Hilser & Sons Cork Dial Clock

[KBwindup]

Hi all

Recently I worked on this large dial clock with side winding arbour. It has definitely been a public clock of some description all it s life as the dial is 40 cm / 16 inches diameter.
There is a sticker at the back of the case with something about a school written on it and there is an inscription on the inside of the front plate "6,1,1916 rep'd Mrs Ryan Cork", I m assuming Mrs Ryan may have been a teacher?

Any my questions on it are

When was it made and by whom? No markings on the plates I m afraid, I m assuming it s late 19th century?

What was the reason for side winding? I can understand being wound from the back if it was inserted into a gallery but can't imagine a situation where side winding would be required.

It s currently located in a public bar and has been since the 1930 's as far as I m aware.

Any help will be greatly appreciated

Eamonn

 

[jmclaugh]

The family originaIly came from Germany around 1860, most of these movements are unmarked but it is possible the movement is German. It appears the family traded as Hilser & Sons and Hilser Bros. at a few premises and the latter still do in Cork but I didn't find what period they were at the address on the dial.

I've never seen a fusee wall clock wound like that and like you I can't imagine why it was done, presumably it is wound via a side door? I would think your dating is about right.

 

[new2clocks]

I m assuming Mrs Ryan may have been a teacher?

What was the reason for side winding?

Eamonn, you may have already answered your question. If the clock was originally in a classroom, there may have been a need for a sidewinder.

As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention.

I suspect the clock was altered locally, as opposed to being a special order from the movement maker, but a special order cannot be ruled out.

Also, there are two initials at the bottom of the front plate - either 'DK' or 'OK'.

Please confirm the initials.

Regards.

 

[EscapeWheel]

Here's another side winder. The seller thinks that maybe the owner didn't want an unsightly winding hole on the dial.

A fine and early, English Drop-dial wall clock with side-winding fusee movement, wooden dial and Thwaites movement. Circa 1802.

A fine and early, English Drop-dial wall clock with side-winding fusee movement, wooden dial and Thwaites movement. Circa 1802.

www.bournemouthclocks.co.uk

 

[RickNB]

I was expecting to see a clock with a cork dial. Shows you how far my mind has slipped.

 

[KBwindup]

Eamonn, you may have already answered your question. If the clock was originally in a classroom, there may have been a need for a sidewinder.

As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention.

I suspect the clock was altered locally, as opposed to being a special order from the movement maker, but a special order cannot be ruled out.

Also, there are two initials at the bottom of the front plate - either 'DK' or 'OK'.

Please confirm the initials.

Regards.

Thanks for that, I can't make out the initial s myself to be honest, the winding arbour and wheels are well made but whether made by the Hilser family or special order is anyone's guess.
I have worked on a previous Hilser dial clock a little smaller than this one and it had a W&H fusee movement in it so perhaps this one is German aswell.

Thanks again
Eamonn