Product Description

An 8-day shelf clock SOLD

The late Victorian period saw economic growth and expansion and the working population acquired clocks and other items of domestic refinement according to social status or class.

Clocks of this type with European rather than mass-produced American movements were very desirable symbols of aspiring middle classes. The gong is a more refined sonorous alternative to the tinny sound of the American equivalent. The gong is struck once to mark the half hour.

The oak case for this 8-day shelf clock is embellished with barley sugar twist columns (balusters) each side of the dial; The twist columns are a pair, i.e. one is left-handed and the other right-handed. Together with the lozenge below the dial they are a passing acknowledgement of the Arts and Crafts movement. Click here for the Wikipedia entry.

Although the term “Mantle clock” is widely applied, shelf clock is a better description. Placing a clock on a mantle shelf above an open fire is never a good idea because the dust from the fire is carried upwards in a current of warm air.

8-day shelf clocks were more expensive than the 30-hour equivalent.  and tended to use better quality movements.

The movement in this 8-day shelf clock is German, precision manufactured to compete with French late nineteenth century clocks – probably made for the export market.

Karo made the replacement hands which are exact copies of hands of that period. They are cut from high carbon steel, polished and tempered to give the characteristic iridescent blue colour. The movement has been cleaned, overhauled and oiled ready for years of time-keeping.There are two main springs, one for the time train of wheels (the going side) and one for the hour and half-hour strike. The strike spring has been replaced with a new part supplied by Cousins, Horological Suppliers, UK