On shipping a boxed grandfather clock with a freight common carrier, from our experience, the biggest 3 potential problems to prevent are (a) the box-container falling, or (b) pressure-weight being put on-to the box-container from any side, especially above, or (c) the clock not being in an upright position, or on its “back” as a less good secondary alternative (but potential benefits too – see below).

From a positioning standpoint, the best practice in to make certain that the grandfather clocks stands upright during the entire trip, and doesn’t move OR have any pressure applied from any side. If it can’t be shipped standing up, then it can be shipped with the clock’s back facing down (any other than these 2 positions – upright, or on its “back” – would very likely damage the clock). If the clock is on its back, they need to again be careful not to apply weight on top of it or to its side’s, or to let it move around.

For added safety, you-they could always crate it, recognizing that is not inexpensive. They-you might also want to put it on a pallet (using one of 2 positions mentioned above – upright or on its back – ONLY), but that also would add cost.

While 1-800-4CLOCKS is pleased to provide this type of potentially useful advice, PLEASE USE THIS ADVICE AT YOUR OWN RISK.  When packing or shipping individual grandfather clocks, there is always some risk.  We welcome feedback and wil gladly add any additional comments that are helpful or constructive.
They should also have experience in this area, as well as the Shipper they use, so we would also make certain to follow their guidelines and rules and suggestions, and to the extent they might conflict, feel free to ask us our opinion so you can decide what’s best.

Feel free to forward this information to your shipping company if you think it would be helpful. Let us know if they do not agree and or have any additional suggestions on how to most safely ship a grandfather clock.

With the world being the way that it is, there are many of us who are separated from our families and loved ones by many miles. With the Internet at our disposal there are vast resources for keeping in touch – allowing us to communicate via email and even send pictures with a touch of a few keyboard keys. But the other thing that the Internet allows us to do – in order to let friends and families know that they are close in our hearts no matter how far away they may be – is to order and send gifts online. Everything from flowers and candy to gift baskets and artwork can be found on the Internet – purchased and shipped within a few hours to the recipient of your choice.

Sometimes the occasion for gift giving is a more important one and the corresponding gift more elaborate. When in search of an exceptional gift the Internet still delivers; consider the option of purchasing a grandfather clock – or grandmother clock – for someone far away and having it shipped right to their door!

Surely grandfather clocks are not synonymous with typical gift giving; but the fact remains that a well chosen grandfather clock can be just the right gift at the right occasion. And the fact that we, as consumers, can purchase high quality grandfather clocks – made by reputable and renowned manufacturers – through online suppliers makes gift giving easier than ever. Grandfather clock suppliers allow consumers to shop online for the perfect clock for any occasion and home – traditional, contemporary, antique inspired – and have it shipped right to the door or the door of someone they wish to present with a unique and memorable gift.

Remodeling a home has become the ultimate pastime in this country; a process through which we are led with the help of television shows, magazines, and endless supplies of Internet information dedicated to just this task. The home makeover has become the goal to which we aspire and the objective to which we throw all of our resources; we paint walls, change furniture, hang wall art, and generally change the way our home décor flows in order to create a space that is more reflective our personalities.

After a remodel – after the walls have been painted the chosen colors, the crown molding put in place, the cabinets hung in the kitchen – we often seek out those pieces that will best coordinate with our new design. Grandfather clocks are one of the most visually stunning pieces we can put in our homes; their height adds drama and sophistication to a room – packing a punch that will dramatically transform a home.

Following a renovation, homeowners can seek out those grandfather clocks that complement the new décor of the home. Through reputable online clock suppliers, homeowners looking to further their new décor will find:

* Traditional grandfather clocks that speak of years’ past; darker woods, an ornately carved hood, illustrations or artwork above the face of the clock, and the melodic chime that we remember from our childhoods.

* Contemporary grandfather clocks that combine the design of the traditional clock with more contemporary materials – wrought iron, metals, stone, etc. - that work appropriately in modern homes.

There are many things around which families gather - not the least of which are their traditions. But traditions do not always have to be events; they can also be things. Grandfather clocks are often associated with traditional family pieces; in fact, many grandfather clocks are handed down throughout generations of families – a touchstone to a time gone by. For those who grew up with a grandfather clock in their family they may very well have seen one standing sentry in their grandparents’ home or in the home of their parents or older family members.

