Show and Tell Friday

This is my first time participating in

Show and Tell Friday ...

Special Thanks to Kelli over at

http://kellishouse.blogspot.com/

for hosting today's event.

I have chosen one of my most

valued and favorite family heirlooms to

share with everyone.

My Antique Mantle Clock:

I'm not certain on it's exact age but

based on stories and tales that

I've been told over the years

it is somewhere around

120 years old.

Back in 1890

it was given "used" as a wedding

gift to my paternal great

Grandparents by my great great Grandparents.

Who in return gave it as a wedding gift

in 1915 to their only female child, my

Grandmother Maude.

Since my Grandparents only had boys

and didn't have a female child to continue

that tradition it stayed in my Grandmothers

possession until her passing in 1992.

Have I lost ya yet?

I hope not.. it gets simple from here on.

When my Grandmother passed she left

it to her eldest son.. My Dad Thomas.

In 2002 when my Dad was 85 he became

very ill and just before his death

he passed the clock to me.

Even though I have older siblings who

rightly should have gotten it..

He chose me... And he did so because he knew

the care and respect I would take.. the love I had for it..

and that nothing but death would part me from it.

Now if you're doing the math and

trying to guess my age

and you're a lil lost..

I'll help you out a tad..

My Dad was in his 50's when I was born!

I was a shocking surprize!

But not as shocking as my lil brother!

Now on to pictures of my precious clock..

It keeps perfect time!

I can usually go about 3 days between windings.

Every half hour it strikes once

and each hour it strikes according to time.

Everything you see is original.. and to

my knowledge it has only had to be mechanically

repaired 2 times .. last time being in late 1970.

Beautifully detailed carved body is in great condition.

The glass door is in good condition with

original gold etching of butterflies and scroll.

Beautiful brass movement and pendulum.

Original dial face a bit worn. Two key holes , one

to wind for time.. the other for chime... and the original key.

It has one spot on the left side.. where a

drip of brown paint dripped on it...

No idea when that happened but it's always

been there as long as I can remember.

I think it adds a lil character..

I couldn't leave without sharing a picture

of the clocks previous owners..

My Grandmother Maude & My Dad Thomas.

I hope you enjoyed my lil contribution to

Show and Tell Friday.

I know I enjoyed the memories.