Craftline grandfather clock – why so little information online?

There was a time in the 1970s and 1980s when every family of sufficient means had a grandfather clock in their home. It was a symbol of success but today, nobody wants them.


clock face

Two years ago my daughter bought a new home in a large western Canadian city. There were a couple of pieces of furniture in the house during the process of the sale.

Craftline grandfather clock

One item, a grandfather clock was offered for sale, my daughter consulted me and I advised her to lowball the offer. So, she bought it far below the asking price. It was clear the seller had no interest in taking it with them and they quickly agreed to the lower price.

Weights and pendulum

It is a Craftline grandfather (or tall-case) clock from about the mid-1980s. I have seen a few modern grandfather clocks and to me, this was a top-of-the-line model with selectable chimes, seconds bit, beveled glass lower access door, 12-inch pendulum bob, moon phase, crank weights, beautiful solid wood (Cherry?) case with selected veneers.

Craftline clock

The trouble is that I cannot find one darn thing about the company during an online search.

I do know that Craftline was a Canadian company that made clock cases and sourced Hermle and possibly Urgos movements, plus faces, pendulums, and weights from Germany. When they ceased production (presumably in the early 1990s) and how long the company was in business is a mystery. However, judging from the quality of this clock, they were able to compete successfully with Howard Miller, Ridgeway, and others.

However, it is a fine-looking clock that represents a time when every home had to have one.


5 thoughts on “Craftline grandfather clock – why so little information online?

      1. I have the exact same clock pictured. I even have the manual in pristine condition but I’m having a hard time finding the style no. and movement no. No one thought to write it in the space provided in the manual. All I see is 416-LM on the back of the clock. I need to get a replacement winding key, which isn’t listed in the manual. I managed to purchase a replacement locking mechanism for the door but haven’t installed it yet because it’s not exactly the same and I hope to just get a key rather than replace the whole lock. If anyone knows the style and movement numbers please let me know! Also just knowing the size I need for the winding crank and lock key would be great. Alternately If you would like a copy of the manual I can scan and send it to you! Just reply to this message and I’ll get an email notification.

        Like

  1. I have the exact same clock pictured. I even have the manual in pristine condition but I’m having a hard time finding the style no. and movement no. No one thought to write it in the space provided in the manual. All I see is 416-LM on the back of the clock. I need to get a replacement winding key, which isn’t listed in the manual. I managed to purchase a replacement locking mechanism for the door but haven’t installed it yet because it’s not exactly the same and I hope to just get a key rather than replace the whole lock. If anyone knows the style and movement numbers please let me know! Also just knowing the size I need for the winding crank and lock key would be great. Alternately If you would like a copy of the manual I can scan and send it to you! Just reply to this message and I’ll get an email notification.

    Like

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