Having grown up with a grandfather clock, homeowners may look to replicate their childhood home by including pieces of furniture in their own décor that mean the most to them. A grandfather clock can certainly be taken from an older family member who wishes to hand a family heirloom down to the next generation. But it is also not necessary to wait for a family member to give or bequeath an existing grandfather clock to them; instead, they can find a modern version of a grandfather clock that they once loved through suppliers such as 1-800-4CLOCKS.

Reputable clock suppliers such as 1-800-4CLOCKS offer consumers options when it comes to finding clocks that will work in their home. No longer is it necessary to visit high-end specialty stores in search of the perfect clock; neither is it necessary to resort to cheaply made clocks often found in large discount home supply stores. Rather, consumers can find affordable, well made grandfather clocks through suppliers that carry products made by renowned clockmakers such as Howard Hill grandfather clocks and Kieninger grandfather clocks.

Grandfather clocks have been in existence for generations, often taking up residence in homes as a traditional way to mark time and enhance a room. The grandfather clock – also known as the longcase clock – can set the tone for an entire room, and even an entire home. Their often ornate exteriors are created in a variety of styles by some of the modern world’s most renowned clock makers such as Howard Miller, Kieninger, and Ridgeway.

What many people may not be as familiar with are those clocks known as grandmother clocks. Essentially, what separates grandfather clocks from grandmother clocks is size; those standing clocks that average five to just under six feet are referred to as grandmother clocks, while those clocks that are six feet and over are known as grandfather clocks.

What differentiates the grandfather clock and the grandmother clock is also what unites them; clocks of this stature are certainly unique. Rather than just sitting a mantel clock on a shelf or hanging a wall clock in a kitchen or living room, those who bring a grandfather clock into their home are essentially committing to a piece of furniture. Beyond just telling time – ringing in the hour with the chime that is unique to them – a grandfather clock becomes a part of the family, meant to last a lifetime.

One of the choices facing Grandfather Clocks shoppers is whether to go with one of the many mainstream grandfather clocks, the very large majority of which have hammers which strike on chime rods, or some kind of alternative.

A great alternative to consider, especially those who have both large homes and want to be able to hear the chimes loud and clear in much of the house, is grandfather clocks with Tubular Chimes. Tubular chime grandfather clocks generally come with either 5 tubes or 9 tubes. The five tube variety is almost always built to play the Westminster Chime, with a choice frequently of only gonging on the hours for the number of hours. The nine tube chime in newer clocks will almost always offer a choice of chimes, such as the Westminster, Whittington or Saint Michaels Chimes. One at a time; never all three together. Antique Grandfather tubular chime clocks are worth a special look as well, and carry their own advantages and disadvantages.

Aside from the tubular chime grandfather clock clock selection currently offered by Howard Miller Clocks, Hermle Clocks, and Kieninger Clocks, Bulova will now be offering many of its clocks with a tubular chime option.

Get ready to see some gorgeous new choices in tubular chime grandfather clocks. Bulova Grandfather Clocks with this option will soon be seen on the 1-800-4CLOCKS website, and perhaps in its Store in Grand Central Station as well.

Howard Miller J. H. Miller II Grandfather Clock Model 611-031 Limited Edition

Now you are in the market for one of those really tall standalone (against a wall) clocks, which has a pendulum swinging back and forth every second, and we even have one or more choices of chimes in addition to the hourly gong which strikes on the hour for the number of hours.  OK, so do you want a grandfather clock, a tallcase or tall case clock, or a longcase or long case clock?  The answer, to a large degree, may depend upon the Continent upon which you were raised on.

Natives of the United Kingdom and Continental Europe by and large will still refer to what Americans call a grandfather clock as a tallcase clock or longcase clock.  To put this in some historical perspective, such clocks were known the world over as longcase clocks or tallcase clocks.

It was not until sometime after 1876 when Henry Work Clay wrote the song “My Grandfather’s Clock” that grandfather clocks started to be known by that name.  The song became so popular,  particularly in the USA, to a point where nowadays a grandfather clock is the term of choice.  In merry old England and the rest of the United Kingdom, not to mention the rest of Europe, as is true with many things, tradition trumps change.   One will still hear of tall case clocks and long case clocks most of the time, frequently with the addition of the grandfather clock terminology only to appeal to a broader audience.

