A Regency mahogany small bracket clock Frodsham, London, early 19th century The five pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with anchor escapement shouldered plates, wide-jawed suspension block, and stamped FRODSHAM, GRACECHURCH STREET, LONDON to backplate, the 6 inch white painted Roman numeral shallow-arch dial, bearing repeat signature to centre and with subsidiary STRIKE/SILENT dial to arch, the inverted bell top case with brass carrying handle above cast brass quarter fret infill to front door and circular over concave-topped rectangular brass fishscale frets to sides, on moulded apron base with squab feet, (dial re-finished) 42cm (16.5ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. John Frodsham is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working from Gracechurch Street, London 1822-49.
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A George III small ebonised bracket clock with trip hour repeat Charles Haley, London, early 19th century The five pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with border-engraved shouldered backplate signed Haley, LONDON and with pendulum holdfast to centre, the 6 inch white painted Roman numeral full-arch dial with repeat signature to centre and subsidiary STRIKE/SILENT dial to arch, the case with hinged carrying handle above brass fillet inset front door and arched fishscale frets to sides, on moulded base with brass ball feet, 34cm (13.5ins) high excluding handle. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. Charles Haley is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as apprenticed in 1762, gaining his Freedom of the Clockmakers` Company in 1781 and working from Wigmore Street, London until 1825. A famous maker who, in 1793, was appointed by the House of Commons as an expert to report on Mudge`s marine timekeepers, in 1797 he filed a Patent for his own design of Chronometer.
A rare George III inlaid oak musical thirty-hour longcase clock Thomas Bilbie, Chew Stoke, mid 18th century The substantial three-train posted movement with four rectangular section brass posts riveted to the base plate and secured via pinned tenons through the top plate, the going and strike trains laid-out one in front of the other and both driven via Huygen`s endless chain with a shared weight, with anchor escapement and countwheel operating the massive hammer striking the hours on a large bell via an unusual indirect cranked arrangement and with sprung-hammer stop screwed to the top plate, the music train planted to the right, playing three times a day via a 3.25in (3in diameter) pinned cylinder on eight bells with twelve hammers, the movement raised on four steel spurs and with 12 inch square brass dial with matted centre within an applied Roman numeral chapter ring with fluer-de-lys half hour markers and signed T: Bilbie, ChewStoke to lower edge, the angles with cast rococo scroll cast spandrels, the case with moulded cornice and three-quarter columns to hood above long rectangular trunk door centred with a parquetry star, on plinth base with moulded skirt and squab feet, 220cm, (7ft 3ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. Provenance: The family of the late Ernest Hucker. The dial and movement is illustrated in Moore, Rice & Hucker BILBIE and THE CHEW VALLEY CLOCKMAKERS page 245, and the case on page 253. The clockmaking trade in Chew Stoke was thought to have started around 1695 when the established bell-founder Edward Bilbie I (born 1666) turned his hand to clockmaking. He is thought to have learnt the trade from Edward Webb who worked from the nearby village of Ubley. Edward Bilbie had two sons, Edward II (born 1694) who assisted his father but unfortunately died within six months of his father in 1725, and Thomas (born 1702) who inhereted his father`s business in 1725 and worked until 1768. Thomas Bilbie sought to live-up to the reputation of his father, this is demonstrated by the current lot which emulates his father`s remarkable thirty-hour musical longcase clock movement and dial included in the exhibition TIME & PLACE 1600-1840 The Antiquarian Horological Society at The Museum of the History of Science, University of Oxford, 25th November 2006 to 15th April 2007 (exhibit number 21). The case, although of relatively substantial construction, is well proportioned with the trunk door centred with a parquetry star, a detail often seen on other clocks made by the Bilbie family and other Chew Valley makers during the middle years of the 18th century.
