Last Friday I bought a nice, country, oak cased, thirty hour long case clock. It was in dreadful condition, and filthy. I'd taken the dial off, and washed it, in preparation for restoration, when I remembered that some months ago I'd shown on this blog one I'd just restored, and someone (I think it was Rog) said I aught to have taken a 'before' photo as well. So this time I took one. I don't know if you can see that, well below the dial centre and just above the six, there are very faint traces of writing. Having washed it, I put on an extra pair of specs, lamped the dial, and could just make out that the clock was made by Feltham, of Harleston. This was William Feltham of Stowmarket and of Harleston. Presumable the one near Stowmarket.
The above photo shows the oak clase of the clock standing in our middle hall. Ann wonders if our house is becoming a bit overclocked for some tastes, but I pointed out that it probably wouldn't be here long, and anyway, grandfather clocks are like ties - a chap can't have too many of them to choose from.
I've included (above) for those who are interested in these matters a photo of the clock movement taken at two minutes to five o'clock this afternoon (as you can see). If some clever clogs says "Ah, but how do we know that it wasn't taken at five o'clock this morning ?" I reply "Can you imagine Horner getting up that early to take photos of clocks for your benefit?" , although, actually I was up at 6.15 this morning. The more horologically erudite among you may well be thinking "What a nice, late 18th century, posted frame, thirty hour movement.", and I quite agree with you. What a discerning bunch of readers I have. By the way, on Friday evening, I set the clock up, put the weight and pendulum back on, started the clock, and it has been going ever since, and keeping very good time. I do like country made grandfathers (especially as I'm one meself).
5 comments:
I enjoyed that post so much that I read it aloud to Russell. Thank you from us both. He says, do you remember our single-handed 30 hour clock in the first dining room? It was made by Browne of Harleston, the one near us. The other longcase clock, the one we made a hole in the floor for, was made by Shuckforth of Diss. Russell paid £200 for it some 30 or 35 years ago.
Hello Zoe. Of course I do, although I think my memory is skidding a bit, as I thought it was a Samuel Buxton of Diss? Ann's elder brother has one by Buxton and I think I'm mixing them up a bit. My regards to Russell by the way.
I don't remember, I'll have to check tomorrow. I'm completely vague about these things, I'm afraid.
I grew up with a Grandfather like that in the hallway. My Dad used to keep his Army swordstick in it!
See blog entry for Saturday 14th September for 'after' photograph of clock dial.
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