The Longcase Clock

by Robinson, Tom

• ISBN13: 9781851492329
• ISBN10: 1851492321
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-05-16
• Publisher: Antique Collectors Club Ltd

Summary

The Longcase clock is arguably the most interesting and at the same time useful antique available to the collector. This is the most detailed and copiously illustrated book yet written on the subject. This completely revised edition, with new illustrations and a substantially rewritten text with recent findings, is an important reference that explains how the Longcase clock is almost unique in blending fine examples of cabinet work and clock mechanism in one piece. The large number of photographs on specific aspects of the mechanisms and case designs, together with an unpadded text, make the book readily understandable. Some of the more difficult mechanisms are further clarified by line drawings. The range of cabinet work and the evolution of clockwork over the 150 years covered is immense. It comprehensively illustrates the wide choices available while drawing attention to the many pitfalls which the practical nature of this important reference will help collectors avoid. In this way The Longcase Clock teaches the reader how to identify quality as well as understand the importance of condition.

Table of Contents

List of Colour Plates
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Abbreviated Book Titles
Colour Section	p. 1
Setting the Stage	p. 15
The Beginning 1658-1670	p. 26
The Anchor Escapement	p. 44
Developments in Clock Design 1670-1700	p. 56
Marquetry Cases	p. 91
Lacquered or Japanned Cases	p. 118
Telling the Time at Night	p. 127
The Quest for Accuracy	p. 157
The Age of Elegance 1700-1750	p. 195
Capital and Country 1750-1800	p. 284
Accuracy Achieved	p. 384
Repair, Restoration and Faking	p. 422
Some Later Discoveries	p. 441
Glossary	p. 463
Conversion Table: Imperial to metric measurements	p. 479
Bibliography	p. 480
Indices (Makers' Index and Subject Index)	p. 483
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.