HOWARD WALWYN
FINE ANTIQUE CLOCKS
INTRODUCTION
It gives us great pleasure to offer you our latest collection of horological finds. As it happens, this catalogue coincides with our celebration of 30 years of buying and selling clocks on Kensington Church Street this year.
We have been particularly fortunate in being able to acquire two exceptional prenumbered walnut longcase clocks by Thomas Tompion and a longcase and ebony striking table clock by him dating from when he was in partnership with Edward Banger in the early 1700s.
Joseph Knibb is also well represented with a rare small 9 ½-inch dial walnut longcase clock of month duration with Roman Strike, two phase 3 striking ebony table clocks including one with grande-sonnerie and a rare miniature striking lantern clock.
Other highlights include a unique small early table clock by Robert Williamson circa 1675 in an ebony and olivewood case which is illustrated in ‘Early English Clocks’, a previously undiscovered untouched lantern clock by Edward Webb of Chewstoke dated 1683, and a silver mounted tortoiseshell striking bracket clock by Henry Massey.
From the 18th century we have just acquired a stunning cream and polychrome lacquer table clock by Peter Walker, a fine walnut longcase by George Graham (Thomas Tompion’s successor), two very unusual tavern clocks and a rare cream and ‘Indian ink’ lacquer longcase repatriated from a private American collection.
We are exhibiting at the prestigious Treasure House Art and Antiques Fair from June 28th –July 2nd this year..
We look forward to seeing you soon. Howard Walwyn
(All the bracket clocks illustrated are measured excluding their handles and finials)
HOWARD WALWYN
FINE ANTIQUE CLOCKS
123 Kensington Church Street, London W8 7LP
+44 (0)20 7938 1100 | howard@howardwalwyn.com www.howardwalwyn.com
THOMAS TOMPION LONDINI FECIT
A fine and rare previously unrecorded Charles II period pre-numbered month duration walnut veneered longcase clock by England’s greatest clockmaker.
The beautifully proportioned slim case is constructed primarily of oak and veneered with richly patinated walnut of excellent colour. It has a large early lenticle in the trunk door. The hood has barley twist turned walnut columns and a walnut veneered frieze set below the cornice moulding.
The substantial early Tompion movement is of month duration with five latched finned pillars and latched dial feet. There is bolt and shutter maintaining power and the hours are sounded on a single bell via a small outside locking plate. There is a brass stabilizing bracket from the movement to the steel bracket on the backboard.
The 10 inch square brass dial is of good mellow colour with a matted centre and silvered chapter ring with Roman hour numerals. There is an aperture to view the day of the month below XII. The pierced and facetted steel pointers are of outstanding quality. The four gilt brass corner spandrels are of the winged cherub variety and the maker’s signature Thomas Tompion Londini Fecit is set below VI.
Overall the clock is in a fine state of preservation. The wheel work in the movement is in excellent condition. This clock retains its original seatboard and the movement is located with a brass fixing bracket to the steel backboard bracket where it lines up perfectly. The clock is also complete with its brass rod and brass bob pendulum and period brass cased month weights.
Date: circa 1675 - 1680
Height: 77 in (195.5 cm)
Width: 17 in (43 cm)
Depth: 9 ¼ in (23.5 cm)
References: Jeremy Evans, Thomas Tompion and the Three Crowns Evans Carter Wright, Thomas Tompion 300 Years R.W. Symonds, Thomas Tompion His Life and Work
THOMAS TOMPION 1639 - 1713
Thomas Tompion is the most highly respected English clockmaker. Born at Ickwell Green, Bedfordshire in 1639 he moved to London in 1671 and became a free brother in the Clockmakers’ Company. In 1674, he established his business at the sign of the Dial and Three Crowns in Water Lane, now called Whitefriars Street. There he met Dr Robert Hooke, an eminent physicist and mathematician, who exchanged ideas with him in the early part of his career when he was gaining commissions for some of his most important clocks and scientific instruments. Through this association Tompion came to the notice of Charles II and from that time he held an unrivalled position in English Horology.
In 1695 George Graham joined Tompion and married his niece. In 1701 Tompion took Edward Banger into partnership, another niece’s husband, who had previously been his apprentice. They broke up acrimoniously in 1707 and Graham was then made a full partner. Clocks signed by both Tompion and Graham are very rare.
