What is the difference between a Grandfather, a Grandmother and a Granddaughter Clock?
This is a very common question!
There are 3 types of Longcase Clock
The key difference is the height, although there are slight variances.
Grandfather:
Known in the USA primarily as a 'tallcase' or 'longcase' this is the larger of the longcase clock family. A tall, freestanding case (minimum of 6ft) with a hood, pendulum and dial. With a 30 hour or 8 day mechanical weight-driven movement, the solid timber cases often feature very ornate and elaborate detail. Originally with brass dials, the painted dial took a hold and by the early 1800's almost completely replaced their brass counterparts. These detailed hand painted dials often featured a biblical scene.
Grandmother:
Usually between the height of 5-6ft, the Grandmother case is a slimmer, shorter replica of the Grandfather. Still in a freestanding case, with a hood and pendulum, they were produced in the early 1920's-30's, and designed to fit more effectively into smaller homes. Both Grandmother and Granddaughter clocks have 8 day mechanical movements, and could be either a strike or chiming.
Granddaughter:
Found between the height of 2-5ft, the delicate and petite stature of the Granddaughter clock was developed during the 1930's for those aspiring after the features of the Grandfather in a smaller model. Seldom in solid timber, they are mainly manufactured in plywood with a veneer, thus a far more affordable option for the 'modern' generation!
