During the early 1900s, the grandfather clock was introduced into the home as a means to help keep track of the time. These timepieces, usually manufactured by a specific manufacturer, were known for their musical chimes. Despite their popularity, some people have questioned the name of this type of clock. This article will examine its history and manufacturer's name.
Chimes
Historically, the term "Grandfather Clock" came from the song "Grandfather's Clock" written by American songwriter Henry Clay Work in 1876. He was visiting the George Hotel of Piercebridge, North Yorkshire, England, when he heard an interesting story about the clock in the hotel's lobby.
He asked staff members at the hotel about the history of the clock. They told him that the clock had been owned by the Jenkins brothers, who once owned the hotel. They said that the clock was jammed at 11:05 a.m., so Work went to check it out. He was surprised to learn that the clock had been in operation for over 30 years.
It was then that he became interested in the history of a large pendulum clock. He inquired about the history of the clock at the George Hotel. He learned that it had been commissioned by the Jenkins brothers and was once in the lobby of their hotel. The clock had been there for a long time, but there was no apparent use for it.
Manufacturer's Name
Whether you're buying a grandfather clock for a new home, or a relic for your own home, it pays to know the manufacturer's name. The name of the maker of the clock can reveal important details about the clock, such as its model name, which is often printed on a sticker or in the manufacturer's catalog.
The manufacturer's name can also be found in the clock's dial. This is often the most obvious part of the clock, and can be the best clue.
The clock's dial may also contain a trademark. This may be the name of the maker of the clock, or a dated patent number.
Identifying the manufacturer's name is not as straightforward as you may think. It may take some time, and may require you to invest your time and energy. You may also be able to get a better idea of the manufacturer's name by reading specialized websites and books.
Song
Generally, the origin of the name grandfather clock dates back to the late nineteenth century. In fact, it is attributed to the popular song "My Grandfather's Clock" by American composer and songwriter Henry Clay Work. The song was written in 1876 and is one of the first songs to use the term.
The song is a story about how a grandfather clock made it into the home of the speaker's grandfather on the day of his birth. Eventually, the owner of the clock died and the clock stopped ticking. The clock was replaced by a wall clock.
The song was recorded by a variety of performers, including Bing Crosby, Ken Hirai, and Johnny Cash. The song also spawned a sequel. It was not quite as popular as the original. The sequel showed the clock case burned for kindling. It also depicted the grandfather's death.
The songwriter Henry Clay Work is credited with coining the name "grandfather clock" in a song he wrote in 1876. The song was inspired by a story of a grandfather clock that Work heard while visiting a hotel in Yorkshire, England.
History
Historically, the history of grandfather clocks began in 1656, when Christiaan Huygens manufactured the first working grandfather clock in history. The clocks were designed to provide full melody chime at the top of the hour. The design was improved by George Graham in 1721, making the time more accurate. Graham also discovered that temperature fluctuations affected the timekeeping. The pendulum was modified to compensate for temperature changes.
The clocks were then fitted with tubular bells, which were made of copper or chrome. The bells were hung in descending height order and struck by a mechanical gong. Tubular bells produced a more subdued sound than copper bells.
A later version of the grandfather clock utilized hollow metal tubes to produce specific notes. A mechanical gong is spring-loaded to strike the tubular bells.
During the late 18th century, clock chimes began to be fitted into the base of the clock. They were used by churches in Great Britain. They were first fitted into the University Clock at Cambridge University.
