At least I left my options open in my message to Hosman on Sunday !
I went back to take another look at the clock and bought it for £60 (c $90) ... But only just. When I arrived at the corner where the clock was there was another chap taking a great deal of interest in it, so I hovered. and hovered, thinking if he buys it, well, c'est la vie.
After about 5 minutes of poking around in it he disappeared, so I took another look, and decided that it really was worth the original asking price, never mind the agreed price of £60. So I grabbed it and went to a counter, and saw the same chap standing there, looking very unhappy at me holding 'his' clock. The actual clock owner works at the centre, recalled the discussion that took place on Sunday and we agreed on the £60. Even before money changed hands, the other customer was offering to buy it off me, for £90! I declined. I felt really quite guilty at getting the clock so cheaply, and for stealing it from under that chap's nose! But that is life
I've done some homework, and the maker (probably of the cabinet) was a William A Colpman of Wellingborough Northamptonshire, but can't find anything else about him.
The Dial is in dire need of restoration, but she works beautifully and really sounds sweet.
The actual clock movement could be American, I haven't taken it apart yet, but it is a very interesting Pendulum, with a Fast / Slow Indicator, which I am sure is from the States (I've seen Ansonia ones similar that fetch $40 just for the pendulum). there is a Pat Number which I'll have to check (I think it reads March 1st 1881).
I'm pleased with it ... I'll have to tell my wife it's an early Birthday present to myself!