A thirty-hour longcase clock Edward Bilbie, Chewstoke, mid 18th century The posted countwheel bell striking movement with brass column turned posts riveted to the top and bottom plates, the 10 inch square brass dial with herringbone border engraved calendar aperture and applied rectangular plaque signed Ed. Bilbie, Chewstoke to centre within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with fluer-de-lys half hour markers, the angles appled with rococo scroll cast spandrels, now in an oak case with shaped caddy upstand above double frieze and three-quarter columns to hood, rectangular door to trunk and on panel fronted plinth base with moulded skirt, 211cm (6ft11ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. Provenance: The family of the late Ernest Hucker. The dial is illustrated in Moore, Rice & Hucker BILBIE and THE CHEW VALLEY CLOCKMAKERS page 303 The clockmaking trade in Chew Stoke was thought to have started around 1695 when the established bell-founder Edward Bilbie I (born 1666) turned his hand to clockmaking. He is thought to have learnt the trade from Edward Webb who worked from the nearby village of Ubley. Bilbie was clearly a talented maker as demonstrated by the remarkable thirty-hour musical longcase clock movement and dial by him included in the exhibition TIME & PLACE 1600-1840 The Antiquarian Horological Society at The Museum of the History of Science, University of Oxford, 25th November 2006 to 15th April 2007 (exhibit number 21). Edward Bilbie had two sons, Edward II (born 1694) who assisted his father but unfortunately died within six months of his father in 1725, and Thomas (born 1702) who inhereted his father`s business in 1725 (see previous lot) and worked until 1768. Edward II had a son which he also named Edward (born circa 1715), who was thought to have been brought up by his uncle, Thomas, and worked alongside him until around 1768. Using the spandrels for dating, the current lot was probably made by Edward Bilbie III during the third quarter of the 18th century. Posted thirty-hour longcase clock movements by the Bilbie family changed very little throughout the entire 18th century with only detail desgn such as the spandrels and chapter ring engraving providing a guide to dating.
A walnut and floral marquetry eight-day longcase clock Simon Thorne junior, Tiverton, circa 1735, the case probably earlier The four finned pillar inside countwheel bell striking movement with 12 inch square brass dial with ho-ho bird and foliate scroll engraved calendar aperture, ringed winding holes and star-centred subsidiary seconds dial to the matted centre within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with leafy fleur-de-lys half hour markers, Arabic five minutes and signed Simon Thorne Junior, Tiverton to lower edge, the angles applied with female mask and scroll cast spandrels within an engraved herringbone border, now in a case with later decorated cushion-shaped crest to the moulded cornice and foliate trail inlaid door to hood, with conforming decoration to the convex throat moulding above rectangular trunk door decorated with three panels of bird inhabited floral marquetry on a dark ground within a walnut field with blanked-off lenticle and foliate banded borders, the sides with ebony line panel decoration, on conforming marquetry fronted plinth base with later bracket feet (generally distressed) 222cm (7ft 4ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. Simon Thorne junior is recorded in Loomes, Brian Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World volume 2 as born in Tiverton 1720 and married in 1740 (see following lot). The current case appears to be late 17th century but almost certainly made outside London for a different movement and dial. Due to the condition of surface finish it is difficult to see the marquetry veneers in detail hence dating them accurately is problematic However construction of the carcass and other details such as hinges and locks do conform to late 17th century practice, and the 19th century additions (feet and cresting) are obvious.
An oyster walnut and floral marquetry eight-day longcase clock Benjamin Willoughby, Bristol, circa 1700 and later The five finned pillar outside countwheel bell striking movement with 11 inch square brass dial with decorated ringed calendar aperture, subsidiary seconds dial and ringed winding holes to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with bold stylised sword hilt half hour markers, large Arabic five minutes and signed B. Willoughby, Bristoll to lower edge, the angles with winged cherub head and foliate scroll cast spandrels, now in a case with moulded cornice and foliate fretwork frieze above twist turned pilasters to hood door, concave throat and rectangular trunk door decorated with two shaped panels of floral marquetry on an ebony ground within oyster veneered field with conforming spandrels, the sides with further oyster veneers within crossbanded borders, on plinth base fronted with conforming marquetry decoration and bun feet, 204cm (6ft 9ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. Benjamin Willoughby is recorded in Loomes, Brian The EARLY CLOCKMAKERS of Great Britain as being apprenticed to Robert Dingley in London in 1676-83 but not freed. He worked from Small Street, Bristol and was known to still be in business in 1709.
