Early Clocks
An
Early 18th century
Hook-and-Spike, c1720
Shown here is a very desirable early 18th century single-handed hook-and-spike wall clock which dates from around c1720. The extremely attractive 8.25-inch square brass dial with polished dial centre has a wonderfully naive engraving of four birds within a loose foliage design and may well have been engraved by the clockmaker himself.
Above. Showing the wonderfully intersting 8.25 inch squre brass dial Photographed by Lee Borrett.
The original spandrels used for the corners are of the Twin Cherub and Cross type. However, the clockmaker here has removed the crosses due to the ultra-small dial size. The lozenge half hour markers were popular during this period. The interesting iron hand is original.
Below. Showing a close-up of the wonderfully naive engraving of four birds within a loose foliage design. Original Iron hand. Photographed by Lee Borrett.
Below. The original spandrels used for the corners are of the Twin Cherub and Cross type. However, the clockmaker here has removed the crosses due to the ultra-small dial size. Photographed by Lee Borrett.
The iron and brass birdcage movement has survived in a good original condition including retaining all its original wheelwork, iron hoop and spurs and comes complete with its original lead bucket type counterweight, brass bob pendulum and brass pulley.
Above. Showing a side view of the hook-and-spike birdcage movement. Photographed by Lee Borrett.
Below. Showing a view of the top plate. Photographed by Lee Borrett.
Below. Showing a rear view of the hook-and-spike wall clock c1720. Photographed by Lee Borrett.
Hook-and-Spike
Wall Clocks
In the 18th century, Hook-and-Spike clocks were a cheaper alternative to the brass lantern clock and full longcase 30-hour clocks of the day. In essence, it was a smaller thirty-hour longcase which in fact had no case, but was made with the hoop and spurs with which the lantern clock had always been equipped, and which could thus be hung from any convenient wall hook, exactly as the lantern clock had done. It would have been a very popular and much more affordable clock to own.
Acknowledgement
Much of the above information on hook-and spike wall clocks has been taken from the excellent book entitled ' The Concise Guide to British Clocks' by Brian Loomes , who is the expert on such clocks!
