Thomas Mercer clock - more info highly appreciated

[permagnar]

Hello,
Today I stumbled upon a Thomas Mercer clock that was listed for sale in my local area. The clock had been owned by a sailor born in 1897, probably purchased after WW2.
It’s running quite precise, but I’m going to have it rinsed/served to ensure that dry oil is not damaging the movement.

the inside of the lid is marked “777”.
I believe this might be the “Wall marine clock” by Mercer.

If anyone else on the forum knows more about this clock I would love to learn more about it.

Regards from Norway.

 

[jmclaugh]

Welcome to the MB. Mercer exhibited lever clocks for ships and domestic purposes at the 1947 British Industries Fair and I suspect the movement in your clock is the one used in those. If you post pictures of it I would be able to confirm.

 

[permagnar]

Welcome to the MB. Mercer exhibited lever clocks for ships and domestic purposes at the 1947 British Industries Fair and I suspect the movement in your clock is the one used in those. If you post pictures of it I would be able to confirm.

Thank you, jmclaugh!
Here are some pictures I just took of the movement & case-rim below the dial/face, seems “63” is stamped into it (as well as “777” which also is stamped on the inside of the glass lid.)

 

[jmclaugh]

That is the movement I was referring to. It was available as front or rear wind and the click can be on the front or backplate, it seems movements were not numbered but marked as per this one or just MERCER. Anything made by them will be a of good quality.

 

[permagnar]

That is the movement I was referring to. It was available as front or rear wind and the click can be on the front or backplate, it seems movements were not numbered but marked as per this one or just MERCER. Anything made by them will be a of good quality.

Thank you for verifying! There seem to be little wear on the gears, but it needs some fresh lubricant as I see it. I’m happy to own it, I haven’t seen a lot of T. Mercer for sale here in Norway.

 

[jmclaugh]

Thank you for verifying! There seem to be little wear on the gears, but it needs some fresh lubricant as I see it. I’m happy to own it, I haven’t seen a lot of T. Mercer for sale here in Norway.

You are welcome. They were never high volume manufacturers so you won't see many clocks by them.

 

[Levi Hutchins]

They were never high volume manufacturers so you won't see many clocks by them.

From a 2006 thread Mercer Ships Clock Info Needed, "... mainly made for shipping lines and weren't marketed to the general public and Mercers were not a large volume producer."

Mercer's bulkhead clocks have a contrate (crown) wheel.

 

[jmclaugh]

From a 2006 thread Mercer Ships Clock Info Needed, "... mainly made for shipping lines and weren't marketed to the general public and Mercers were not a large volume producer."

Mercer's bulkhead clocks have a contrate (crown) wheel.

I hadn't seen that thread but Mercer did make some clocks for sale to the domestic market, a few are shown in the book Clockmaking in England & Wales in the Twentieth Century. The ABEC platform mentioned in that thread is the All British Escapement Company, they were made by Smiths and used by others including FW Elliott and Mercer. A minature reproduction bracket style clock by Mercer is shown in the above book with an 8 day calotte movement fitted with a 7 jewelled ABEC lever platform. The lever platform in the clock this thread is about is also shown in the book but is unmarked and is not attributed to a maker.

 

[Levi Hutchins]

I hadn't seen that thread but Mercer did make some clocks for sale to the domestic market, a few are shown in the book Clockmaking in England & Wales in the Twentieth Century. The ABEC platform mentioned in that thread is the All British Escapement Company, they were made by Smiths and used by others including FW Elliott and Mercer. A minature reproduction bracket style clock by Mercer is shown in the above book with an 8 day calotte movement fitted with a 7 jewelled ABEC lever platform. The lever platform in the clock this thread is about is also shown in the book but is unmarked and is not attributed to a maker.

Thank you for the information! I have a Mercer that I cherish.

​