Maker, James Condliff, Liverpool, England, c. 1830's. This is an early example by this famous English maker. Two train hour strike on rack and snail system. bell located in wooden base.  Movement is 10" h x 7" w. Although the clock base has the inscription "Made in Darlington By Samuel Thompson" this example is assuredly by Condliff. (See below for more information on Thompson). A similar example is illustrated in Skeleton Clocks, F.B. Royer-Collard, page 45. There are many examples in this book and in the book British Skeleton Clocks, Derek Roberts that illustrate the fact that Condliff's clocks often had other peoples names engraved on them. It is a tribute to their quality and general contemporary recognition that that other people attached their names to Condliff's work. Often a jewelry store owner or small clock maker would do this as an advertising gimmick for their business.

The following reserch report was made in England: 'Samuel Thompson was a watch and clock maker of High Row, Darlington listed in our earliest directory, Parson and White History of the county of Durham 1827.  He is also listed -with an addition of '(and clock movement)'- in our next directory, Pigot and Co Commercial directory of Durham 1834.   In our next directory, Francis White and Co's General Directory...1847, the listing is 'Thompson Coverdale, 8 High Row'.  After this, in Hagar and Co's Directory of County Durham 1851, William Coverdale is listed as a clock maker at Farmer's Yard. We also have a poster advertising the 'sale by auction on 25 April 1838 of the freehold dwelling house and front shop situate on High Row, Darlington, together with the workshop used as a clock manufactory now in the occupation of Mr. Samuel Thompson, clock and watch maker...also a share in the tolls arising from the market.'