M C Taylor Clocks

Description

A probably unique, highly collectable, fine and early wall clock with side-winding fusee movement, wooden dial and Thwaites movement.

The good, five knopped pillar, fusee movement with Anchor Recoil escapement and tapered plates. The fusee is mounted towards the right rather than centre to facilitate 'side-winding' via two large bevelled wheels of equal count to the rear and side. This feature is without doubt original and very well executed. The front-plate is stamped by the movement maker's name "J THWAITES" and also the serial number "2765". The bottoms of the plates are cut to give four feet and the movement is mounted with pillar screws to a fixed seat-board spanning the case.

The wooden dial is formed from one piece of mahogany that also forms the surround and bezel housing. The 12 1/2" diameter flat dial retains its original, off-white base paint and is in excellent condition with the blacking re-applied. The fine Roman hour numerals are within the minute track with diamond hour markings and the upper portion is written with the Clockmaker's (suppliers) signature "WILL(IA)M ROBINS (of) Fleet Street". The lower portion is written with "LONDON". The original matching hands are of blackened brass and pierced 'arrowhead' style. The heavily cast brass, locking bezel has the concave 'Sheraton' profile and will have a flat glass (currently having an incorrect bow glass).

In a good mahogany case with thin and moulded dial surround and a drop trunk with shaped 'ears', a locking side access door and 'chisel' bottom. The chisel below an elaborate moulding and having an opening and locking front door.

This fabulous clock is a rare find especially in such original condition. William Robins was a very good maker in his own right he became a member of the Clockmaker's Company in 1779 and Master in 1815 but unfortunately, died the following year. John Thwaites went on to form the world renowned partnership of 'Thwaites & Reed' in 1816. No reference to a side-wind English dial clock can be found and it can only be assumed that it was a special commission by someone who simply did not want the feature of a winding hole spoiling the appearance of the dial. It works extremely well - placing no more stresses on the movement than is usual, it has also saved any damage occurring to the dial during winding.