I came across this dial in an architectural salvage store. Nice marble (I think) dial. It must be at least six feet tall (notice the skiis). It is complete with hands! If you have the clock this is missing from, then this is your lucky day! A mere $3,500 will put it back where it belongs!

Interesting dial, I couldn't find out any of the history on it. Any ideas what the square hole above the hands would be for?

Tom, That large square hole is for the cuckoo door

Curly

Ha Ha Ha! I thought the same thing, but didn't want to say it!!

It is large enough to be the front of a small stand. You could sell hot dogs through the opening! Maybe they could be "Watch Dogs"

Ok, I don't want to sound stupid but that door has the minute hand right over it, how would the door open on the hour?

Rick

Rick,
the cuckoo references were tounge in cheek. Any thoughts on what it might really be for?

No clue, a big winding arbor?

Tom,
I am on a really sssslllllooooowwww computer right now or I would search for it, but a year or so ago, I posted a picture here of a tower clock with a door like that. It shows the repairman's arm sticking out. I would guess if it was high up in the air, any repairs/cleaning/setting could be done from the door.

Andy

I'm not sure the search is working right. I found this by going through a lot of old messages:



Andy

Andy, I immediately thought of your picture when i first saw the dial. I couldn't find it in a search, but I am glad you did. One would think therre must have been a covering over the opening to keep the elements, birds etc out.

In looking through your thread of public clocks, I don't recall seeing any of them with a big hole in the dial.

Back in the mid-70s, I was in the tower of Arlington St. Church in Boston with the custodian who wound the clock, then looked out a door in each dial to check the clock's time and reset it. I'd guess this is the same deal.

Norman