A rare George III ebonised bracket timepiece with pull quarter repeat William Keys, Taunton, late 18th century The four pillar single fusee movement with rise/fall regulation for the verge escapement and silent pull-quarter repeat sounding the quarters on a small bell and the hour on a large bell, the 8.5 inch brass break-arch dial with plain centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes and signed Will. Keys, TAUNTON to lower edge, the angles applied with scroll cast spandrels beneath arch with Faster/Slower regulation dial flanked by conforming mounts, the bell top case with hinged brass handle above foliate pierced frets to upper quadrants of the front door and circular over concave-topped sound frets to sides, on shallow moulded base (some losses/repairs to both movement and case), 48cm (19 ins) high excluding handle. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. William Keys appears to be unrecorded, however two makers with the same surname are recorded working in Exeter during the early years of the 19th century. The movement of the current lot incorporates a repeat mechanism which is based upon a design originally devised by Joseph Knibb to enable the clock to sound both the hours and the quarters only on demand by pulling the line exiting the case. In this form, the repeat mechanism has to power both the hour and quarter striking mechanisms rather than just the quarters before tripping the hour strike train (for striking table clocks). This type of repeating mechanism is often termed `silent pull` and is thought to have been intended for clocks destined for use in the bedchamber. Evidence in both the backplate and the dial centre suggests that the current lot was also originally fitted with an alarm mechanism further indicating bedroom use. The original owner of the current lot would have had to have been a very wealthy individual in order to be able to afford the luxury of a spring clock exclusively for use in the bedchamber.
A Regency mahogany drop dial wall timepiece Hancock & Son, Yeovil, early 19th century The four pillar single fusee movement with anchor escapement and shouldered plates, the 12 inch circular white painted Roman numeral convex dial signed Hancock & Son, YEOVIL to centre within a cast brass bezel and turned wooden surround, the drop-trunk case with door to right hand side above shaped glazed lenticle flanked by fan carved ears, with hinged pendulum flap to the brass line border inlaid curved base beneath, 62cm (24.5ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. John Hancock junior and his son James are recorded in Moore, A.J. THE CLOCKMAKERS OF SOMERSET 1650-1900 as working in Yeovil 1819-38.
A rare mahogany dial clock with passing strike Thomas Barlow, Worksop, 1st half of the 19th century The four pillar single fusee movement with anchor escapement and passing strike on an bell mounted above the tapered plates, the 12 inch circular white painted convex Roman numeral dial signed T. BARLOW, WORKSOP to centre within cast brass bezel and turned wooden surround, the rear box form case with door to right hand side and pendulum adjustment flap to the curved base, diameter 38cm (15 ins). DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. Thomas Barlow is recorded in Loomes, Brian Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World volume 2 as working in Worksop 1842-55.
See Important Note Below: A George III mahogany small domestic regulator Anthony, London, circa 1800 the single train eight-day four pillar movement with Harrison`s maintaining power, deadbeat escapement with jewelled pallets and mercury compensated pendulum hanging from the backboard, the 10 inch single sheet silvered Roman numeral dial with ogee shaped shallow arch, subsidiary seconds and signed Anthony, LONDON to centre, the case with conforming ogee arch shaped cavetto moulded pediment above brass stop-fluted canted angles to hood above shaped-top trunk door with rectangular glazed lenticle for the mercury-filled pendulum, on panel fronted plinth base with moulded skirt and squab feet, 177cm (5ft 9.5ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. The current lot was probably made by William Anthony who is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as being born 1764 and dying 1844. He was particularly well known for his watches many of which were housed in elaborate cases and destined for the Chinese export market. The case follows in both design and size examples originating from the workshops of the finest makers of the period such as Thomas Mudge & William Dutton, John Holmes and Eardley Norton. A closely related example housing a month duration movement by Penton is illustrated in Robinson, Tom THE LONGCASE CLOCK page 405 (Figures 11/33-5). Please note: it has been noticed that the dial appears not to be original to the movement hence clock is composite. Estimate revised to £2000-3000
A Queen Anne ebonised eight-day longcase clock William Tomlinson, London, early 18th century The five finned pillar inside countwheel bell striking movement with 11 inch square brass dial with subsidiary seconds dial, foliate engraved calendar aperture and ringed winding holes to the matted centre within an applied Roman numeral silvered chapter ring with Arabic five minutes, stylised sword hilt half hour markers and signed W. Tomlinson, London to lower edge, the angles with twin cherub and crown pattern spandrels, in a case with moulded cornice and three quarter columns to hood, concave throat and rectangular door centred with a brass edged lenticle, on plinth base with moulded skirt (case re-ebonised), 206cm (6ft 9ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. William Tomlinson is recorded in Loomes, Brian The Early CLOCKMAKERS of Great Britain as gaining his Freedom of the Clockmaker’s Company in 1699, he was believed to be a Quaker thought to have first worked at the Dial and Three Crowns, Birchin Lane near the Royal Exchange and later in White Hart Court, Gracechurch Street. He is thought to have died around 1750.