Interestingly, in the experience of 1-800-4CLOCKS,  many people refer to large wall clocks as grandfather clocks or grandmother clocks.  A clock really truly does need to be a Floor Clock, yet another term used to describe Grandfather Clocks, to qualify as a Grandfather Clock.  Less interesting but also noteworthy is that many people refer to grandfather clocks as granfather clocks, or sometime granfathers clocks.  We assume this must be because that is how they heard these clocks described most of the time.

1-800-4CLOCKS will in early 2008 be adding several lines of new wristwatches to its already existing assortment of timepieces, which currently include grandfather clocks, wall clocks, matel clocks, atomic clocks and many more by makers including Howard Miller Clocks, Hermle Clocks, Bulova Clocks and watches, Ridgeway, Kieninger, Movado and many more.

Antique grandfather clocks, as well as new ones by Howard Miller, Hermle, Ridgeway and others have been a staple of the offerings by 1-800-4CLOCKS.com.  On eBay, and on the web, the Company has also sold many antique clocks including grandfather, wall and mantle clocks.  Antique pocket watches have also been a consistent source of offerings, from the many American brands such as Waltham, Elgin, Hamilton to the European including Vacheron, Patek, Audemars, Movado and many others.  Repeaters have been one of many timepiece specialties, including clocks and watches.

Slowly but surely, new brands of wristwatches and pocket watches will be added to offerings.

Visit early and often to see the progress achieved over time.

When wading one’s way through a grandfather clock purchase, especially if it is for the one and only for one’s home or office decor, many savvy and thoughtful buyers of clocks are torn between antique grandfather clocks and new grandfather clocks by companies such as Howard Miller Clocks, Kieninger Clocks, Ridgeway Clocks, Bulova Grandfather Clocks, and more.

It is not an obvious choice, even for those interior decorators and individuals looking to make the so-called correct choice. Antique Grandfather Clocks have obvious appeal because of their potential rich history, generally solid construction, potential fascinating features, usually costing a lot more, which make the clock stand out (e.g. a mercury pendulum, or automata on a antique grandfather clock).

Many clocks experts would also say, and we would agree generally, that if one shops very carefully for an antique grandfather clock, and finds one that is or has the relatively easy potential to be in good working order, has provenance, ideally, and one purchased at a good price, an antique clock will likely, in our opinion, be a better long-term investment.

There are, however, 2 key facts which 1-800-4CLOCKS would advise customers to also consider - and remember we sell both new and antique clocks. The first, and by far most obvious and talked or written about, is that a new grandfather clock, such as a Howard Miller Grandfather Clock or Kieninger Grandfather Clock, will generally arrive with no problems, and relatively speaking, much lower maintenance costs in the years ahead. There is also the much decreased risk that one my be buying a lemon antique grandfather clock which becomes a bottomless pit for restoration and repair. In this regard, buying an antique grandfather clock is not that much different from buying a used car or vehicle. One should have an expert by their side, or at least weigh in based on a solid facts foundation.

The 2nd fact which we see as an ever-increasing change in the years ahead is that more and more so-called antique grandfather clocks one finds for sale will actually be counterfeit reproductions. While this trend has yet to truly reach the mass market, at least with grandfather clocks, we expect it will, and will grow stronger and more powerful, in the next one to five years.

So whatever you do when you are shopping for a grandfather clock, be sure to do your homework, and hopefully as or with a skilled expert by your side.

A fascinating trend in time that 1-800-4CLOCKS had not observed before is the role that grandfather clocks, many frequently just given as Christmas presents, as well as ones that have been around decorating the home for years, are used as a centerpiece on New Years Eve.

At the same time that many have their televisions tuned in to watch the ball come down in Times Square, some of those same people, and many others, use or also include their own grandfather clock as a or the major time marker for counting down the hours and bringing in the New Year.

No single brand seems to lend itself more than any other toward ringing in the New Year, whether Howard Miller Clocks, Hermle Grandfather Clocks, the Ridgeway Grandfather Clock Collection, or Kieninger Grandfather Clocks. The only specific related trend we have observed is to also have an atomic clock to bring in the New Year with near-perfect timing accuracy.

Any special plans for a New Years party seated around a grandfather clock nearing midnight? Write us with any stories you think may be worth sharing!

And Happy New Year and a Healthy and prosperous 2008 to anyone who is reading this post.