M C Taylor Clocks

Description

The 8 day duration, 5 knopped pillar, double gut fusee movement with its original 'attached pendulum' verge escapement. The back cock carries a heart-shaped apron that covers the verge knife edge and the pendulum rod, that has a pear-drob adjustable bob, can be 'parked' in a backplate hoop. Also having a strike/silent facility, pull hour repeating and calendar date work.

Behind a 7" wide, break-arch brass dial. The corners and arch sides have cast brass, Rococo style spandrels and the chapter centres are finely matted. The arch carries the silvered "STRIKE" and "SILENT" chapter ring and the centre has a recessed, 7 pointed star that is lined. The main silvered chapter ring has outer Arabic 5's, a divided minute track and inner, Roman hour numerals. The centre has an upward arched and chamfered 'false bob' aperture, with a backing plate just above the middle and, between the silvered maker's cartouche bearing "Nath(anie)l Style, London" and the chapter ring, is a square chamfered, calendar date aperture with silvered display. The typical blued steel hands are pierced.

Contained in a probably unique, yew wood veneered case. Having an inverted bell top surmounted with a cast brass, swinging, carrying handle. The case is of typical style with a CROSS GRAINED, returned top moulding over the full-size, locking and glazed front door with well-moulded framework to the dial aperture and the top quarter sound apertures that also have red cloth-backed frets. The short all-round plith also has a CROSS GRAIN top moulding and the case is upon 4, cast brass, splayed Ogee feet. The case sides have conforming framed circular-over-rectangular glazed apertures and the rear has a locking and glazed inset door also with conforming framing.

I cannot stress enough how rare yet original this case it. The colour and patina are incredibly good as is the general condition of the whole clock. The obvious reason for its intended appearance is the cross-grained mouldings. The movenment is unremarkable insomuch as it is of typical quality and construction for the style and period. The only other antique clocks that we are aware of having yew wood cases are Longcase clocks and even these are extremely rare.

Nathaniel Style(s) is known to have worked from premises in Wood Street, Cheapside, London. He joined the Clockmaker's Company in 1725 and became Master of the Clockmaker's Company in 1751. He retired in 1773.