In 1703 Tompion was elected Master of the Clockmakers’ Company. He is known to have made about 650 clocks, approximately 16-20 clocks a year. Sometime between 1680 and 1685 he devised a numbering system for his clocks and watches which go up to 542. This was continued after Tompion’s death by his successor George Graham. Tompion died in 1713 and as a mark of his greatness he is buried in Westminster Abbey.
THOMAS TOMPION & EDWARD BANGER LONDON N° 427
A fine and rare Queen Anne period phase 3 ebony striking and quarter-repeating bracket clock of beautiful proportions and excellent provenance.
The magnificent ‘phase 3’ ebony veneered case has an inverted bell-top and an acanthus wrapped carrying handle. The case stands on four ebonised block feet and the front sill beneath the opening door is punch stamped 427
The rectangular 7 x 8 inch gilt dial has a finely matted centre, mock pendulum aperture and typical delicately wrought blued-steel hands, with silvered and engraved chapter ring and double-screwed Minerva mask and foliate spandrels. The upper subsidiary regulation and ‘S/N’ (strike/no-strike) dials are set within foliate scrollwork and centred by the signature THO.TOMPION / EDW.
BANGER/ Londini / Fecit. The reverse of the dial plate is stamped 427 to the lower edge.
The 8-day movement has hour and half hour strike on 2 bells and is fully latched with seven knopped pillars. It has a restored spring suspended verge escapement and Tompion’s bespoke pull quarter-repeat mechanism activated by pulling a cord operated from either side of the case. The backplate is profusely engraved with scrolling foliage and the signature cartouche flanked by griffin heads is inscribed THO. TOMPION / EDW.BANGER / LONDINI / Fecit. At the bottom of the cartouche there is a pan mask and the number 427 punched to the lower edge.
Date: circa 1705
Height: 16 ½ in. (42 cm.) handle down
Width: 10 ⅝ in. (27 cm.)
Depth: 6 ¾ in. (17.1 cm.)
Provenance
With R. A. Lee, Bruton Place, London, 1981 and advertised in Antiquarian Horology, volume XII, June 1981, pp. 590-1.
With Asprey, New Bond Street, London, 1994/5 and advertised in Antiquarian Horology, volume XXII, Spring 1995, p. 4. Private Collection, London, U.K.
Exhibited
With Asprey, Grosvenor House Fair, London, 9-18 June 1994.
References
H. Cescinsky, M. Webster, English Domestic Clocks, London, 1913, p. 284, fig. 308.
R.W. Symonds, Thomas Tompion, His Life and Work, London, 1951, p.157, fig.133, p. 203, fig. 192. p.206, fig.197.
J. Evans, Thomas Tompion at the Dial and Three Crowns, Ticehurst, 2006, p. 79
HW6385
JOSEPH KNIBB LONDINI FECIT
A fine Charles II period Roman-striking walnut longcase clock of month duration and rare small proportions.
The 9 ½-inch square brass dial, which retains its original mercury gilding, is signed on the dial plate below VI Joseph Knibb Londini fecit. It has four winged cherub’s head corner spandrels, inset datework above VI, original pierced and faceted blued steel hands. The finely engraved narrow chapter and seconds rings are solid silver laid onto brass under-rings, a very rare feature.
The latched and finned five pillar movement has bolt and shutter maintaining power and Roman strike on two bells. In order to conserve power, the Roman I’s are struck on a high tone of bell and the chapters V and X on a lower tone and the wheel trains of the month duration movement are reversed. The clock retains its original brass rod pendulum and typical Knibb spring and hook suspension with a butterfly rating nut to the top and another just above the original brass bob.
The diminutive slender early case has beautiful matching figured walnut veneers and untouched patination. The rising hood retains its original carved cresting and has attached barley twist pillars to the front and rear. It also has its original spoon lock and metal catch within the case to hold the hood in a raised position while the movement is wound.
