J. S. Turner Steeple Clock

Super rare clock by J. S. Turner

8 day time and alarm movement, Patent #
Jonathan S. Turner invented a very unusual alarm mechanism. Patented in 1852, he used an 8 day movement, with the strike side being the alarm mechanism. He had a double shutoff cam, so once set, it would alarm every day, at the same time, for 8 days. He utilized a count wheel similar to a normal movement,but the count wheel had only one deep cut, for shut off. An alarm type verge, and hammer was geared directly to the great wheel.

The basic design of the system, is a standard strike system, with a alarm verge attatched to the great wheel. A standard alarm setting disk, with the double shutoff on strike cam. When the disk starts to go around, and onto the high edge, the "strike" goes into warning, and stays there the whole 12 hours. When the alarm disk reaches its drop off, the strike train starts to run, but immediately shuts off on the second shutoff cam low spot. Then as the alarm disk goes around for the second 12 hour run, and raise the alarm trip, the "strike" goes into warning for the second time. When it reaches it's alarm drop off point, and the strike train starts (for the second time) it continues to run now. It runs just like a standard strike train, with the count wheel turning, and the count wire lifting, for a full revolution, untill the count wire finds the one and only deep cut, and shuts off. This whole process takes 24 hours, two full revolutions of the alarm setting disk.

Great label, and a LARGE bell sure to wake up anyone.

Not For Sale

Notice the two low (shutoff) drop off on the cam
Where it's at in this picture, it's in warning for the first 12 hour cycle after alarming

And only one "Off" location on the count wheel

You have to hear this to believe it.
It's no wonder, not to many of these clocks survive today
Most probably got Boot-Smashed about 4 in the morning

Great "Time Cuts Down All, Both Great and Small" tablet