The Antique Longcase Clock - An English Classic
The longcase clock is the classic English clock, and is generally considered the finest achievement of English clock-making. Longcases are prized by collectors for the high quality of their cases and movements, and enjoy a wide popularity today.
There are large numbers in circulation, as they were possibly the most widely produced type of English clock. They were also produced in the United States - where they are known as tallcases - and on the Continent of Europe, but generally in lesser quantities than in England.
The earliest English longcase clocks were produced by London makers. By 1700, longcases were being made by provincial clockmakers in centers such as Bristol and Oxford. By the early 18th century, clockmaking had become established throughout Great Britain, and even small villages could boast of having their own maker.
The long wooden case was an attractive but also practical solution to the problem of providing a stable, dust-frec environment for the pendulum and the weights hanging below the clock movement. The basic frame, or carcass, is almost invariably oak.
The earliest cases were veneered with ebony or ebonized wood. Later cases feature marquetry, walnut or mahogany veneers, lacquerwork and solid oak. As larger and more elaborate cases were produced, makers often made use of decorative touches such as top finials, pierced frets and brass stringing or mounts.
Movements
The longcase movement consists of an anchor escapement with a long, seconds-beating pendulum. The anchor escapement was considerably more accurate than its predecessor, the verge escapement, used in some very early longcases. The longcase mechanism gradually incorporated complex mechanical refinements such as moon dials or astronomical or musical work. All examples are weight-driven, with the weights descending inside the case.
Longcase clocks generally run for eight days before needing to be wound. Dials were originally square in shape, but from c.1720 the arched dial became the most common style. The round dial came into fashion in the late 18th and early 19th century. The dial may be brass - either one-piece, or with an applied chapter ring - or else painted metal.
Experts consider the very early examples, especially those with ebony, walnut or marquetry cases, to be the most important English longcases. The superb workmanship and fine proportions of these clocks, particularly those by Thomas Tompion, Joseph and John Knibb and Edward East, make them the most highly sought-after - and expensive - antique longcase clocks.
There are large numbers in circulation, as they were possibly the most widely produced type of English clock. They were also produced in the United States - where they are known as tallcases - and on the Continent of Europe, but generally in lesser quantities than in England.
The earliest English longcase clocks were produced by London makers. By 1700, longcases were being made by provincial clockmakers in centers such as Bristol and Oxford. By the early 18th century, clockmaking had become established throughout Great Britain, and even small villages could boast of having their own maker.
The long wooden case was an attractive but also practical solution to the problem of providing a stable, dust-frec environment for the pendulum and the weights hanging below the clock movement. The basic frame, or carcass, is almost invariably oak.
The earliest cases were veneered with ebony or ebonized wood. Later cases feature marquetry, walnut or mahogany veneers, lacquerwork and solid oak. As larger and more elaborate cases were produced, makers often made use of decorative touches such as top finials, pierced frets and brass stringing or mounts.
Movements
The longcase movement consists of an anchor escapement with a long, seconds-beating pendulum. The anchor escapement was considerably more accurate than its predecessor, the verge escapement, used in some very early longcases. The longcase mechanism gradually incorporated complex mechanical refinements such as moon dials or astronomical or musical work. All examples are weight-driven, with the weights descending inside the case.
Longcase clocks generally run for eight days before needing to be wound. Dials were originally square in shape, but from c.1720 the arched dial became the most common style. The round dial came into fashion in the late 18th and early 19th century. The dial may be brass - either one-piece, or with an applied chapter ring - or else painted metal.
Experts consider the very early examples, especially those with ebony, walnut or marquetry cases, to be the most important English longcases. The superb workmanship and fine proportions of these clocks, particularly those by Thomas Tompion, Joseph and John Knibb and Edward East, make them the most highly sought-after - and expensive - antique longcase clocks.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment