M C Taylor Clocks

Description

A lovely example of an 18th Century, John Ellicott style table clock with a round dial and mahogany case.

The 8 day duration, 5 pillar, gut fusee movement with its original Verge escapement. Rack and jumper whell, rack striking the hours on a top-mounted polished bell. Also, full Rococo style engraving to the back plate, fixing brackets, back cock and apron depicting a Japaneese pagoda and floral bascket to the centre. The movement also has strike/silent work, pull repeating of the hours and pendulum hook.

Behind a 7" diameter, silvered and engraved brass dial with outer Arabic 5's, a divided minute track and Roman hour numerals all within a ringed chapter. The dial centre bears the makers signature of "George Mackie" in script and "London" in stylised old English font. The steel hands are cut 'Serpentine' style and the dial is framed by a cast brass bezel. The strike/silent selector protrudes to the left of the 45 minutes mark.

Contained in a mahogany case of good figuring, colour and patina. The bell shaped top has a cast brass, swinging carrying handle and 4 cast brass acorn finials to its corners. The returned and all-around top moulding sits over the full-size square locking door that has quartered veneers, brass keyhole escutcheon and a cast brass, moulded and fixed circular bezel with a bowed glass.

Originally, these clocks could be carefully carried from room to room still ticking as to not lose any time
because of their very robust 'Verge' escapement with attached pendulum or more importantly, to the bed chamber at night whereas the silent option would be selected so the sleeper would not be awoken at each and every hour. If the time was required then the repeat cord would be tugged and the previous hour struck would be sounded.

This is an iconic style of clock that was developed by the famous clockmaker John Ellicott. He was born in 1706 and established his business in Swithin's Alley, Royal Exchange in 1728. He was the inventor of a compensation pendulum and he developed the use of the cylinder escapement. Like his peer George Graham, he became a member of the Royal Society, for which he wrote several papers. He was appointed Clockmaker to the King and he designed the London Hospital clock. He died suddenly in 1772 and was succeeded by his son. His work can be found in museums and royal collections throughout the world. The maker of this clock, George Mackie worked from premises at Helmet Row, City Road, London from 1784 until 1811.

Provenance: Purchased privately.