Swedish Mora Clock
The antique Gustavian Mora Clock is a
well-known items of Swedish folk art. This longcase clock – also known as a
grandfather clock - originated in the town of Mora, in the Dalama province of Sweden.
The production of these clocks began in the
latter part of the 18th century where immigrants from the Darlana province
drought fled to Mora until they were able to return home. While there they
learned clock making.
Building such a clock became a community
effort. Families would make one or more of the needed parts so that in the end
several families had a hand in the timepiece’s construction. In time, however,
this cottage industry dwindled between German and American competition.
Even so the curvilinear shape of the
classic Mora Clock is still highly sought after today.
This particular clock style featured an 8-day
movement. Two bells strike the hours. The weights of the clock were made from
cast-iron material and the pendulum features a light bob similar to that found
in English clocks. The mechanism was run by the heavy weights which are winded
using a key.
Like all other tall cases clocks, the Mora Clock owes its
existence to the Dutch scientist Christian Huygens. His 1656 invention of a
working pendulum clock based on a design by Galileo increased timekeeping
accurately to three minutes loss or gain per day.
The clock itself clocks came in different
heights, colors and shapes. The design
and overall appearance of each clock was based on the craftsmen’s artistic
inspiration.
The basic styles:
- Country: For the common household, they were simple in decoration, little or no glass, and less-expensive.
- Fryksdall: Extravagant hood crowns, scroll decorations and found in aristocratic homes.
- Bridal: The finest level of decoration, applied carvings and paint and elegant finishes.
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