A George III mahogany crossbanded oak eight-day longcase clock with moonphase James Whitworth, Lussley, circa 1780 The four pillar rack and bell striking movement with calendar aperture, rolling moonphase and signed J. WHITWORTH, LUSSLEY to the ho-ho bird and foliate scroll engraved centre within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with leafy half hour markers and Arabic five minutes, the angles with female mask and scroll cast spandrels, the case with ogee-shaped caddy upstand above free-standing columns to hood and shaped top crossbanded door flanked by quarter columns to trunk, on panel-banded plinth base with squat ogee bracket feet, 207cm (6ft 9.5ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. James Whitworth is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working in Lussley, Lancashire circa 1775.
A William III walnut and floral marquetry eight-day longcase clock Charles Gretton, London, late 17th century The five finned pillar inside countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement and 10 inch square brass dial with calendar aperture and subsidiary seconds dial to the matted centre within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with unusual half hour markers based upon stylised sword hilt design and Arabic five minutes within the narrow outer track, the angles with winged cherub head and scroll cast spandrels, the lower edge signed Charles Gretton, London, in a walnut and floral marquetry veneered case with moulded cornice and later blind fret frieze above ebonised spiral twist turned three-quarter columns to the floral trail decorated aperture of the formerly rising hood, the trunk with concave throat moulding over rectangular door decorated with three shaped panels of bird inhabited floral marquetry on a dark ground within a walnut field with oval lenticle and crossbanded outer border, the sides with line bordered crossbanded panel veneers, the plinth base similarily veneered, with shallow skirt and compressed bun feet (case with some restoration), 191cm (6ft 3ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. Charles Gretton is recorded in Loomes, Brian The Early CLOCKMAKERS of Great Britain as being born circa 1649, he was apprenticed to Humfrey Downing in June 1672 and gained his Freedom of the Clockmakers` Company in 1672. Gretton was first thought to have worked from The Ship in Fleet Street until around 1685 where he is recorded `in Fleet Street over against Sergeants Inn Gate`. He was made Assistant of the Clockmakers` Company in 1689, Warden in 1697 and Master in 1700. He took on many apprentices including Henry Sully (Freed April 1705) and Joseph Antram (Freed October 1706) both of which went on to become famous makers in their own right. In 1701 he put £50 forward to the Clockmakers` Company in order to establish a trust to assist the orphans of deceased members. The life and work of Charles Gretton is currently receiving detailed attention by Dennis Radage and Warner Meinen for a forthcoming publication.
