Drop dial wall clock overview
The drop dial case is a later development of the round dial case. In short, it has a pendulum box that extends below the diameter of the dial. This style of case, given the potential to house a longer pendulum than the dial clock, allows for greater accuracy. The clock comes in both 'time piece' and 'clock' format. (In summary, a time piece has one gear train and is limited to showing the time whilst a clock has typically two gear trains, one that tells the time and one that enable the clock to strike the hour - note, a clock that strikes the hour and quarter hour will typically have a further gear train that drive the quarter striking mechanism)
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Cases for such clocks come in a range of styles and decoration. The simplest will be 'industrial' in nature and probably made from oak. More elaborate clocks may be of either solid or veneered mahogany and often have either brass or mother of pearl inlay set in the front. Such clocks will often also have carved decoration linking the dial to the drop box .
These are known as ears.
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Earlier versions of this type of clock will typically have a solid construction with a round wooden dial surround. Later developments saw a move toward veneered dials and boxes, often with an octagonal wooden dial surround.
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Typically the dial would be either painted or enamelled and show the maker and his address or, more commonly, the retailer and the location of their premises.
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