Rosewood Grandfather Clock

This magnificent English longcase, or grandfather, clock boasts a fine rosewood case inlaid with an intricate, balanced design. The face is crafted of chased silver in a foliate motif with fully hallmarked numerals by London silversmith James Stedstone Gouldsmith. The clock is a three-train movement run by three silver-plated weights and a mercury pendulum. The three weights power the time, the hour chime and the quarter-hour chime, and the clock strikes on nine tubular bells with a choice of either Whittington or Westminster chimes.

Known commonly as “grandfather” clocks, it was not until the late 19th century that longcase clocks garnered this name. According to the origin tale, two brothers named Jenkins owned the George Hotel in Piercebridge, England. The hotel’s lobby housed a beautiful James Thompson longcase clock that was known for keeping very good time. Upon the death of one of the siblings, the timepiece began to lose its accuracy until it eventually lost an hour a day. When the second brother passed away, the fabled clock stopped working completely. In honor of the brothers, the clock remained in the hotel lobby, motionless. In 1875, American songwriter Henry Work stayed at the George Hotel and heard from hotel staff the story of the clock. Inspired by the tale, he wrote a song with the opening lyrics “Oh, my grandfather’s clock…”

Silver numerals are hallmarked London, 1892 

24 3/4” wide x 17 1/2” deep x 98” high