Wilson longcase

I set out fairy early to collect this longcase mechanism which is now in bits in the ultrasonic cleaner. It is a good example of a late 18th early 19th century striking longcase clock. There are several examples of this maker's work. The top and bottom large brass wheels that are visible have a pin on each one. These are to operate the calendar and the moon phase. The other levers and the toothed steel rack are part of the striking mechanism. At this period most clocks would have been hand made. During the nineteenth century some parts may have been factory made, possibly as blanks, for later finishing by the clockmaker. Even small towns would have had more than one clockmaker. This clock will continue working for a long time yet. There is no other domestic machine that is still working after 200 years.