An important Charles II ebonised thirty-hour longcase clock William Raynes, York, circa 1678 The four finned and latched pillar outside countwheel bell striking two-handed movement with original anchor escapement and seconds pendulum fitted with a butterfly thumb-piece and small subsidiary bob for fine regulation, the 10 inch square gilt brass dial with calendar aperture to the delicate symmetrical flowerbud and foliate engraved centre, within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with early pattern fleur-de-lys half hour markers and small Arabic five minutes to the outer track, with fine pieced steel hands, the angles confidently engraved with leafy sprays and with signature Will. Raynes in Yorke to lower edge, the ebonised pine caseof fine mellow colour with moulded cornice above plain frieze and spiral twist columns to hood, convex throat moulding and rectangular long door with unusual octagonal glazed lenticle to trunk, on plinth base with bun feet, 202cm (6ft 7.75ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. Provenance: The property of a private collector. Exhibited TIME & PLACE English Country Clocks 1600-1840 The Antiquarian Horological Society at The Museum of the History of Science, University of Oxford, 25th November 2006- 15th April 2007 exhibit number 10. William Raines (Raynes) is recorded in Loomes, Brian The Early CLOCKMAKERS of Great Britain as being apprenticed in London to William Almond in November 1653. He gained his Freedom in January 1660/61. He initially worked from Butcher Row, East Smithfield taking on two apprentices; Joseph Sumner (in Jan. 1663/64) and William Beadle (in Jan. 1667/68). He is last recorded working in London in 1672 when it is thought that he moved up to York. He died in 1694 from a fall from his horse whilst returning from York to his home in nearby Gilling. The current lot appears to have survived in remarkably original condition. The movement retains all of its original wheelwork including the escapement, however as one would expect is showing some signs of wear. The backcock casting (complete with small casting fault) is a known London pattern used on other clocks of the period including an unsigned example with similarities to the work of John Wise senior illustrated in Darken, Jeff and Hooper, John English 30 Hour Clocks, Origin & Development 1600-1800 pages 59-63. The dial engraving echoes London work of the period although slightly differs in detail and feel to London practice, however is finely executed and is now complemented by the fine mellow colour of the dial itself. The calendar employs an engraved wheel rather than a calendar ring, this is perhaps one of the earliest examples of this detail (which became common practice in later Northern clocks) and allows the calendar aperture to placed higher up within the centre of the dial. The case is a very rare survivor as the pine construction makes it prone to dilapidation. The base is intact and, as with the rest of the case, of fine mellow colour. The trunk has a rare octagonal lenticle -often seen on cases housing movements by Edward East. The hood was originally of the rising variety (an easy restoration as little appears to have been altered) but may have originally had a crest. As the current lot can be confidently dated to the latter years of the 1670`s, it is reasonable to suggest that it is perhaps the earliest surviving longcase clock to be made in York.
A Charles II eight-day longcase clock with 9.5 inch dial Joseph Knibb, London, movement and dial early 1670’s, the case later The six finned and latched pillar movement striking the hours via an outside countwheel on a domed bell mounted above the plates, with typical Knibb single-footed pendulum suspension block and formerly with bolt-and-shutter maintaining power, the 9.5 inch square gilt brass latched dial with calendar aperture and subsidiary seconds dial to the matted centre within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with fleur-de-lys half hour markers and Arabic five minutes within the outer track, with fine pierced and sculpted blued steel ‘Oxford’ pattern hands and winged cherub head cast spandrels to angles, the dial plate with line engraved border interrupted by signature Joseph Knibb Londini fecit to lower edge, now in an ebonised and partly ebony veneered case with triangular pediment above Corinthian three quarter columns to the rising hood, convex throat mouldings and raised triple panel applied rectangular door to trunk, the sides with conforming raised panels, on plain plinth base with shallow moulded skirt, (movement and dial with some alterations and replacements), 190 cm (6ft 3ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. Provenance: Property of a private collector, believed to have been acquired by the Money family in the 1930’s through John Hooper’s maternal grandfather, a Cambridge graduate, clock collector, and Head of Latin at Whitgift School, Croyden, thence by descent to two maiden aunts living in Shirley, Surrey. Subsequently by private treaty to the vendor. Joseph Knibb was born in 1640 and apprenticed to his cousin Samuel in around 1655. On completion of his apprenticeship in 1662 he moved to Oxford whilst his cousin Samuel is