clocks suggest that the original
owners carried them from room to room and even took them to bed.

English mahogany fusse wall clocks. Fine examples of 17th century lantern clocks. Weight driven wall clocks including tavern clocks.

Ormolu decorative antique French clocks. Decorative styles including Art nouveau and Art Deco.

Antique Lantern Clocks

From the beginning of the early 1600's and for over the next 150 years the distinctive appearance of the lantern clock superficially, changed hardly at all.

However in the detail and manufacture of the lantern clock a profound insight into the evolution and development of 17th century can be gleaned. A consequence of these horological discoveries in the lantern clock would eventually lead to the emergence of the long case clock.

Our selection of lantern clocks has included some of the best preserved examples dating from 1625- 1725.