M C Taylor Clocks

Description

This highly collectable, little, late 17th century, wall clock is exceptional in rarity and condition.

The short duration (1 day), weight driven, strap framed, timepiece with alarum movement. Having Anchor Recoil escapement with long pendulum and the iron frame with brass bearings riveted into it. The alarum train is situated behind the going train and has a smaller sprung sprocket. The arbors are tapered and early style collets have been used also, the pinion leaves appear to be hand cut.

Behind a thick, rectangular, single piece, cast brass dial that measures 5 1/2" wide x 7 1/2" high and is pinned to visible protruding tabs from the movement above and below the outer chapter ring. The ringed chapter area has engraved and filled Roman hour numerals, an inner quarter track with hour dots and also cruciform style half hour markings. The plain centre carries the 6 pointed alarum setting disc with Arabic hour numerals within rings. The upper dial corners bear floral spandrel decoration and the lower portion has the maker's name of "James Wood" in italic script. The single iron hand is tailed with a loop-scrolled end.

Contained in a simply constructed, deal and oak box case which typically has the bell stand directly fixed to the back board. It has a removeable tray top and iron hoop and spikes fixings. The dial has holes at the X and II edge positions that correspond to holes in the case sides to allow pinning for fixing.

This timepiece is extremely similar to an example featured on page 40 in the excellent reference book 'TIME & PLACE English Country Clocks 1600 - 1840' published by the Antiquarian Horological Society. It is stated that the example is probably from Southern England and has features that are similar to London-made lantern clocks. There is a listed London maker called James Wood who did not sign the oath of allegiance in 1697 and was never freed therefore, this example could have been made by him possibly his apprentice piece but he would not dare to add the word "LONDON"!

It cannot be overstated how rare this little clock is especially considering the originality and completeness. It was relatively cheaply made and has had little intrinsic value over the centuries so it is surprising that it has survived.

Provenance: Purchased privately.