Overview
This is a classic American-made tall case grandfather clock featuring a swan-neck pediment, turned column accents, and a glass waist door showcasing brass-plated weights and a pendulum. The brass dial is adorned with ornate corner spandrels, a silvered chapter ring, and a rotating moon phase dial beneath the Latin inscription 'Tempus Fugit' (Time Flies).
Story
In 1960, a Virginia furniture company began crafting these stately clocks, bringing the luxury of traditional European horology into modern American homes. The 'Tempus Fugit' inscription serves as a centuries-old poetic reminder to cherish every passing moment.
Maker / Origin
Ridgeway Clocks started producing grandfather clocks in 1960 in Virginia, quickly becoming one of the premier American clockmakers alongside Howard Miller. Known for their robust wooden cabinetry and reliable imported German movements (often by Hermle), they democratized the heirloom grandfather clock for the post-war American middle class.
Condition & Value
The wooden cabinet appears to be in excellent cosmetic condition with a rich, warm luster and minimal surface wear. The brass weights and pendulum show typical light oxidation but no major denting; the mechanical movement's operational status must be verified to ensure the gears and chimes are fully functional.