M C Taylor Clocks

Description

An initialled example of a lantern clock by this highly collected maker, circa late 17th century.

An absolutely typical style of lantern clock made by this family of Clockmakers.

The 30 hour duration movement converted from Verge to Anchor Recoil escapement and long pendulum. Countwheel striking the hours on a large top-mounted cast bell that is hung from a sprung, attractive, crossed bell strap with an ornate centre and set within the 4 top finials.

The 6 1/8" diameter engraved chapter ring has an outer ring, Roman hour numerals, an inner, divided quarter track and Fleur-de-Lys half hour marks. This is riveted onto the dial plate at XII, III, VI and IX. The dial plate has tulip engraved corners and the centre is heavily and boldly engraved with tulip design with large open tulip within a circular rosette. The one-piece cut and tailed, blackened steel hand is of a pleasing and practical style. As usual, the trains are set in front and behind one another within 3 upright supporting plates with the front and back ones being of cruciform style. It retains its original sprockets but these have been modified for chain.

The 4 corner frame pillars terminate with ball feet and urn finials. The top plate carries 3 cast foliate style frets the front of which is engraved and initialed.

James Ogden senior was father to 4 clockmaking brothers in Soyland, near Halifax in West Yorkshire. He was born in the 1640's and died in 1735. This clock is featured in Loomes' book 'Clockmakers of Britain 1286-1700. Pages 323 and 324. The frugal use of brass in this clock definitely indicates that is it Quaker made as Quakers were against waste and always strove to provide good 'value for money' also, as Loomes states - the lack of a signature and simply bearing the initials "JO" to the front fret is also a sign of modesty.