M C Taylor Clocks

Description

A very good example of a Quaker made, hanging wall clock.

The 30 hour duration, 2 train, chain driven 'birdcage' (posted) movement with Anchor Recoil escapement that has a large count escape wheel and long pendulum. Countwheel striking the hours on a large top-mounted, cast bell. The top plate bears the shaped hanging hoop and the bottom plate has the spacing spikes. Both plates and the flat posts are made of iron.

Behind a 10 1/4" square brass dial with urn and foliate, cast brass corner spandrels that are fixed by their original, flat headed iron screws. The chapter ring has wax-filled Roman hour numerals, Fleur-de-Lys half hour markings and an inner, divided, quarter track. The dial centre has radiating, circular 'wriggle work' engraving and the single iron hand has a pierced end and setting tail. The dial bears no signature of the maker which is common because of Quaker beliefs.

These hoop and spikes wall clocks were typically made by Quaker clockmakers and commonly around the Oxfordshire area around this time. This example is the best that I have seen because of its quality and originality. If you want a clock of this type then it would be very difficult to surpass this particular example because usually, the dials are almost paper thin and the movements more flimsy because of frugality of material. I still find it exciting when I encounter a well-preserved and good example of any clock.