thought to have moved to London. Joseph initially struggled to trade due to restrictions placed by the City which were only relaxed on payment of a fine in 1668. In around 1670 Joseph moved to London presumably to take over the workshop of his cousin Samuel who died at around this time. He first worked from the Dial in Fleet Street, later moving to the Clock Dial near Charing Cross in 1693. Joseph sold-up the London business in 1697 retiring to Hanslop in Buckinghamshire where he died in 1711. Joseph Knibb’s work often demonstrates his inventive but elegant and refined approach both in the detailing and specification of the movements and choice of case design. He is perhaps best known for his experimentation with alternative striking systems such as Dutch, Roman, and double-six grande sonnerie as well as long duration clocks. The basic format and layout of the current lot is directly comparable to other examples with 9.5 inch dials made soon after Joseph Knibb’s move to London. One such example is in the British Museum’s collection (ex Iden collection) which, in addition to basic layout, shares other details such as positioning of the movement pillars and dial feet, profile and shaping of the original surviving latches, and the shaping and positioning of the bell stand and foot. The dial of British Museum example was made without subsidiary seconds or calendar, as both the seconds and calendar rings on the current lot are replacements it is probable that it was also originally made without these features. Interestingly the dial plate of the current lot is of heavier gauge than normally encountered, thickening towards the centre. However other examples are known, in particular a ting-tang quarter striking example made by Joseph Knibb whilst he was still working in Oxford, which is illustrated and discussed in Dawson, Drover & Parkes Early English Clocks pages 121 & 123 where the authors note ‘Oddly for a Knibb, the dial plate is exceptionally thick, particularly in the middle’. Another related clock is in the St Edmondsbury Borough Council (Gershom Packington) Collection, this shares the same pattern of chapter ring with the current lot and was made with a subsidiary seconds dial but not a calendar aperture. Both the British Museum and St. Edmondsbury clocks are housed in ebonised ‘architectural’ cases. A third comparable example, which was formerly the property of Admiral Byng, is extensively illustrated in Lee, Ronald The Knibb Family, Clockmaker’s Plates 13, 39, 100 and 151, (also illustrated in HUYGENS’ LEGACY The Golden age of the Pendulum Clock pages 138-9). This example shares the same pattern of pendulum suspension block casting with the current lot and the British Museum movement, but is housed in an elegant walnut case (as is another further example which was sold at CHRISTIE’S Important Clocks 11th July 2003 lot 79).
A fine George II ebonised quarter chiming table clock Thomas Hunter, London, circa 1730 The substantial six finned-pillar triple fusee movement chiming the quarters on a graduated nest of six bells and striking the hour on a further bell, with verge escapement and rise/fall regulation, the backplate profusely engraved with foliate scrolls around a central cartouche signed Thomas Hunter, LONDON surmounted by an allegorical figure of a Classical warrior, the 7.5 inch brass break-arch dial with false bob aperture and polished oval reserve with repeat signature within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with fleur-de-lys half hour markers and Arabic five minutes, the lower angles with gilt female mask and scroll cast spandrels the upper angles with silvered subsidiary Strike/Silent opposing regulation dials, the arch with further silvered calendar ring with matted centre and flanked by conforming ho-ho bird inhabited foliate cast spandrels, the inverted bell top case with gilt brass carrying handle and cast vase finials above foliate scroll pierced break-arch side frets bordered by fine raised ebony mouldings, the front door with conforming mouldings to dial aperture and pierced frets to upper quadrants, on moulded base with squab feet, 48cm (19ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. Thomas Hunter senior is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working in Fenchurch Street, London 1744-99. The current lot shares many details with fine examples by the leading London makers made during the formative decades of the 18th century. The movement with its relatively robust construction, finned pillars and allegorical figure engraved backplate is reminiscent of the work of Quare or DuChesne. The dial, with its subsidiaries in the upper spandrel area, again echoes Quare and DuChesne, whilst the calendar in the arch was perhaps made popular by Windmills. The case with its fine quality mouldings and elegant proportions compares with those housing movements by makers such as Delander or even George Graham (although Graham preferred rectangular dials). The subtle contrast between the relatively complex decorative dial and the simple refined elegance of the case of the current lot is particularily pleasing. The clock appears to be in good original condition with the dial in particular being of fine mellow colour.
