Convex iron dial clock. Saltbox case. Verge & Crown escapement. English origin. 219135.

This is an early painted dial clock. The iron dial is approximately 12 inches in diameter and has a slightly convex shape. The time ring is designed with Roman-style numerals to demark the hours and triangle five-minute markings in the open minute ring. Four posts mount the dial directly to the movement. The two nicely formed steel hands indicate the time. The cast bezel is nicely formed. The detail or profile is nicely designed. It is fitted with glass a convex selection of glass held in place by pins and then puttied. This glass protects the hands and dial surface. The bezel is hinged to the case on the right. The left side is secured with a lock.

The movement construction is robust. The plates are cast and tapered. The bottom edge features a cutout. The movement is powered by a spring with enough power to run for eight days on a full wind. The movement design incorporates a fusee cone that equalizes the power of the spring for a more consistent supply of power to the train. This movement features a straight-line wheel train. This clock also retains its original verge and crown escapement. This means that the bob pendulum is rigidly connected to the verge. As a result, the crown wheel is positioned on a horizontal plane. This early design fell out of favor in the late 1700s and was replaced by the anchor escapement.

The case is constructed in mahogany and has been treated with a dark stain. The mahogany wooden bezel is nicely shaped and frames the brass bezel. Wooden brackets are applied to the back of the wooden bezel. Holes in these brackets are fitted with wooden pegs that connect the bezel to the case to the structure. The box that protects the movement is rectangular and dovetailed together at the corners. It also incorporates the hanger in the backboard design. The drop at the bottom is for securing the case once the clock has been hung. The case has two access doors. One is located on the right side of the case. The second door is below the movement and is used to access the rating nut of the pendulum for time adjustment.

Finding such an early English example in the American marketplace is very unusual. These clocks are highly prized in their home markets. Interestingly, the American clockmakers didn’t offer a spring-driven wall clock until the 1850s. And by that time, large clock companies were responsible for most of our Country’s production.

This clock is approximately 17 inches long, 15 inches wide, and 6.5 inches deep. This rare example was made circa 1820.

Inventory number 219135.