Canterbury Auction Galleries
Lot 278
A Late 17th Century Walnut and Marquetry Longcase Clock by Thomas Cruttenden of Yorke, the 10ins square brass dial with engraved centre and silvered chapter ring with Roman and Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds dial and date aperture and with bold cast winged cherub head pattern spandrels, to the eight day two train five pillar movement striking on a bell contained in walnut and marquetry case, the rising hood with moulded cornice and spiral turned columns, trunk door inlaid with two shaped panels with flowers in a bowl, and with circular lenticel to centre, replaced plinth inlaid with similar floral panel, on bun feet 77ins high
Note: Thomas Cruttenden recorded working London and York 1668-1698. He was apprenticed to Robt. Scignier in July 1668 and was then passed over to John Fromanteel until November 1677, free of The Clockmakers Company 1677. In 1680 he moved to York to establish one of the first important clock workshops in the North of England and became free of the City of York. He died in 1698.
Provenance: Purchased Hotspur Antiques Ltd, 14 Lowndes Street, London SW1X 9DEExternally the clock presents very well indeed, showing wear commensurate with age and moderate usage. There is some light shrinkage here and there on the veneer panels which is to be expected on a clock of this vintage. There is some light cracking on the door, and general chips and marks but no real areas of concern. There is a nice patination. The item has been refurbished at some point but this would be historic. The two lower marquetry panels at the base of the trunk door have been replaced and the plinth base is later - the base has some marks. The marquetry retains good colour. The glasses have some marks but no obvious signs of damage or chips and may be considered original. The doors sits on its original hinges and functions correctly. Likewise the inner cabinet is in good condition. The weights appear original and are strung. The original winding crank is present. To the inside of the door there are various notations and pieces of information as shown in the images, relating to the clock. The hood is in good condition, fits and locks correctly, the locking bracket appears to be original. No obvious sign of restoration but has had attention over the years on a historic basis. The mechanism and the fit is good and again appears to be contemporary with the case. Some slight marks and one or two small wormholes, again historic, to the sides and lower hood plinth. The dial is in very good condition but again at some point would have been re-silvered, but this is historic. The engraving is complete and intact and the hands appear original. The mechanism is complete although we cannot warrant the originality of all components. The clock winds, runs and sets but should be regarded as untested. The hammer and bell appear original. Overall a very nice example of this early clock. Please note we are unable to comment as to whether any additional movement would fit into the cabinet. This needs to be the decision of the prospective bidder. Prospective bidders are strongly advised to view all images closely prior to bidding.
