| What we know about the clock
Current wisdom suggests that after the school closed, the clock found its way to The White Hart, where the then landlord had it on display. When the pub changed hands it was returned to the Community Centre and put to use.
Then, one fateful day, a kindly villager attempted to correct the time for daylight saving hours after the clocks had gone back. Let’s just say that attempt was not successful, hence the state we found it in on our tidy day.
| Research tells us . . .
On inspection, a label on the reverse revealed the clock was made by the E. N. Welch Manufacturing Company of Forestville, Connecticut in America. And after turning it over to find this label gave us fingers blackened with dust! It would have been made between 1877 and 1893, which fits with the history of the school.
Housed in a rosewood veneered case, this ‘Verdi’ hanging clock has a spring-driven, 8-day, time-and-strike movement – which was later found in a box!
We are yet to find out if all the parts are there and the ultimate prognosis of the clock. We are seeking advice from a member of the British Horological Institute.
Needless to say, with its tired face, floppy hands, and disassembled state, this clock had seen better days.
| Does this clock have a future?
We are yet to find out if all the parts are there and the ultimate prognosis for the old school clock. We are seeking advice from a member of the British Horological Institute.
Needless to say, with its tired face, floppy hands, and in a disassembled state, this clock had certainly seen better days, and deserves a bit of tender loving care.