M C Taylor Clocks

Description

A large, unusual and attractive wall clock.

The substantial, eight day duration, 5 pillar, double fusee movement with a large Dead-beat escapement and rack striking the quarters, hours and single passing strike on two top-mounted bells with three hammers. Also having a substantial pendulum bob.

Falseplate fitted behind a 14" diameter, flat painted iron dial with black Roman hour numerals set within a triple lined minute track with triangular hour markings. The centre bearing the maker's signature in script of "L.J.Meyer" above centre and the place "Bristol" in old English type below the centre. The matching steel hands are 'open moon' style and the heavy cast brass hinged bezel has a silvered sight ring and flat glass.

In a light mahogany case that is well-figured. The bezel surround in one-piece turned and is over a drop trunk that has carved floral leaf ears and a quarter round bottom separated with a plain moulding. The bottom has a cockbeaded, locking, curved door. There are also access doors with sound frets to the sides.

This clock contained information suggesting that it was commissioned for the Arno's court convent in Bristol and then moved to the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Henbury. This would explain the 25 minute past and 5 minute to the hour passing strike as a call to prayer. L.J.Meyer is listed as working in Bristol in 1863, this ties in with where it was placed.