Rosewood Grandfather Clock

Known commonly as “grandfather” clocks, it was not until the late 19th century that longcase clocks garnered this name. According to the origin tale, two brothers named Jenkins owned the George Hotel in Piercebridge, England. The hotel’s lobby housed a beautiful James Thompson longcase clock that was known for keeping very good time. Upon the death of one of the siblings, the timepiece began to lose its accuracy until it eventually lost an hour a day. When the second brother passed away, the fabled clock stopped working completely. In honor of the brothers, the clock remained in the hotel lobby, motionless. In 1875, American songwriter Henry Work stayed at the George Hotel and heard from hotel staff the story of the clock. Inspired by the tale, he wrote a song with the opening lyrics “Oh, my grandfather’s clock…”

Silver numerals are hallmarked London, 1892

Measures: 24 3/4” wide x 17 1/2” deep x 98” high.