Mellors & Kirk
Lot 631
AN ENGLISH WALNUT EIGHT DAY LONGCASE CLOCK JAMES STRETCH BIRMINGHAM, C1760-70 the brass dial with matted centre, signature cartouche, date aperture, subsidiary seconds dial, pierced steel hands, mask spandrels and five pillar movement, the richly figured case with stepped ogee pediment and pilasters, the trunk enclosed by an unusual moulded full length door, pendulum with brass bob and two lead weights, 225cm hThe elegance of the case with an absence of vain ornament combined with fine 'red' walnut, a well laid out brass dial and good movement characterise the sound principles and good taste of the prosperous 18th century Quaker.The maker, James Stretch of Birmingham was a scion of the dynasty of Quaker clockmakers that played an important role in establishing the trade in early 18th century Pennsylvania. James Stretch (w. c1735-1770) was the son of clockmaker Samuel Stretch Snr (1657-1&43). Early members of the Society of Friends, the Stretch family had long been established at Leek, Staffordshire when Peter Stretch emigrated to America, already full trained and experienced in his trade. It was a clock by him, the uncle of the maker of the present fine clock, that set a world record price for an American clock at auction when it sold for 1.68 million dollars.A fine clock in good original condition, movement and dial original to case, cheeks not packed, the case of particularly attractive colour and figure, the door straight and not warped
