Many modernly crafted grandfather clocks are renditions of these early designs.
True classics never go out of style!
Comtoise Clocks
Pronounced com-twah, these clocks originated in the French-Comte in the 1680s.
You might also see them listed as Morez or Morbier clocks.
Production continued for approximately 230 years, during which, 60,000 of these clocks were produced.
They were made similar to Gothic clocks, with a weight-driven mechanism.
At first, the only variation was a one-piece case made of vine.
Later, the clocks hung on a bracket.
The dials were brass or pewter with black markings.
They had a single hand.
Thats something no modern dial clock does.
Still, the idea works the same way.
Once set, the date moves with every two revolutions of the clock.
It may also have other political themes according to the period in which it was made.
The makers were very patriotically and civically minded.
They added a homely decoration to the clocks face.
Then, the more affordable German clocks also became more stylish in the French-Comte region.
The people had enough of the comtoise design and wanted something new.
The outbreak of World War 1 practically ended the era of the comtoise clock.
After the war, demand was on more modern styles of clocks.
Rather than showpieces, people wanted low-cost but functional commodities to rebuild their lives and the economy.
Still, a couple of clockmakers were still making comtoise clocks until the late 20thcentury.
Interestingly, the design came about as sailors in the area rescued English grandfather clocks from a shipwreck.
These clocks run on a mechanism of lead weights, each weight weighing approximately 8 pounds.
you’ve got the option to identify the head, case, and foot of the clocks construction.
The clocks face is made of brass or iron with a lead decorative feature in the corner.
The case was likewise decorated, most often with Biblical themes.
This variation of Bornholm clock has a white iron face with painted black markings.
The foot features angled sides, and the corners have sculpted columns.
Mora itself is a farming community.
The popularity of the design spread, and other clockmakers all over Sweden innovated on it.
In general, though, Mora clocks fit into tighter spaces than English-style grandfather clocks.
They typically measure 28 inches wide, 99 inches high, and 12 inches deep.
They run on cast-iron weights and provide eight-day movements.
Those clocks from the north part of Sweden were usually narrower than those from the south.
The ones in the south often featured decorations and stylish curves.
Again, they declined in popularity only when more German and American imports penetrated the market.
One distinguishable variation on the Mora clock was the Fryksdall clock.
Its recognized by the carving embellishments.
It is thought to be more of a high-end clock and was widely owned by rich people.
They were meant for use in more ornamental areas.
This is among the least ornamental Mora clocks and has rather a plain look.
It was a popularoption of clockin poorer households and was frequently gifted to couples on their wedding day.
Which key in of Grandfather Clock do You Have?
Does the description of one of these styles of clocks appeal to you?
Do you have a clock modeled after one of these styles, or perhaps have an original?
To verify, have it inspected by a knowledgeable antique dealer.
