Grandfather Clocks and Their Cases: 3 Common Materials

From Oak to Walnut: A Look at Grandfather Clock Case Materials

What makes grandfather clocks more than a timepiece? It’s “the case” that makes it a unique and mesmerizing piece of furniture that you will cherish for years to come. Not only do these cases enhance the aesthetic appeal, but they are made to last, hence often treasured as a family heirloom and heritage. 

Hence, these cases are integral to the grandfather clock’s one-of-a-kind identity and character. Want to explore the floor clocks more? From wood material to glass and metal, this article discusses everything about grandfather clocks and their cases. 

Keep on reading! 

Grandfather Clocks and Their Cases: The Significant Material

The earliest and most traditional grandfather clocks were made using wood. As time passed, grandfather clocks and their cases also evolved to incorporate modern material, design, and style. 

The most common material that is used now for the making of grandfather clocks include: 

1. Wood
2. Metal
3. Glass 

1. Wood

Wood is the primary material to craft any grandfather clock; therefore, the quality of wood determines the life and longevity of the entire timepiece. To ensure durability, high-quality hardwood is utilized for the cases, and the type of wood is selected based on its strength, rot resistance, and other such capabilities. 

Here is a list of the most preferred wood materials for longcase clocks’ cases: 

1.1 Oak

The number 1 choice of the majority of clockmakers is oakwood. This hardwood is known for its strength, durability, and distinctive grain pattern. 

Besides these qualities, here are a few more features that make oak a perfect choice for grandfather clock cases. 

• High Amounts of Tannin: Almost all species of oakwood contain high quantities of tannin. The presence of tannin in any wood makes it highly resistant to fungi and insects. 
• Moisture-resistant: This wood is dense, solid, and non-porous, making it less likely to get affected by moisture, hence lowering the chances of shrinkage. 
• These two qualities alone make Oakwood clockmakers a favorite: allowing them to make a case that is resistant to damage from external factors as well as internal decompositions. 

Color Variation: From creamy light shade to rich reddish brown, oakwood brings a variety of color choices to the grandfather clock case. So, whatever your personal taste or decor type is, the case can be customized as per your preference.

1.2 Maple

Another popular choice for a grandfather clock is maple wood. Most woodworkers and traditional clockmakers prefer it for a variety of reasons. 

• Uniform Grain Pattern: It has a straight and uniform grain pattern with occasional wavy, rippled, or bird’s eye grain. The sleek pattern makes it an even more elegant choice for grandfather clocks and their cases. 
• Durability: Just like other premium hardwoods, maple wood is preferred for its resistance to cracking and warping. Moreover, the wood type endures the humidity and different weather conditions well, making it less prone to wear and tear. 

Creamy Light Color: The most prominent feature of maple wood is its delicate, creamy color, which looks more uniform after it is stained.

1.3 Black Walnut

From rich color and straight pattern to weather-resistant nature, black walnut has all the qualities to be a perfect wood material to craft grandfather clock cases. Some of its distinctive features are mentioned below: 

• Rich Color: Black walnut is found in various beautiful and rich warm shades that add more elegance to the floor clocks. Its sapwood(outer layer) has a creamy white color. Meanwhile, the heartwood(inner layer) ranges from golden to dark chocolate brown. 

Smooth Texture: Walnut wood has a straight grain, but some walnut wood even exhibits a curl, wavy, or knot-like pattern. Overall, the walnut wood species has a smooth finish, making it a perfect choice for crafting sleek grandfather clock cases.

1.4 Mahogany

Mahogany has been a prime choice for clock and furniture making since the 18th century. Longcase clocks made of this wood material evoke a sense of tradition, heritage, and craftsmanship. Here are a few more practical reasons to use this for clock cases: 

• Distinctive Rich Color: One of the prominent features of this wood type is its deep reddish brown color. The color exudes warmth and sophistication and is known for its lustrous sheen that makes the timepiece the center of attraction. 
• Visually-Appealing Grain Pattern: Mahogany wood has a straight grain with an occasional ribbon-like pattern. Besides, the wood has a fine texture, making it one of the most preferred materials for grandfather clock cases. 
• Strength and Durability: Mahogany shows decent resistance to rot and insects. Also, the older a mahogany tree, the more resistant and durable the wood will be. Therefore, the mahogany wood is carefully chosen to craft highly durable longcase clocks. 

2. Metal

Besides wood, brass metal is also widely used for grandfather clocks and their cases. Below are some ways brass is incorporated into the making of clock cases: 

• Decorative Elements: Brass columns are often used on the side of the clocks as intricate patterns such as fluting or scrollwork. These patterns add to the beauty of longcase clocks. 
• Engravings: Some people like to personalize grandfather clock. In such cases, engraved brass plaques or nameplates are used to give a personal touch to clock cases. 
• Brass Finials: Brass finials are used on top of the clock cases to give the grandfather clock case a regal touch. These finials come in different forms, such as rosettas, floral motifs, eagle spires, and more. 
• Hardware for Clock Door: Different types of hinges, handles, and lock plates are used as hardware for grandfather clock doors. These can also be embellished with decorative elements, adding to both the aesthetics and functionality of the clock. 

3. Glass

Glass is another important element of grandfather clocks’ cases that provides visibility into the movement of the inner workings and the clock’s mechanism. These are the two types of glass materials that are most commonly used for clock construction. 

• Beveled Glass: Beveled glass is made of thick glass and acts as a prism in the presence of sunlight. Therefore, this glass refracts light, which enhances the clock’s appearance even more. This glass is used in both the front and sides of the clock’s case.

Stained Glass: Although stained glass doesn’t provide much visibility into the internal mechanism, it is chosen by those who prefer an artistic touch to their longcase clocks. The panels made of stained glass are often adorned with vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Moreover, they can be customized to complement the overall look and feel of the clock.

Get Your Personalized Amish-Made Grandfather Clock from Old Time Chimes!

Whether you are looking for a premium longcase clock made of oak or walnut, at Old Time Chimes, you get a timepiece that fits your choice. From premium brass material to top-quality hardwood and glass, we craft a longcase clock using the material you prefer. 

Check out our exquisite collection of grandfather clocks and contact us now to get one made just as you wish.