Identifying Antique Clocks Based On Essential Features
August 7, 2008
Contrary to what many believe, it was observed and said that an old-looking clock with only one hand may not be broken. It may be an indication that it was made in latter part of the 16th century when only the hour hand was put on clocks. People who collect antique clocks understand that the minute hand was not standard on clocks until about 1775, although some were still produced with only the hour hand until 1820. The hour hand was the one which was made in every watch until1820. Minute hand came into existence later. Long case clock dials for example, began to add second hands in about, with the dots on the minute portion of the clock added in 1785. this was the time when the minute hand on added on clocks.
There were many types of clock makes but not all clock makers added the new features to their work and their names are sometimes found on the faces of antique clocks as it was popular to sign their work when the piece was completed. It had become mandatory to sign their name on the piece that they made as it would show their creativeness. There are many directories available that define the type of clocks different people manufactured and the years in which their work was done to help identify the maker. This was a great source of help to people who had the interest in finding the make and the maker of the clock. This is another tool used by collectors to help determine the age of antique clocks in their collections.
It was till the 1820 that the most popular and the widely used shelf clocks still used wooden movements as brass movements were considered too expensive at the time. A 30-hour brass movement found in many antique clocks did not begin to replace wood until the 1830’s and within 10 years had replaced almost all of the wood movements in most clocks. So now you could see all the clocks with brass movements and no wooden movements any more.
Chimes Began Sounding In Late 19th Century
Chime bars, similar to wind chimes were added to long case clocks in 1890 with the bars to different lengths to create the chime tune when the antique clocks hammer hit the chimes at regular intervals. This sound was very soothing to the ears and had a musical tune. It used to play every hour initially and a few years later additional hammers would produce a different tune on the half-hour.
It was difficult to identify antique clocks. All you had to know are the basics of construction of antique clocks especially with what is called grandfather clocks, as well as the fundamentals of when different features were added to clocks. This was pretty essential which could help a person determine if what they are looking at are antique clocks or cheap knock-offs, which are plentiful in the marketplace.
Something very relevant called calendars were added to antique clocks in the 19th century with the first American patent issued in 1853 and became quite popular at the time. Before a 100 years, as we know clocks were equipped only with an hour hand. But now, with all the latest techniques and equipments, clocks now show the hour, minute, second and day of the week and this is a true accomplishment for all clock makers in the world.
Got something to say?
