Anglo-American School Clock. 8-day time-and-strike movement. T. & E. Rhodes, Watchmakers, Jewelers, and Opticians of 19 Highgate Kendal, UK. 223067.

The English began buying Connecticut-made movements from American companies in the 1870s. Due to the economies of scale, the Connecticut factories could produce a well-made movement for far less than their overseas competitors. As a result, the English began to impost them in significant numbers and case them to their tastes. These English cases were often more complex and embellished with inlays and carvings. These clocks sold well and now fall under the category of Anglo-American clocks.

This is a very attractive and fancy-looking example. This richly-grained mahogany veneered case has a fantastic presentation. The circular-shaped bezel is visually supported by fancy carvings. The drop area features a dome-shaped door fitted with glass. Through this clear glass panel, one can view the brass-cylindrical-shaped pendulum which swings in front of a mirror. The front corners of the case are canted, and the beveled surface is finished in black. Additional carvings are applied to the sides of the case, and a carved drop apron hangs from the bottom.

The spun brass bezel fitted with glass protects the painted iron dial. This dial is formatted with a standard time ring that features Roman-style hour numerals. The Retailer’s name and location are signed across the dial. It reads, “T & E RHODES / KENDALL.” The two hands are nicely detailed and display the time.

The brass-constructed movement is a time-and-strike design. It is powered by coil springs that require winding once each week. This clock strikes each hour on a wire gong mounted inside the case.

This clock was made circa 1880. The case measures 33 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 5 inches deep.

Kendal is a market town and civil parish located in the South Lakeland district, the administrative county of Cumbria. Kendal is the largest town and the administrative center of the district. It is situated on the River Kent in the North West of England.

Inventory number 223177.