LONGCASE CLOCK

also called grandfather clock, tall pendulum clock enclosed in a wooden case that stands upon the floor and is typically from 6 to 7.5 feet (1.8 to 2.3 m) in height. The first longcase clocks were referred to as coffin clocks, because of their elongated style and door opening in front. Later, the name grandfather clock was adopted after the song Grandfather's Clock, written in 1876 by Henry Clay Work, became popular. The first longcase clocks featured a classical architectural appearance, but a variety of styles enjoyed popularity over the years.