What is a French Morbier clock?
If you are not familiar with them, Morbier clocks were provincial clocks that had many hands in its manufacture. Various parts were often made by village farmers or idol workers during the long cold winter months and then assembled by a local clocksmith.
Why is it called a grandfather clock?
The name grandfather clock was adopted after the song “Grandfather’s Clock,” written in 1876 by Henry Clay Work, became popular. The first grandfather clocks featured a Classical architectural appearance, but a variety of styles have enjoyed popularity over the years.
Why do French clocks strike twice?
The surrounds became one piece in 1850. Another interesting feature of Comtoise clocks is that they strike the hour twice, ringing on the hour and then two minutes later. Some call these prayer repeat clocks — the first chime is a call to prayer, and the second signals time to begin prayer.
How do you wind a long case clock?
The most effective way to wind your clock would be to open the front door, insert the crank, hold the clock steady with your left hand, and turn the crank with your right hand. After winding the clock, set the correct time by moving the minute hand either clockwise or counterclockwise.
What is a French comtoise clock?
These intricate gorgeous clocks, known as Comtoise, Morbier or Morez clocks, are a style of longcase clock made in the Jura region, mountains on the French–Swiss border. Production of these clocks began in 1680 and continued for a period of about 230 years.
What is a Grand Sonnerie clock?
Grande sonnerie (French, meaning ‘grand strike’) is a complication in a mechanical watch or antique clock which combines a quarter striking mechanism with a repeater. On the quarter-hour, it strikes the number of quarter hours audibly on a gong, and then the number of hours since the hour on a second gong.
How often should you wind a chiming clock?
every seven days
Clocks with two and three gear sets will be able to chime on the hour and quarter hour respectively. Additionally, most clocks are set to run for eight days, before having to be wound. It’s always a good idea to wind them every seven days. By winding every seven days you prevent the clock from stopping.
Do grandfather clocks hold their value?
Expect that your grandfather clock could be worth anywhere from $200 to $20,000 depending on the features and the condition of the clock. If you are willing to sell an antique clock and be fair about the overall pricing, chances are you will make quite a bit of money off of it.
When was the Comtoise clock made?
A flower pendulum Comtoise with both a days of the month indication and an indication for the phases of the moon ca.1860 57. A Comtoise clock ca. 1865. The stamped fronton was in most cases stamped in a square; later it was made to measure by cutting off the corners and thus made to fit in a case.
What is the backside of a Comtoise for?
Backside of a Comtoise ‘coq’, that was built as a wall clock. The iron strip on the top plate serves to fix the pendulum. At the same time it acts as the hook for hanging the clock either on the wall or on the interior of a case. Two points (spikes) press into the wall or the wood, preventing the clock from slipping.
How tall is the front plate of a Comtoise?
On very few occasions, the stamped name of a workshop in Morez, Jean Saverin occurs. The height of the front plate of the large Comtoise is 60 cm, that of the mini Comtoise only 20 cm. 62/63. Prix-courant d´Horlogerie 1908.
How long does a year clock last?
A so-called Comtoise year clock. Depending on how high it hangs on the wall (=the fall) it runs for 6 to 7 months. It’s a pin wheel escapement with a six wheel going train, ca. 1870. 61. Maxi and mini together.