M C Taylor Clocks

Description

A rare striking example of a classic English wall clock in an inlaid mahogany case.

The substantial 8 day duration, double gut fusee, 5 knopped pillared movement with Anchor Recoil escapement, rack and starwheel striking the hours on a top-mounted polished bell of excellent tone. Also having shouldered plates and a heavy, brass-faced pendulum bob.

Behind a 12" diameter, extremely substantial, bowed, painted iron dial with a cream background paint and written with black outer and divided minute track with diamond hour marks and inner, Roman hour numerals. The centre bears the maker's signature of "JOHN CROSS (of) LONDON" and the matching blued steel hands are of 'crossed-open-moon' style. The cast brass hinged bezel has a bowed glass.

Contained in a mahogany 'drop-dial' case of good colour and patina. It has a narrow bezel surround and the back box has access doors to both sides. The front of the trunk is flanked with shaped 'ears', is well-figured and inlaid with a brass indented line border that conforms to the bezel surround. It also has a geometric central pattern and is separated from the quarter rounded bottom by a moulding to 3 sides. The curved bottom has a conforming and cockbeaded locking regulation door with an original 'bow' key. It also has an inlaid boxwood line border that conforms with the trunk.

This is a very attractive and quintessential, late Regency period English 'Drop-dial' wall clock with the unusual inclusion of a striking train. John Cross is recorded as working out of 15, Charterhouse Square, Islington, London from 1822 until 1826 then later from number 41, Charterhouse Square from 1832 until 1845.

This clock is by my desk in the Clockshop and every time I look at it, it becomes more endearing. The photographs unfortunately, do not serve it justice - they show imperfections that are not really visible to the naked eye!scription to follow.