Grandfather clocks are beautiful and elegant timepieces they can and classical style to any home. While the grandfather clock as we know it today didn't appear until the 1880s, the idea of using a pendulum to keep time is credited to Galileo in 1582. By 1670, however, the timekeeping precision had been improved and the weights and pendulum were displayed behind glass in clocks that stood on the floor. At this time, these clocks were made for nobles and royal families but soon production costs were cut down and almost anyone could have one.

Originally called floor clocks, the grandfather clock actually got its name by a song written in 1875 by Henry were called "The Grandfathers Clock".

Today, grandfather clocks come in many styles and sizes. You can buy them brand-new, or get beautiful antique models. They can be made of many kinds of wood and stand anywhere from 6 1/2 to 8 feet tall. Some even have curio cabinets inside for you to display your collectibles.

If you're thinking about buying a grandfather clock, you must consider the purchase as you would any piece of fine furniture for, although they keep time, grandfather clocks are really much more than just a clock. You want to be sure that you know where you can take the clock should it need service. Also, if you are serious about having a good-quality grandfather clock be prepared to pay the price because just like anything else you get what you pay for.

When you get your clock home, you want to be sure that you put it in the perfect place where it looks great and you can hear its beautiful times. You have to be careful, though, if you have a base board or molding because you want the clock to sit level on the floor and not be leaning in towards the wall. Make sure the works are in the case properly and that the pendulum is hung with the flat polished part at the front and then it hangs freely on all sides. When you hang the weights, big sure that they also freely and do not touch the pendulum. Move the arms clockwise to the correct time and then start the pendulum swinging.

Grandfather clocks can be purchased new or used, and if you get a used one, you want to be sure to get all the records of one or service. If it wasn't service recently then you should have that done. Whether new or old, you need to have the clock cleaned every five years to keep it in good working order