Why a Ridgeway Grandfather Clock can be handed down from generation to generation!

Many quality pieces of furniture are acceptably built but what is the difference between a good piece of case goods and “heirloom quality” construction built for generations?

Each Ridgeway case has a minimum of 2 structural cross members at the top and above the base frame for added support and rigidity. Most Ridgeway's, especially those with mirrored backs have a third cross member where the mirrored back and movement area start. Some larger clocks have as many as 5 in the case, making Ridgeway cases some of the strongest and most stable built in the industry.

When looking in a dealer's showroom, ask to remove the sound escapement panel on the side and reach in to feel the cross member Ridgeway cases are built to last!

• The door of a clock receives the most stress of any part of the case, due to the weekly winding required. Notice the arch of any Ridgeway clock – The door arch [ A ] is always built of solid one piece construction for stability and strength.

• Each Ridgeway clock has unique turnings and shapes. At Ridgeway we design our own. This adds to the uniqueness and value of the clock. Each column and turning [ B ] is attached to the solid hardwood case with a combination of BOTH glue and screws. This eliminates any chance of separating in the home over the life of the clock. Open the door and feel the screws on the inside of each case behind the front columns.

• Notice the base construction [ C ]. The base on Ridgeway clocks are a solid platform that wraps completely around the clock. In addition to this framed base construction, Ridgeway uses an additional back rail just above the base which is glued, doweled and nailed to add greater case stability. The reason for this is to strengthen the case and reduce the risk of damage when the clock is moved.

• Hardwood solids: Ridgeway uses only solid hardwoods in our main construction. Even the veneers are placed over solid hardwood cores nothing less.

These are only 5 of the numerous differences that make a Ridgeway clock treasured and valued purchase – not only for today, but an heirloom for tomorrow.

Construction

The quality of any piece of fine furniture depends largely on the joints used. We at Ridgeway believe that the finest piece of case goods is no stronger than its weakest joint. Critical assemblies such as the doors and side frames which may be subject to stress are all doweled and glued under pressure. The bases and crowns of Ridgeway clocks, in addition to gluing, are also held together with a special metal spline miter which pulls the joint together tightly and is stronger than wooden dowel construction used by most manufacturers. Ridgeway, in an effort to make the best constructed cases in the industry, uses on average 8 metal spline miter keys, 90 individual screws and 40 ribbed and glued solid hardwood dowels in each case.

Ridgeway grandfather clock cases are made as well, if not better, than any clock case in the world. That's why we are proud to offer heirloom quality value with each Ridgeway clock.

Finishes

Ridgeway takes pride in the caliber of our finishing experts. Each case is machine-sanded throughout the manufacturing process. Then, prior to the finishing room, critical parts are sanded by hand. We use a multi-sanding process on each solid hardwood case that includes – staining, sealer, sanding, glazing multiple coats of lacquer and highlighting.

Many cases are completely steel wooled by hand before the final finish is applied to give the unique wood grain in each clock it own special character.

The finishing process for grandfather clocks is very labor intensive as each receives the best possible finish depending on the case style.

Ridgeway finishes our clocks with the quality in mind to last for generations in your home.

Best Furniture Value

When you think of the expected life of a grandfather clock and the number of years it is built to last as well as the joy it will bring to your family, a Ridgeway grandfather clock is one of the best furniture values in America today.