Date: circa 1672 - 1675
Height: 79 ½ in (201.5 cm)
* This special clock was almost certainly one of the first longcases which Joseph Knibb made after he moved to London and took over the workshop of his uncle Samuel Knibb. His premises at the Sign of the Dial at the junction of Fleet Street and Sergeants’s Inn were very near those of
Thomas Tompion in Water Lane. It is known that the two makers collaborated in their early years and there are a number of strong similarities between Tompion’s early prenumbered 10-inch movements in veneered walnut longcases and those of Joseph Knibb. Some time later Edmund Massey almost certainly resold the clock and thus attached his name to it. His original name disc is attached to the inside of the long trunk door.
The horological writer Herbert Cescinski first discovered the clock in 1922 with Sir Arthur Leetham. The Joseph Knibb signature on the dial plate was covered by a silvered brass plaque with the name Edmund Massey High Holbourne engraved on it. The latter maker was an apprentice of Knibb who continued working in London after his Master retired and left London in 1697 for Hanslop in Buckinghamshire.
The influence of Joseph’s uncle Samuel Knibb is also evident in his use of solid silver chapter and seconds rings on this clock. Silver was prohibitively expensive at the time and is therefore only seen on the very finest clocks of the period. Samuel Knibb used silver chapter rings on his famous Cupola clocks and his unique quarter-chiming kingwood architectural longcase clock.
Provenance:
Lt. Col. Sir Arthur Leetham KCVO, CMG Purchased by Herbert Cescinski, circa 1922
Private Welsh Collection
References:
Dawson, Drove & Parkes, Early English Clocks
Herbert Cescinsky, The Connoisseur Magazine, article September 1922
Cescinsky and Webster, English Domestic Clocks
Ronald A. Lee, The Knibb Family * Clockmakers
JOSEPH KNIBB LONDINI FECIT
A very rare grande sonnerie striking spring table clock by this preeminent clockmaker. The phase 3 case, veneered with ebony with applied gilt brass mounts and brass carrying handle, stands only 11 ¾ inches high and is of typical Knibb form.
The 6 ¼ inch square brass dial is mounted with a silvered chapter ring and wing and cherub spandrels to the four corners. The centre is finely matted with elegant pierced and faceted pointers and there is a chamfered inset date aperture below XII.
The three-train movement employs Knibb’s grande sonnerie striking system. The front plate to the movement is divided into three - a rare feature used to facilitate dismantling individual trains. As can be seen from the front plate, there are ten latched pillars which also hold the divided front plates together. The photograph of the backplate of the movement illustrates the link between the quarter countwheel and the hour countwheel. The fine early foliage and tulip engraving can be seen surrounding the crescent signature Joseph Knibb Londini Fecit
Date: circa 1680-1685
Height: 11 ¾ in (29.75 cm)
Width: 9 ⅝ in (24.5 cm)
Depth: 6 ½ in (15.75 cm)
* Grande sonnerie striking clocks are by far the rarest and most sought after table clocks of the period. This particular example dates from circa 1680-1685 and is small and very elegant. The verge escapement and the quarter work have had restoration as one would expect to find in a small clock of such complexity and such an early date. Most importantly, any remedial work has been done sympathetically and the clock retains a beautiful old patina commensurate with its great age.
HW6102
THE MATTHEY TOMPION
A unique Charles II period pre-numbered 8-day two-train quarter-striking walnut longcase clock with full calendar and alarm.
The Type 1 case of figured walnut is veneered onto an oak carcass, the rising hood with flat-topped architectural cornice mouldings, walnut fretted frieze, all supported by three-quarter Solomonic columns to the front and matching quarter-columns to the rear, and with glazed side apertures. The hood rests on a convex chin-moulding above the long rectangular trunk door, with book-matched figured walnut veneers framed by D-shaped mouldings. The sides are also veneered in cross-grain frames. The base has similarly bookmatched veneers and is raised on four turned walnut bun feet.
The 10-inch square gilt-brass dial has latched dial feet, a matted centre pierced with calendar apertures for the days of the week above their corresponding astrological symbols below XII, the date above the month with zodiac symbols. The silvered brass chapter ring has Roman numerals sword-hilt half-hour markers, the outer division indicating quarterminutes, with every individual minute numbered. The lower edge of the dial is signed Tho: Tompion Londini Fecit in a rectangular reserve, interrupting the single wheat-ear border. In the corners there are gilt-brass winged cherub spandrels. In the centre there is a silvered brass Arabic and rose engraved alarm disc, the whole indicated by finely pierced and shaped blued-steel hands of typical Tompion pattern.
