M C Taylor Clocks

Description

A lovely and original example of what has become an all-important, iconic relic of the days when we travelled by coach and horses. By William Nash of Bridge (Kent). Circa 1785.

The 8 day duration, 5 wheel train, weight driven movement with 4 knopped pillars and Anchor Recoil escapement. Mounted upon a seatboard set within the oak trunk of the case.

Behind a 24" diameter, 3 horizontal planked dial with an off-white background. Having a black outer divided minute track with block hour markings and inner, well-proportioned Roman hour numerals. The winding hole is protected with a turned brass ferrule and the fine brass hands are matching elaborated 'Spade' style the minute of which has a counterpoised tail. The dial has an applied circular black surround with Thomas Sheraton style moulding and carries a gilt coach line to the outer edge.

The oak trunk is also black with applied chinoiserie work. The space above the concave top locking door is filled with the maker's name in gilt script bearing "William Nash, Bridge" in contour with the dial surround and has small protruding ears. The door frames have typical gilt patterning as does the sides and the large moulded chisel bottom that has a gilt lined simple moulding as a division. Both sides have access doors to the upper portions. The trunk door has intricate gilt designs to the top and bottom thirds that sandwich a very handsome painting of 2 males and a female figure dressed in typical affluent clothing of the period, perhaps coach travellers.

William Nash of Bridge was a prolific maker of usually good quality clocks and watches. He was known from before 1762 and died in 1794. He favoured plain and restrained dials for his clocks for clarity. Many superb Kent made clocks were produced and this example reinforces that. Aesthetically it is fabulous and though made for the practical use of timing horse-drawn coaches, would also not look out of place in the finest Country House.

Provenance - This acutual clock is featured in the excellent book 'Kent Clocks & Clockmakers' page 206, colour plate XI by Micahel Pearson, that was first published in 1997 and presumedly in a private collection. It since travelled to France, again in a private collection, whereas we purchased it from the owner.

A timescale for the preparation of the clock can be advised upon enquiry.