Davall Coronation Lantern Clock

[randall977]

Just got this last week and I have to say that I love it - the design and build quality is wonderful. Interesting maker and interesting time in British history (rather like now!).

I've seen a few single train versions but the two train versions seem quite rare. Two train versions are larger and all brass - I read in 'Clockmaking in England and Wales in the Twentieth Century' by J Glanville and WM Wolmuth, that the single train ones have some brass plated parts.

I got it in pretty good condition but it was quite tarnished and dirty and needed some TLC. I did what I hope is a sympathetic restoration which keeps the original spec and some patina / character. I learnt how to re-black the chapter ring (my first attempt) and used shellac as the final finish to protect the brass.

If anyone has the crown shaped key which goes with this clock let me know.

 

[novicetimekeeper]

I haven't seen a pendulum one before, I thought they were all platform.

 

[randall977]

Looking on the web etc, most I've seen are pendulum - a couple platform. I'm pretty sure there are no two train platform movements - be nice to have though!

 

[Chris Radano]

A colorful, or as you would say, "colourful" clock. You sound very proud, and you have every right to be proud. I am very hesitant to restore metal, I am much more comfortable with wood clock cases. Everyone has their own skill set.
Tell me, does this clock appeal to general English taste? Or is it considered a little overpowering? I thought the English like their simple lines, and fine proportions...I tend to lean this way, although I have been known to collect some garish clocks.

 

[randall977]

Yes it's a bit OTT - probably not to the taste of most people. But it is a very interesting bit of British history and the design and level of detail is very appealing - I'm sure most people would appreciate that side of it. The hands are probably my favourite bit, followed closely by the crown which supports the bell - it's brilliant!

I do car restoration as a hobby as well so know some tricks when it come to cleaning metal - here's one I did earlier... A car like this involves just about every restoration technique there is!

 

[novicetimekeeper]

That's quite something.

 

[richiec]

Pray tell what kind of car is it? How many horsepower from that twin cam 6?

 

[Chris Radano]

Yes, I agree the crown is a well done "bell strap". And really the clock's proportions are not bad at all. Not a bad auto, either. I'd say you're a talented feller.

 

[randall977]

Thanks! I love restoring and repairing - doesn't matter what it is but the better the quality the more rewarding I think. The car is a Lagonda Rapide from 1962 - I spotted it from a church roof when I was inspecting it... 4 Litre, all aluminium 236bhp (I think) - not bad for the time - same engine as DB5. Manual as well which is a rare bonus on these big cars - bearing in mind the horrible stodgy autos of the time.

 

[rmarkowitz1_cee4a1]

Yes it's a bit OTT - probably not to the taste of most people. But it is a very interesting bit of British history and the design and level of detail is very appealing - I'm sure most people would appreciate that side of it. The hands are probably my favourite bit, followed closely by the crown which supports the bell - it's brilliant!

I do car restoration as a hobby as well so know some tricks when it come to cleaning metal - here's one I did earlier... A car like this involves just about every restoration technique there is!

View attachment 516530 View attachment 516531 View attachment 516532 View attachment 516533

WONDERFUL!

RM

 

[jmclaugh]

Lovely memorabilia clock,I've only seen one in a book before with no view of the movement which looks akin to Daval's Tower one. I wonder if any with ER on the dial exist before his abidication.

I love the car, brilliant job, I expect you enjoy taking it for a spin.

 

[novicetimekeeper]

Lovely memorabilia clock,I've only seen one in a book before with no view of the movement which looks akin to Daval's Tower one. I wonder if any with ER on the dial exist before his abidication.

I love the car, brilliant job, I expect you enjoy taking it for a spin.

I don't know about these, but generally with coronation souvenirs of the period the Edward VIII ones are more common than the George VI because they had far more notice to make Edward VIII souvenirs.

 

[Levi Hutchins]

Is it curious that a single-hand clock dial was reproduced for a two-hand movement?

View attachment 516520

 

[novicetimekeeper]

Is it curious that a single-hand clock dial was reproduced for a two-hand movement?

It's probably more historically accurate when you think about it. It is in the style of a 17th century weight driven single hander that some Victorian stuck a twin train fusee in. So it looks more like a real clock like this than with a two handed dial. They exist but are much less common.

Mind you, I can't say that was their thought process in deciding to do it that way.

 

[P.Hageman]

Yes it's a bit OTT - probably not to the taste of most people. But it is a very interesting bit of British history and the design and level of detail is very appealing - I'm sure most people would appreciate that side of it. The hands are probably my favourite bit, followed closely by the crown which supports the bell - it's brilliant!

I do car restoration as a hobby as well so know some tricks when it come to cleaning metal - here's one I did earlier... A car like this involves just about every restoration technique there is!

View attachment 516530 View attachment 516531 View attachment 516532 View attachment 516533

Even the house in the background looks better Marvellous job!!

 

[Raymond Rice]

Good job on the clock -- but a great job on the car!
Ray Rice, in soggy Rifton

 

[Alan culshaw]

A colorful, or as you would say, "colourful" clock. You sound very proud, and you have every right to be proud. I am very hesitant to restore metal, I am much more comfortable with wood clock cases. Everyone has their own skill set.
Tell me, does this clock appeal to general English taste? Or is it considered a little overpowering? I thought the English like their simple lines, and fine proportions...I tend to lean this way, although I have been known to collect some garish clocks.

hello there I’ve also got a two train George the V1 lantern clock with pendulum, it’s working ok for 6-7 days and just gains about 2 min then it will run on for 6-7more days where it will start to lose up to 20 min before stopping, I know it will need servicing but should it run more than 8 days and can you put me in touch with someone who can service it for me, thanks.

kind regard,
Alan culshaw.

 

[novicetimekeeper]

It is an 8 day clock. The reason it runs for longer is to use the flatter part of the spring curve. It is a cheap way of improving the timekeeping. If you don't wind it every week you are losing the benefit of the bigger spring.

 

[zedric]

Tha basic maxim is "if you don't know the last time it was serviced, it probably needs servicing". The British Horological Institute has a list of accredited repairers who can do the servicing - the list is on their website, or if you want more specific local info, let us know where you are based and someone might be able to help

An 8-day clock, like this one, should require winding every 7 days (ie roughly the same time every week), the extra power reserve is there in case you forget...

 

[Titankron]

Hello everyone. Just a detail update about this type of clock. After a long search, I finally obtained one, and then another, in quick succession. I can confirm that neither of mine are brass-plated steel, they seem to be solid brass. I checked this detail with the authors Glanville and Wolmuth; it seems likely that Davall made a number of these clocks with small variations - we already know of pendulum vs platform models, and then passing strike and two-train models. Maybe not surprising that there are also both steel and brass variations! Enjoy.