A rare George II longcase clock of month duration with year calendar and equation of time John Topping, London, circa 1730 The 10 finned pillar rack and bell striking movement with integral Y shaped extensions to the plates to accommodate the rise/fall regulation and strike silent functions, with further raised central section for the anchor escapement with small diameter `scape wheel and indirect drive via a contrate wheel from the going train planted within the main body of the movement, the 12 inch wide brass break-arch dial with recessed triangular silvered signature plate John Topping, London, MEMORY MASTER above further shaped sector for the silvered year calendar with equation of time to the matted centre, within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with fleur-de-lys half hour markers and Arabic five minutes, the lower angles applied with fine Indian mask and scroll cast spandrels the upper with subsidiary regulation and Strike/Silent dials, the arch with large diameter silvered seconds ring centred with a recessed silvered star flanked by conforming mounts and with engraved infill beneath, the case now veneered in mahogany with moulded cornice above three-quarter columns and break-arch side windows to hood, convex moulding to throat and rectangular trunk door now applied with the original brass hinge straps to the exterior, on plinth base with moulded double skirt, (case reveneered and with alterations), 233cm (7ft 8ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. Provenance: The family of a private collector. John Topping was born in 1677 and was apprenticed to William Grimes, gaining his Freedom of the Clockmakers` Company in 1698. Topping appeared to have specialised in producing longcase clocks to this pattern as at least two other examples are known. The first, housed in a walnut case with mirror door to the trunk, is illustrated and discussed in Robinson, Tom THE LONGCASE CLOCK pages 230-1, the second, housed in a tortoiseshell lacquer case, is illustrated in Roberts, Derek British Longcase Clocks pages 76-7. A third example, with an apparently identical dial but signed by Francis Gregg (once in the Wetherfield collection) is also illustrated by Robinson (on page 232). The presence of the third example signed by Gregg suggests that both makers had a close working relationship, with Topping probably supplying the movement and dial for Gregg to sign and retail. In addition to these examples there are perhaps two further related eight-day clocks signed by Topping known, these display similar dial layouts but incorporate a spherical `Hallifax` moon to the arch and have centre seconds. Complex dial layouts of this type appear to have been fashionable during the formative decades of the 18th century, with wealthy clients wishing to express their status with increasingly innovative and complex clocks housed in exotic cases. Some makers such as William Scafe, and perhaps John Topping, took it upon themselves to specialise in producing clocks to satisfy this demand. The presence of the equation of time within the year calendar on the current lot would enable the correct local mean time to be set from a sundial as the adjustment required for any given day of the year is clear to see. In the days before electronic communication this was the only way the time could be set with a reasonable degree of accuracy (in the absence of a local `public` timekeeper). The reason why Topping chose to sign his clocks with the phrase `Memory Master` appears to be a mystery.
A George III mahogany bracket clock Eliezer and James Chater, circa 1770 The five pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with verge escapement and backplate engraved with a pagoda within elegant rococo scrolls, the 7 inch brass break-arch dial with calendar aperture and shaped recessed silvered nameplate Eliezer & Jam`s Chater, LONDON to the matted centre within an applied Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes, the angles with scroll cast spandrels beneath subsidiary Strike/Silent dial flanked by conforming mounts to arch, the case with hinged brass carrying handle and button finials to the bell-top upstand above circular side windows over concave-topped original foliate pierced rectangular sound frets to sides and conforming frets to the upper quadrants of the front door, on moulded base with shaped apron and squab feet, 47cm (18.5ins) high excluding handle. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. James Chater senior is recorded in Baillie G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as being admitted to the Clockmaker`s Company 1718, gaining his Freedom in 1726 and dying in 1762 Baillie lists him as an `eminent` maker. He had two sons, James junior (admitted 1746, Free 1753 worked until 1785) and Eliezer (Free 1751, Liveryman 1766, Master 1772 died 1777). James junior and Eliezer are thought to have formed a partnership after the death of their father in 1762.
