Classic Ridgeway Timepiece: Grandfather Clock
The Ridgeway Grandfather Clock, a timeless piece of American history, has a rich and distinguished lineage that is deeply rooted in the traditions of two renowned furniture and clock-making companies: the Pulaski Furniture Company and the Howard Miller Clock Company.
Originally produced by the Pulaski Furniture Company in the early 20th century, Ridgeway clocks were an extension of their furniture offerings, epitomising the company's commitment to quality and traditional style. As a line of high-quality grandfather clocks, Ridgeway clocks quickly gained a reputation for their collectible and dependable nature, embodying both Pulaski's furniture-making heritage and a touch of horological expertise.
In 1960, the Howard Miller Clock Company, a dominant force in the clock industry, acquired the Ridgeway brand and its production rights from Pulaski Furniture Company. After this acquisition, Howard Miller continued producing Ridgeway grandfather clocks, incorporating their own manufacturing standards and design influences. This connection underscores Ridgeway’s significance, as it links two major American furniture and clock-making traditions — Pulaski’s craftsmanship and heritage with Howard Miller’s global reputation and innovation in horology.
The Ridgeway Hamilton Country model, in question, is one such testament to this legacy. Standing at 83 inches tall, this clock features a scalloped bonnet crown, a functional blue moon dial with constellations, a 5-rod Westminster chime with shut-off, stately columns with brass base and caps, raised Arabic numerals, oak solids and veneers, a brass lyre pendulum with a 10 5/8 polished bob, and access panels on each side.
Although the original cabinet key for the clock was included in the sale, the clock's internal mechanics have seen some changes over the years. Originally featuring a Keininger movement, the clock now boasts a Hermle movement, which was the principle supplier in the 1990s. This change has not affected the clock's performance, as it runs very well and remains accurate, ticking to within a minute a week.
When it comes to transporting and setting up a grandfather clock like the Ridgeway Hamilton Country model, careful consideration is required. The process involves disassembly, transportation, and reassembly, and it is recommended to hire a professional to ensure the clock's safe transit and proper setup. A hard and level surface is ideal for placing the clock, and it should be placed in a new location with similar care to maintain its longevity and beauty.
Today, the Ridgeway line continues to be offered by the Howard Miller Clock Company, ensuring that this important chapter in American grandfather clock history lives on. Whether you're a collector, a historian, or simply someone who appreciates the craftsmanship and tradition that goes into each Ridgeway clock, these timepieces serve as a reminder of the rich heritage and innovation that has shaped the clock-making industry in America.
[1] Source: https://www.clockworks.com/news/the-history-of-the-ridgeway-grandfather-clock [3] Source: https://www.howardmiller.com/about-us/company-history
- Vintage Ridgeway clocks, such as the Hamilton Country model, are a popular choice among collectors, thanks to their rich heritage rooted in the craftsmanship of the Pulaski Furniture Company and the traditions of the grandfather clock industry.
- When enhancing one's home-and-garden lifestyle, owning a modern-day Ridgeway clock, crafted by the Howard Miller Clock Company, adds a touch of vintage charm and a piece of American horological history to any living space.
