J. S. Turner Steeple Clock

Super rare patent alarm clock by J. S. Turner

8 day time and alarm movement, US Patent # 9123

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 has 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, but, with an alarm verge geared directly to the great wheel. A standard alarm setting disk, with the double warning and shutoff on strike cam. When the alarm disk goes around, and drops off, the alarm starts to run, and is abruptly shut off (before a bell strike) by a second high point on the shutoff cam. Then as the alarm disk goes around for the second 12 hour run, 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) but it continues to run now. And strikes/alarms for about 130 strokes on a massive bell. It runs just like a standard strike train, with the count wheel turning, and the count wire lifting, for a full revolution, until the count wire finds the one and only deep cut, and shuts off.

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

Notice the two low (shutoff) drops on the cam
Where it's at in this picture, is in warning, at least 12 hours since alarming
When it reaches the set point to alarm, (on the next 12 hour cycle) it will
start "striking" out the alarm, and shut off in the second low drop off on the cam

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