Many of us have heard these beautiful melodies without really knowing much about their origin. The variety of clock chimes is fairly wide but there a few classics that have become standard favorites of clockmakers and owners alike.
Some makers of grandfather clocks have been know to incorporate more than one chime tone, giving owners a choice to change the chime. Most standard grandfather clock movements utilize either a twelve or a sixteen chime configuration. The twelve chime arrangement is thought to be the most common. The chimes or tubular bells are struck by hammers at very precise intervals creating the desired melody.
Some grandfather and other long case designs may use just a simple, repetitious chime to mark the hour and half hour segments. Those floor clocks with multiple chime designs make use of several familiar and historic melodies.
Westminster
The historic clock tower at the Palace of Westminster in London has tolled, with very few exceptions, since 1859. Known in popular culture as Big Ben, the clock is the largest four face chiming clock in the world.
Featuring the largest bell ever cast at 13 tons, the chimes and the great bell rings out a melody that has become known simply as Westminster. The most famous clock chime melody in the world was quickly adopted by chime clockmakers. There are several variations of the melody with some minor changes in pitch and rhythm.
Saint Michaels
While many chime clockmakers adopted the classic Westminster as a chime tone, another equally beautiful clock chime has its origins in the New World. A little known church in South Carolina became the home of bells that were originally cast in England in the 1760s. The bells were hung in the steeple of Saint Michaels Church in the city of Charleston, South Carolina.
During the Revolutionary War, the British Army captured Charleston. Along with other spoils of war, the British removed the bells from the church and sent them back to England. When the hostilities ended, arrangements were made to send the bells back to Saint Michaels. In the early 1820s crack were found in the bells, and once again found their way back to London to be remade.
During the American Civil War, there was an attempt to keep the bells out of the hands of the Union Army. In spite of being hidden away in Columbia, South Carolina, the fortunes of war were not kind to the bells of Saint Michaels. During the Union invasion of Columbia, the armies of General Sherman destroyed the bells. Since the original molds still resided in England, the bells were once again recast and the new set sent back to Charleston. In 1867, the bells were hung in the church where they have been to this day.
Whittington
The origins of the Whittington chime are thought to be much older than the popular Westminster chime. Located in the Cheapside area of London, the Church of Saint Mary Le Bow has been home to the bells since 1392.
Ave Maria
The chiming of Ave Maria follows that melody of this beautiful song. Written by the classical composer Franz Schubert as part of a larger work, the song has long been a favorite of church choirs and operatic performers for many years and is one the most recognizable and beloved melodies in the world.
The Pearl of Great Price
To what extent would you go to get the pearl of great price? To own the perfect pearl, man may sell his possessions to get one. But for the perfect grandfather clock, you need not go that far. For a few hundred dollars, you can own the most sought-after item for the home or office.
Certainly, there are many reasons why you should get a long clock. One is pride in ownership. But nothing can beat the pleasure you can get from just having it in your home and hearing the melodic chimes that announce the hour.
If you're thinking that this type of clock is an outdated item, you are wrong. This clock can fit into the modern home, and there are several designs that can match your contemporary fixtures. Unlike your recent gizmos and widgets, your clock will withstand the whimsies of changing trends. Its enduring charm will not cease to enchant appreciative glances - just like the pearl of great price.
The Value of A Grandfather Clock
In the 1930s, this type of clock with its infamous pendulum was an expensive item fit only for royalty and the nobility. This kind of clock can cost as much as $500,000, even more for their antique and decorative worth. Thanks to some changes and some adaptations, everybody in this day and age can get a clock. Today's clocks have better dials and movements and need not cost a king's ransom to be delivered to your home.
If you're still dawdling about getting one, these tips might swing your indecision towards getting your very own clock just like the one at your grandfather's place or those that you've seen in your friends' homes.
Timeless Grace - A well-crafted contemporary grandfather clock like its antique counterpart has the same enduring elegance that also adds character to any home or office. Whether you choose the wooden case clocks or the wrought iron edition, this will last for generations. You can be sure that this will never be relegated to the attic to gather dust.
Accurate Timepieces - Until the invention of the pendulum, the mechanical movement told the time inaccurately. The principle behind the swing of the pendulum is attributed to the laws of gravity, and as the world rotates, the pendulum swings accordingly, like taking a journey back in time.
Available technical and maintenance support - Suppliers can always provide you the maintenance and support you need for your clock. A manual or a video showing how to care for your grandfather clock will always be provided. If you are unsure about your capability to do some minor adjustments, you can always call the supplier for help.
Different designs and prices - If you're shopping for design or price, you can always find one that is just for you. You will be surprised to discover that there are indeed affordable and elegant pieces.
Prized heirlooms - An investment in a long clock is like investing for the future. Provided with proper passionate care, the clock will increase in value over the years, so proudly pass it on to your progeny.
So if you're shilly-shallying about getting your own grandfather clock, think again.
Both Mitch Endick & Andrei Myers are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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