Posted 11 years ago
Dreams0fcats
(1 item)
Hi,
I'm trying to find out more about my friend's antique grandfather clock. He knows very little about it, and I can't find any data on the internet. This is what he knows: It's about 6.5 ft high, and weighs about 50lbs. Family indicates it dates back to the 1700's, but I have my doubts.
My gut tells me it's of more recent origin, and that the cabinet is home crafted. I'd be surprised if it's older than 75 years. I've asked him for pictures of the mechanism, and for information about the materials used (woods used, etc). I'll report back when he complies.
I can't locate anything about E. Davy Howestoff on the net, and I find that rather puzzling. Anyone even heard of this manufacturer?
Looks very unique in itself, is the a possiblity of posting an additional photos of the movement itself, any marking on it and such, will help in ID of this piece.
The dial may be by "E. Davy" which could put it late 1700 early 1800s. "Howestoff" would be some location. Here's a link: http://www.village-clocks.co.uk/product.php/fine_mahogany_trunk_dial_by_e_davy_great_yarmouth_c1810_sold/?k=:::5609525
Whoever made it, it's a beautiful clock. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the comments so far!
My chum indicates that it's a wind up, but he's lost the key. The picture he provided of the cabinet interior reveals two long weights. Looks like we're limited to four images, so I deleted one and added a picture of the interior. The interior picture is pretty crummy, as he used his phone.
@ kerry10456: He wasn't able to find any other markings. But please take a look at the picture of the cabinet interior. I hope that helps. My buddy said that the other mechanisms are behind a panel that is screwed into place. Dare we risk removing those screws for some pictures?
@Bruce99: Brilliant idea that Howestoff is a place rather than a company. I never would have thought of that. Thanks for the insight! I'll continue my research.
Best regards,
DOC
New Information, straight from Village clocks in England:
"Thanks for your email. I have not seen the movement but the dial appears original to the case. The case appears typical of a clock dating c.1820 and is good quality. The maker, E. Davy worked in Great Yarmouth in the county of Norfolk. The nearby town is Lowestoft. I would suspect the dial has been retouched and misread, resulting in Howestoff. It is not unusual for clockmakers to work in more than one village in the rural area of East Anglia. On my website you can see another example of a clock by E Davy.
I would be interested to see a photo of the mechanism as your clock has an extra winding hole near 6 0 clock which I would not have expected to see along with two further winding holes. Is it a dummy winder? If I see a photo of the movement I will be able to tell you more. "
More information as the mystery unfolds.
This may well be one of the Elijah Davy family who lived in Norfolk and perhaps Suffolk, but it is not possible to say which one from the first name because several of the family had that name.
I have been able to trace my DAVY ancestors back to Robert Davy (c1733) with three Elijahs (birth date unknown; c1832; c1855 in Great Yarmouth) ending with my Great-Uncle Frederick Davy (1900-1970).
The sign on Frederick Davy's shop in Great Yarmouth said "Watchmakers since 1700".
Someone did a nice job of dial restoration, too bad they mis-read the name of the town. The paint was probably flaking off. Nice job of researching. The mystery is all but solved now, eh?
Hi dpjb325, I have also been researching the Davy family and have also traced the family tree back to Robert Davy! You may find that many of the Davy family disappeared in 1903 - Albert Davy + his wife Sarah + children + Robert Davy's son Eldred were shown in the 1901 census then there was no further trace of them from then onwards. They actually all went to live in Xalapa, Mexico and there are still many relatives of Robert Davy still living there today! It also seems from records that Robert Davy at some stage went Bankrupt!