Author: Muna wa Wanjiru

Antique clocks since long have made their way into the living rooms of many homes. These clocks have a very rustic and erstwhile appeal. These clocks gained more popularity in England and from there traveled to all other places including some eastern countries. There are numerous types, sizes, metals, styles and patterns in which these clocks are available. The types of these antique clocks are as follows;

Lantern clock is a wall clock and is shaped like a lantern. It is generally made of brass. These clocks originated in the 17th century Europe and found its place in France and England. Since then they have dominated the antique clock world. The other names used for these clocks are Cromwellian clock, Bed post clock or Sheep head clock. These domestic clocks originated during the time when people were solely dependent upon local churches or priests to tell time. The other aspects that adorned these clocks were decorative dials, engravings, fret work etc. These patterns and motifs of the clocks have greatly been influenced by the Renaissance period. Usually all lantern clocks have only 1 hand indicating the hour time. Ropes and doors were used to enhance the further movement of clocks.

Long case clocks are also known as tall case clocks, grand father clocks or floor clocks. These are free standing clocks with pendulums. The clocks generally have carvings which surround the front dial. These clocks have also originated in Europe and have gained popularity world wide. The grand father clock, grandmother clock and the grand daughter clock are the different types of the long case clocks. Each of them is different in length, specifications, design and configuration.

Water clock is also known as clepsydra. It is an antique clock which consists of a liquid that flows in and out of a container where it is measured. These are some of the oldest clocks and are believed to be originated in the 16th century Babylon and Egypt. The Greeks and Romans take the credit of improving the working of the water clock.

Sundials are the most ancient mechanisms of keeping time. It measures the time according to the movement of sun and subsequently its shadow. The clock needs to be designed with great precision so as to show accurate time. However these clocks had some limitations namely, that the clock was non functional during night hours which was a major reason for its abandonment. After these clocks were abandoned, modern clocks were invented. The sundials functioned until the advent of modern clocks.

Candle clocks or incense sticks are also the types of antique clocks. They burn at predictable speeds and thus time can be estimated.

Antique clocks had lost their charm after the invention of modern and digital clocks. However, in recent years, these clocks have gained a lot of popularity. People who want to connect themselves with the age old tradition of grandfather clocks tend to buy the antique clocks. People are reminded of the ancient and glorious past while buying such clocks. Hence today many people around the globe make special efforts to get hold of such valuable and priceless piece of art.

About the Author:

Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Antiques for Years. For More Information on Antique Clocks, Visit His Site at Antique Clocks

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Types of Antique Clocks Available in the Market Today

The Medieval Clock

The Salisbury Cathedral clock, a large iron-framed clock without a dial located in the aisle of Salisbury Cathedral. The clock dating from about 1386 is the oldest working clock in the world. The clock is one of the group of 14th to 16th century astronomical clocks to be found in the West of England. (See also Wells, Exeter, Ottery St Mary, and Wimborne Minster.) It can be dated to around 1386, and most of the parts are original. Other clocks from the 14th century (the first century in which the mechanical clock flourished throughout Europe), such as those at Rouen or Dijon, have either been lost, destroyed, or substantially modified. The Wells Cathedral clock might have been made by the same craftsmen as the Salisbury clock, but is usually dated to around 1392, and is now relocated in the Science Museum in London, where it continues to operate.

History

A clock in Salisbury Cathedral that struck the hours was mentioned in 1306. This was probably one of the precursors of the 1386 clock, one of the many early examples of mechanical clocks that are mentioned from c. 1280 onwards.

Like many of these more practical devices, its main purpose was to strike a bell at precise times. It did not have a dial. The wheels and gears are mounted in an open box-like iron frame about 1.2m square. The framework was not held together with nuts and bolts (which had not been invented), but rather with metal dowels and pegs.

The escapement was the verge and foliot type, standard for clocks of this age. The power was supplied by two large stones hanging from pulleys. As the weights fall, ropes unwind from the wooden barrels. One barrel drives the main wheel which is regulated by the escapement, the other drives the striking mechanism and the air brake.

When the weights reach the floor, they have to be lifted back up again, a task that explains the presence of two large wheels shaped like steering wheels at either end of the clock.

The clock was a ’single strike’ clock that struck only on the hour. The left half of the clock (as in the photograph above), is the striking part; the right half is the going part.

At the end of the 17th century, the Salisbury clock, like many others, was modified from verge and foliot to pendulum and anchor operation. This usually made clocks much more accurate.

In the 18th century, the bell tower which had housed the clock was demolished, so the clock was moved to the Cathedral’s central tower. In 1884, a new clock was installed and the old one was forgotten.