By: Rudy Silva
Submitted: 2010-12-08 01:56:17 | Word Count: 555
Grandfather clocks are a classical object. They are also antique as the first model of this clock was made in 1656. Considered to be timeless, their reputation today is more than just time-telling. They are a part of high-end home décor.
Living rooms that contain a grandfather or grandmother clock are elegant and sophisticated. Today’s versions of this clock are more varied. To fit in any décor theme or style, a different style or material is used.
[ advertisement ]
There are clocks today that are made of metals, glass, stone or a combination of any of these materials.
Among the materials, the wood is seemed to be more classical and closer to its antique version, after all, the original grandfather clocks were made of wood.
However, even the wood materials are varied owing to the fact that there are different types of wood available in the market for construction and furniture-making activities.
Oakwood is a popular material. It has great strength and hardness, thus, it is highly resistant to insects and fungal attack. If it is quarter-sawn, the wood contains attractive grain markings. Oak boards that are quarter-sawn are prized since the Middle Ages because they were used in interior paneling of reputable buildings like the debating chamber of the British House of Commons in London, England.
Evidence to Oakwood’s durability is its being used for construction of ships in Europe for naval wars until the 19th century, and in constructing European timber-framed buildings.
No wonder, Oakwood is among the prestigious materials used in making furniture including grandfather and grandmother clocks. Oakwood can last for a hundred years.
Besides Oakwood, Cherry wood is another wood material equally-reputed for durability. Since the ancient times until the present, Cherry wood is used in making cabinets, mouldings, millwork, kitchen cabinets, panels, musical instruments, turnings, carvings and other furniture especially antique clocks.
Cherry’s heartwood varies from rich red to reddish brown. As it ages and exposed to light, the color darkens. However, its sapwood is creamy white. When prepared for construction or manufacturing furniture, Cherry wood has a fine uniform, satiny, straight grain, smooth texture, and may contain naturally some brown pith flecks and gum pockets.
Although it is one of the most attractive hardwoods, Cherry wood is not easy to work with. Hand workers need patience and determination in order to get what they want.
The modern manufacturers of grandfather clocks are made by Madison, Wesley and Franklin. Of the 3, the Madison is the newest in the industry. Its clocks are also popular as they have elegant colonial style.
Also, it has 31-day key wind movement. And as the hour changes, the clock resonates a chime, which is pleasant to the ear. In the evening, the chime can be set to silence to avoid sleep disturbance.
Many decades ago, grandfather clocks were exclusive to those who were nobles, high officials and the upper class as a symbol of their social status. Today, however, anybody can have them without restrictions.
Author Resource:-
Are you ready to decorate your home with a beautiful Grandfather clock wood? Do you want to check out traditional and contemporary styles? We at GranFatherClocksOnline offer the finest grandfather and cuckoo clocks. We guarantee that you get the best value when purchasing any of our grandfather clocks. Visit us at http://www.granfatherclocksonline.com/, and discover the clock you will just love in your home.
