Techniques Used by Antique Clock Makers

Crossbanding

Crossbanding was a technique involving adding a veneered border of cross-grained wood to give strength to the edges wooden surfaces like doors and panels. This serves to prevent accidental damage from the occasional bump. The cross-grained wood used gave decoration alongside the ability to resist chipping, especially if the cross-banded wood used is different from the main panels. Longcase clocks with cross banding are generally more valuable.

Marquetry Cases

Popular on longcase clocks from 1680 to 1710. When marquetry decoration was first applied to English clock cases (c.1675), it was confined to shaped panels of flowers. By 1690, however, it had spread across the entire front of the case and often incorporated borders of swirling seaweed marquetry. The area of the case taken up with seaweed marquetry increased until, by 1700, it had entirely displaced the floral style. Japanned decoration had replaced all marquetry by 1710-15. Later examples are more lavishly decorated with mahogany used to make longcase clocks from the mid-18th century.

Some plain walnut clock cases were "marquetried-up" in the late 19th century. On many of these pieces, unless very crude indeed, the marquetry is of an age and quality that make it indistinguishable to all but an expert and may not affect the clock's value.

Check that the marquetry on the hood, trunk and plinth all match, since many plinths rotted from standing on damp stone floors and were replaced. Original marquetry should have an uneven feel, due to the shrinkage of the wood beneath the veneer. A very smooth, even surface may indicate recent repairs or restoration

The development of case and dial styles can be clearly followed and has been well recorded. A knowledge of cases, dials and hands is essential in dating any longcase clock and assessing authenticity.

In many instances, longcase clocks by provincial makers are the equal of their London counterparts, and provincial makers often produced interesting variations on the basic London styles. A number of country clocks with oak cases are of 30-hour, rather than eight-day duration.

These 30-hour clocks, with either a brass or a painted dial, are sought after today, as they represent the most inexpensive, yet still desirable, longcase timekeeper available on the market.

There is a large amount of information available on longcase clocks and their makers, which may help collectors check the provenance of a clock they are thinking of buying, and may also help with recognition and dating.

The records of some important makers have also survived. Although almost all clocks are signed by the clockmaker, nothing is so far known about the craftsmen who made the cases. The most collected longcase clocks today are mahogany veneered examples by London makers. These were the standard good quality domestic clock during the second half of the 18thC, and significant numbers are still available.