M C Taylor Clocks

Description

A large and incredibly substantial wall clock by this iconic firm of English clockmakers Thwaits & Reed.

The simply massive (the plates measure 9 1/2" high x 8 1/4" wide), 5 knopped pillar, double chain fusee movement with Anchor Recoil escapement and rack striking the hours on a very large top-mounted bell. Also having 'rise and fall' pendulum regulation.

Behind a 20" diameter, painted iron off-white dial with outer, divided minute track with triangular hour markings and Roman hour numerals. Above centre is signed "Thwaites & Reed. Clerkenwell" and below is marked "LONDON". The two winding holes are either side of centre and there is a further hole at the base of the numeral XII to allow for keyed regulation. The brass hands are matching spade style the minute of which has a tailed counterpoise. The dial is behind a heavily cast locking brass bezel with flat glass.

Contained in a mahogany 'drop trunk' case with a moulded bezel and dial surround that is held on with the usual pegs. The back box has a short exposed drop of which the front has flame mahogany veneer with boxwood stringing. Both sides of the back box have large access doors and the bottom is curved and has a curved locking and cockbeaded door.

This clock is so substantial that if maintained, it will probably run for a thousand years or more! The makers worked from No. 4, Rosoman Street, Clerkenwell, London circa 1740 to 1880. Thwaites & Reed were formed in the 1816 when John Thwaites and George Jeremiah Reed went into partnership.