A George III brass mounted mahogany quarter chiming bracket clock James Chater and Son, London circa 1760 The six pillar triple fusee movement with verge escapement, chiming the quarters on eight bells and striking the hour on a further bell, the backplate engraved with basket of flowers and delicate rococo scrolls within a decorative border, the 8 inch brass break-arch dial with applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes and rococo scroll cast spandrels, the arch with twin subsidiary STRIKE/SILENT and CHIME/SILENT dials with shaped signature plaque Jam’s Chater & Son, London to upper margin and rococo scroll engraved infill, the inverted bell top case with five brass vase finials above brass fillet and cast quarter fret inset front door flanked by female caryatid applied canted angles, the sides with brass carrying handles over brass break-arch side frets cast with figures and scrolls, on conforming moulded skirt base with acanthus cast scroll feet, (case with some repairs), 55cm high (1ft 9.5ins) high excluding finials, 62 cm (2ft 0.5ins) high overall. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. James Chater senior is recorded in Baillie G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as being admitted to the Clockmaker`s Company 1718, gaining his Freedom in 1726 and dying in 1762 Baillie lists him as an `eminent` maker. He had two sons, James junior (admitted 1746, Free 1753 worked until 1785) and Eliezer (Free 1751, Liveryman 1766, Master 1772 died 1777). James junior is thought to have worked in partnership with his father from 1753-62 later forming a partnership with his brother Eliezer (see previous lot).
A black japanned eight-day longcase clock Bearing signature for Samuel Weston, Stratford, mid 18th century and later With later four pillar rack striking movement applied to the 12 inch brass break-arch dial with subsidiary seconds dial and calendar aperture to the matted centre within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with Fleur-de-lys half hour markers and Arabic five minutes, the angles with Indian mask and scroll cast spandrels within herringbone engraved border, the arch with central silvered boss bearing signature Samuel Weston, Stratford flanked by dolphin mounts within conforming border, in a case with domed caddy above break-arch frieze and three quarter columns to hood, the trunk with break-arch door decorated in raised polychrome and gilt with figures on a bridge within an Oriental garden landscape with a further figure on horseback slaying a dragon to foreground, on conforming plinth base with double skirt (case with some restoration) 242cm (7ft 11.5ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request.
A Queen Anne walnut eight-day longcase clock Samuel Stevens, London circa 1705 The five finned pillar inside countwheel bell striking movement with foliate engraved calendar aperture, ringed winding holes and subsidiary seconds dial to the matted centre within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with fluer-de-lys half hour markers, Arabic five minutes and signed Sam’u. Stevens, London to lower edge, the angles with Indian mask and scroll cast spandrels with foliate scroll engraved decoration between, in a case with moulded cornice above three-quarter pilasters to hood, concave throat and quarter veneered burr walnut and herringbone banded trunk door centred with a lenticle, with crossbanded sides and on plinth base with moulded skirt (with some restoration), 224cm (7ft 5ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. Samuel Stevens is recorded in Loomes, Brian The EARLY CLOCKMAKERS of Great Britain as being born in around 1678, apprenticed to Edward Stanton in 1671 gaining his freedom of the Clockmaker’s Company in 1680. In 1682 he was reprimanded by the Clockmaker’s Company for taking-on unofficial apprentices, at this time he was listed as working from Grub Street. Records appear to cease after around 1715.
A late 18th century mahogany long case clock the hood with 3 brass ball and spire finials, swan neck pediment with brass paterae, satinwood and shell inlaid frieze and having full turned side columns, the trunk with full length door with ogee arched top and boxwood bound rosewood crossbanding, the base inlaid and on bracket feet, having arched painted dial with vignette depicting a Scotsman to the arch, 8 day movement striking on bell, height 85"
A 1930`s walnut longcase clock with a silvered dial, moulded cornice and hexagonal pilasters, the glazed door with gothic style fret insert, bearing sterling silver plaque "presented to E W Fielder on his retirement from the Winnipeg branch of Imperial Tobacco Company Canada 1910-1935" 203cm high
Good quality mid-nineteenth century carriage clock with cylinder movement. Eight day movement, engine turned and engraved silvered dial with poker hands and subsidiary second dial. Gilt brass case with engine turned decoration, corner columns and solid rear door on four circular feet, ornate scroll and foliate carrying handle, approximately 12cm overall height
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