The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1885-05-21
Imitation Grandfather Clocks.

The real grandfather clocks are still
much sought after. not only by the
nouyeau richie, but by those whose
aristocratic ancestors failed to hand
down the tall timepiece which stood in
their Railways in the days of yorp. The
word real is used adyisedly. for the de
mand for these old-fashioned timepieces
has given rise to the manufacture of
imitation grandfather clocks. A Sear
or two ago some were brought to this
market from tine New England states,
but at present. Baltimore is the only
place where the imitation clocks are
manufactured and sold as genuine.
Many OF our largest jewellers, however.
are making clocks the cases of which
are constructed of mahogany, walnut,
rosewood, and cherry in imitation of
the ancient timepieces, but these are
invariably sold for just what they are.
Indeed, the fact is that it has been
found impossible to build an imitation
grandfather clock so that the decep-
tion could not be detected by experts,
the defects being found in small de-
tails.
In New England a century ago
large number of these clocks were
made, the works being constructed out
of wood, and while they are said 10
have been excellent timekeepers in their
day, such of them as are in existence
now have long since outlived their use
fulness, except as ornaments or curios-
tiles. The real antique grandfather
clocks, with metal works, are dated
from 1890 to 1870 The style known
as the '.Dutchman" represents by far
of
were made in Holland and some of
them that are still in existence are dat
ed as far back rs 100. Many of them
are of exceedingly fine and intricate
workmanship, Ginning old Dutch airs,
striking the hours and quarters, and
showing the phases of the moons cal
endar. They are perfect timekeepers
and are worth from S400 to 81, 200
each.
Early in the eighteenth century En-
gland also manufactured similar clocks
and quite 4 number of them were in
cased in frames by Chippendale, the
famous cabinet-maker of Il century and
half ago, and those now command
fancy figures. A clock made for
London firm, which is incased in a
Chippendale case of rare beauty, but
SllHple III ueSlSn, Is now eAnlDlIeu III an
establishment on Union Square. In
addition to keeping correct time, it
shows the motion of the planets, the
calendar, many astronomical data, and
plays thirteen tunes. 1t is valued at
81, 200.
.'Is it possible" asked the reporter
of an expert in the business, "that the
clock of the future will run perpetually,
being so constructed that the changes
of the temperature between night and
day will wind it up?'
No doubt that such clocks will be
manufactured, as it is perfectly feasible
to construct one to be run not only by
changes in the temperature, but by 9th
er simple forces, such, for instance, as
the draught from chimney Clocks
can be also constructed to run for an
almost indefinite period without being
wound up by extreme delicacy in man
ufacturing their works"
DO you think that clocks OF this
character will ever come into general
use?'
That is not likely, as the delicacy
OF their works would prevent them
from being of practical value for every
day use.-H I. AtI and Express.