| Are you on the trail of antique grandfather | | | | simple models before attempting intricate designs. |
| clocks? You might have come across items with | | | | Start with the basic tools to set up your hobby: |
| proud provenances. However, these will burn your | | | | power tools, routers and accessories, clamps and |
| pockets. The next best thing is to make your | | | | hand tools, and wood burning tools. |
| own grandfather clocks as a hobby or as an | | | | A workbench and a separate working area is a |
| entrepreneur. You can make them in the tradition | | | | basic requirement for your hobby or fledgling |
| of the old masters in the clockmaking industry. | | | | business. You can hasten things up by hiring |
| The Early Clockmakers | | | | experienced workers. If your interest is purely a |
| The early clockmakers of America did not make | | | | hobby, expect some time before you can make |
| a good living out of the trade because most of | | | | your own replica of the grandfather clock. |
| the clocks were imported from Holland and | | | | Models For Reproductions |
| England. To survive, they also provided services | | | | For your antique grandfather clocks, look up the |
| as gunsmiths and locksmiths. Also not all | | | | different models of prestigious clockmakers - |
| households had tall clocks in their homes because | | | | Howard Miller, Ridgeway, and Henstchel. Here are |
| these were expensive, so they preferred smaller, | | | | some popular reproductions from these |
| but cheaper clocks. The war also affected the | | | | clockmakers: |
| economy and few people could afford what are | | | | The Adams from Howard Miller is a long clock |
| now considered antique grandfather clocks. | | | | crafted along the tradition of fine artisanship, |
| The long clocks, as the grandfather clocks were | | | | excellent quality, and design. The carved rossetes |
| called then, became popular when a young | | | | and split finial or decorative crown at the top is |
| Quaker arrived in America and founded a lucrative | | | | made of ash burl. The dial of The Adams is |
| clockmaking trade. From thereon, the long stately | | | | adorned with Arabic numerals and a well-designed |
| clocks became permanent fixtures in several | | | | moon phase detailed with the famed Presidential |
| homes. The clocks would later earn the name | | | | Collection hemispheres. The pendulum is made |
| grandfather clocks after the composition of the | | | | from brass and is outfitted with a center disk to |
| 1876 song "My Grandfather's Clock" by Henry C. | | | | match the dial and the weight shells. The |
| Work. By this time, grandfather clocks were | | | | mechanisms include nighttime shut off and a |
| worth their weight in gold. | | | | cable-driven three chime movement. |
| Tools of the Trade | | | | The Salem by Ridgeway has a swan neck split |
| Making replica antique grandfather clocks is an | | | | pediment, features a chain-driven movement that |
| interesting hobby and can be a lucrative business | | | | sounds the Westminster chimes, and a sound |
| once you've mastered the intricate technical | | | | shut-off system for your convenience. |
| aspects of clockmaking. There are several DIY | | | | Henstchel Orleans showcases nickel roman dial, |
| books available in bookstores and online | | | | pendulum, and shells. It also features a beveled |
| bookshops to help jumpstart your hobby. | | | | glass door and a flagship triple chime that comes |
| Knowledge of the background of clockmaking and | | | | with an auto night shut-off feature. |
| an acquaintance with the history of long case | | | | These reproductions of grandfather clocks are |
| clocks are useful before you start out your | | | | stunning pieces any home or office would be |
| hobby or business. | | | | proud to display. So if you're going into the hobby |
| Unless you already have the deftness of hand in | | | | or the business, how about getting one item for |
| carpentry, making those replica antique | | | | your own pleasure. This way you can get the feel |
| grandfather clocks will be difficult. As a tyro, you | | | | and spirit of the antique grandfather clocks. |
| have to start from ground zero and work on | | | | |