R. Felton Knighton

[wow]

Here’s a clock that is in a very old plantation home. I have a chance to buy it in a large group of clocks. I would like to know about it. Any help with its history and its value would help tremendously. Thanks.
Will

 

[novicetimekeeper]

My copy of Loomes just says mid 18thC

 

[zedric]

Looks original - Knighton is in Wales (the borders around Wales shifted a bit over time so it may not always have been in Wales). There are plenty of old "black and white" buildings there which significantly pre-date this clock, and the clock may have been made for one of the townsfolk. As I'm sure you know, its a 30-hour clock by a country maker, so not especially valuable, but personally I like the look of it.

 

[Bernhard J.]

As for the value, presumably not easy to sell as long as the "right" customer does not come up. Because late single handed 30 h clocks are not really sought after. I personally like it because of the nice dial and hand. And if it were for sale in Germany (transport costs), I would probably want to buy it, if it were in a medium 3-figure price range (and I could find a place for it).

Cheers, Bernhard

 

[jmclaugh]

Nice single hander. That twin cherub spandrel was according to Barder very popular in the provinces from around 1700-25 though obviously could have been used a bit later.

 

[novicetimekeeper]

Nice single hander. That twin cherub spandrel was according to Barder very popular in the provinces from around 1700-25 though obviously could have been used a bit later.

I think the Loomes dating is based on limited information. The style of chapter ring also supports an earlier date.

The movement does not though, and may not be original.

Edit That would be easy to check with the dial off, the collets look good for date, just the pillars that would be unusual at this date, but then they would be unusual at any date.

 

[wow]

Thank you, Experts. If I am able to buy the collection (about 40 clocks), I will post detailed photos. You guys are great!
Will

 

[wow]

Well, I got it along with two other grandfathers, four ogees, seven or eight kitchen clocks, about a dozen cuckoos, three mastercrafters, a regulator, four ships clocks, some tambours, and more. I’ll post photos of the one in post #1 after I get them unloaded from my trailer.

 

[wow]

Here are more photos of the movement and case. I do not have the original weight. It’s one of those continuous chain movements. What size weight is normal for these? Other comments about age, etc.appreciated.
Will

 

[wow]

More of the case:

 

[wow]

It’s up and running. No work on the movement yet. I plan to restore it. Three questions:
1. How do you set a one hander? Seems very tight.
2. The bell is a replacement but is soft metal and is clunky. Would tempering it make it ring?
3. The movement just sets on the seatboard. No holes in the board for hooks on the lower posts. Is that normal on these? Should I drill the board and make hook fasteners for it?

I put a five pound weight on and it is happily ticking and striking.

 

[Bernhard J.]

ad 1: The same with mine
ad 2: Perhaps look for a better replacement, many bells on offer on the usual websites.
ad 3: I do not know. The lower pillars do not seem to have marks from previously mounted hooks? I personally am reluctant to drill holes anywhere, if not really needed.

 

[jmclaugh]

My understanding is the weight on these is usually around 6-9lbs but if it runs on 5 no worries.

The hand on mine is also quite tight and the striking is pretty loud, you could try tempering the bell or as Bernhard suggests replacing if it bothers you. The movement just sits on the seatboard which afaik is common and I've never had any problems with it. I set mine on a quarter hour or hour mark moving the hand clockwise, once you've got it running accurately, as these have maintaining power, they keep time very well.

 

[novicetimekeeper]

it is unusual in having four dial feet but it looks original, just a quirky maker. Case construction odd too.
single handers ars stiff so grip it about the centre to avoid damage