In the dog-eat-dog world of tubular bell grandfather clocks, there were numerous brands. Many high-grade clocks of comparable quality of various nationalities, mainly England, Germany, and the United States, were produced. Among them, Elliott, with the original patent for the tubular bells, was unquestionably top dog. Most manufacturers were trying to develop quality products that were affordable to more people, but Elliott went in the opposite direction, making their products deliberately expensive and exclusive for the privileged few. The original owner of this clock could well have paid as much for this clock in about 1910 as he did for his weekend cottage. The parts in this clock are massive, heavy, well finished, and made of the finest materials. Once the patent for the tubular bells ended, other manufacturers were able to produce their own tubes and compete in the top end of this luxury market. In the United States, Herschede was the main competitor. The Herschede #1 movement is comparable to the Elliott on this page.