Ridgeway Grandfather Clock

Posted on by rjoiner2021

Should every clock collector have a Grandfather (tall case or long case) clock? No, but it was something I had always wanted.

RS Ridgeway clock_2
Ridgeway tall case clock

In 2012 I was perusing a local for-sale site and came upon this particular Ridgeway grandfather clock. The ad said that the clock was in excellent condition. When I called the seller and asked what he meant by “excellent” he said, “You have to see it to believe it”. He was right. The brass was bright and shiny and the only indication of its age (1996) is slight tarnishing of the column capitals.

Unfortunately, this type of clock takes a real hit on the used market. The smaller homes that many folks prefer today simply means there there is no room for a clock this size.

Clock face showing moon dial
Clock face showing moon dial and raised Arabic numerals

The clock has a graceful, regal look. It stands 83 inches tall, has a scalloped bonnet crown, functional blue moon dial with constellation, 5-rod Westminster chime with shut-off, stately columns with brass base and caps, raised Arabic numerals, oak solids and veneers, brass lyre pendulum with 10 5/8 polished bob and access panels on each side. It was made by the Pulsaski Furniture Company. The Pulaski company struggled financially in later years and was eventually bought out by the Howard Miller Clock Company in 2004. Howard Miller continues to offer the Ridgeway line.

clock face
Moon phase with constellation

And it came with the original cabinet key.

key
Original Ridgeway cabinet key

The seller advertised that it had a quality Keininger movement. Later ones did; this has a Hermle movement. In the 1990s the German clock company Hermle was the principle supplier.

clock movement
Hermle movement

In this case the ubiquitous 451-033, with 114 cm pendulum and 60 bps.

grandfather clock
Sussex model

The clock is very similar to the Sussex model as shown in this advertising brochure.

I have also seen the clock referred to as the Hamilton Country model. Nonetheless, it is impossible to verify since very little information about the original company exists to this day.

clock pendulum
Lyre pendulum with brass bob

The clock runs very well and to within a minute a week. When it fails it is more cost effective to replace the movement rather than bring someone in to repair it. I will simply swap the movement out with an identical one since Hermle continues to make this movement to this day.

Perhaps my only grandfather clock for now.

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  20. I have this same clock that I got at a auction. I’m trying to sell it but dont know the model name for this clock..Could you help me out and let me know what ot is if you happen to know?? Please and thank you

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