Expert: William J Perkins - 3/2/2009

Question
We recently lost our grandfather clock to a brush fire that took the house and all inside. The clock in question was built from a kit my Great Grandfather. It was a kit purchased from we assume a Montgomery Wards catalog. Inside the clock cabinet was an inscription with the date 1863. It was a simple clock that had two keyed springs through the face. One for the clock movement and pendulum, and one for the Hour chime "DONG". No melody. The clock body was built in Lincoln county Nebraska. As the clock was lost, I am trying to build a replacement and would like to use the same or like wood. My question finally is, What would be the appropriate or most common wood to used for that period and region, maple or walnut? Thank you for your time.

Answer
Much would be dependent nupon how much you could spend.  Many of the older clocks were made of the more common woods available in a region.  I would suggest you might consider cherry and oak as well.  Again regional availabilty would most likely be the key.  In my area, Washington, cherry, oak or maple, (in that order) would be the most likely.  Regards WJP