M C Taylor Clocks

Description

A lovely little lantern clock in great and original condition by Markwick Markham, London.

The 30 hour duration, 2 train, chain and single weight driven movement with its original Verge and short pendulum escapement. Also having countwheel striking the hours on the top-mounted bell of good tone.

Having a 6" x 8 1/4" break-arch brass dial with cast brass spandrels to the corners and arch. The arch also bears the slightly domed circular silvered maker's cartouche bearing "Markwick Markham, LONDON" above a respectful crescent moon. The dial centre is very finely matted and the silvered chapter ring has outer Turkish 5's, a divided minute track, Turkish hour numerals and divided and dotted 1/4 track. The well-cut steel hands are blued.

The brass case and movement is of the usual posted type with top and bottom plates and 3 vertical train carrying straps. The rear has an iron backplate, hanging loop and twin spikes attached to the rear ball feet. The original and removable side doors are decoratively engraved in the Turkish style and have a central crescent moon. The top plate has 2 engraved cast brass side frets that sit within the brass corner urn finials. These in turn support the bell 'spider' which carries a matching finial to its top.

Markham Markwick were very good makers and along with a few others, traded freely with the Ottoman Empire market. The form of Arabic numerals had to be used as Roman numerals were considered to be offensive by the purchasers.