The complex two-train 8-day movement has substantial brass plates which are held by six finned baluster pillars. The backplate has a typical escapement pallet cut-out, shaped at the top to take the bells. The going train has an anchor escapement, bolt-and-shutter maintaining power, multi-piece brass rod one-second pendulum. The strike train is regulated by a substantial, 5 ½ inch diameter, outside countwheel with chamfered securing cock and roller-guides. The tingtang quarters are struck on two bells above and the pump activated hour is sounded on the larger bell. The alarm train is mounted to the edge of the going side with verge wheel and flagged hammer arbor striking on the smaller bell, which is activated via an underdial release lever to the dial alarm disc.
Date: circa 1680
Height: 77 ¾ in (197.5 cm)
* This is the most complex and rarest Type 1 prenumbered walnut Tompion longcase known. In addition, it has excellent provenance and pedigree.
Provenance:
The Matthey Collection, by mid-1940s, inventory no.1;
Anon Sale, Christie’s, London, 24 November 1983, lot 208; Anon Sale, Christie’s, London, 28 October, 1991, lot 177; The Tom Scott Collection, inventory no.97.
Exhibited:
London, Science Museum, 1952, British Clockmakers’ Heritage Exhibition, no.141
HW6407
THOMAS TOMPION & EDWARD BANGER LONDON N° 463
A fine Queen Anne period ‘Type 3’ longcase clock by this famous partnership.
The case is veneered with figured walnut. The hood has pierced sound frets above two doric columns, a caddy top with mounts supporting three brass ball finials. The trunk door is numbered 463 on the leading edge.
The 11-inch square brass dial is mounted with Indian mask and scroll spandrels. The silvered chapter ring has Roman hours and an outer Arabic 5 minute band. The finely matted centre has a subsidiary Arabic seconds dial and a chamfered date aperture with pin hole adjustment. It is signed on a polished oval reserve Tho: Tompion, EDW BANGER, LONDON.
The 6-pillar 8-day duration anchor escapement movement is fully latched and there is a cut out on the backplate to release the anchor. It is rack striking with the hours sounded on a bell. The movement is punchnumbered 463 on the lower edge of the backplate.
Date: circa 1707
Height: 95 ½ in (242 cm)
* There are comparatively few clocks signed by both Thomas Tompion and Edward Banger as they were only in partnership for a relatively short period from 1701 – 1708. Banger was Tompion’s apprentice and he was made free of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1695. By 1708 the pair had quarrelled and there are no further jointly made clocks recorded.
This clock is fully described and illustrated in Thomas Tompion - 300 Years by Evans, Carter and Wright on pages 480-481. It is also listed on page 80 of Jeremy Evans’ book Tompion at the Dial and Three Crowns HW6336
JOSEPH KNIBB LONDIN
A good Charles II period hour striking and repeating Phase III spring table clock in a domed case veneered with ebony surmounted by a single brass carrying handle and four cast brass mounts.
The 6 ¼-inch square brass dial with finely matted centre has a silvered chapter ring, winged cherub corner spandrels and a finely matted centre. The blued steel pointers are finely pierced and faceted and the dial plate is signed by the maker below VI. Above XII there is an inset strike/silent lever.
The 8-day duration movement is fully latched with five finely turned baluster pillars. It has a verge escapement and the hours are sounded on a bell via an inside pivoted rack. The quarters are sounded on a further bell via a brass push/pull repeat bar. The backplate is also signed in an arc Joseph Knibb Londini Fecit and is exquisitely engraved with cut stalk tulips and scrolling leaves.
Date: circa 1685
Height: 11 ¾ in (30 cm) excluding handle
Width: 9 ⅜ in (23.75 cm)
Depth: 6 ¼ in (16 cm)
*Joseph Knibb Phase III bracket clocks are amongst the most sought after of any late 17th century table clocks. Their elegant low dome tops, their small proportions and their shallowness front to back make the cases particularly appealing. Their small 6 inch square dials are also generally without any fussy decoration or heavy ringed winding holes. The thin plates and the delicate refined wheelwork of Knibb movements along with the exquisite tulip engraving on their backplates are further reasons why they are instantly recognizable and generally win the most accolades from collectors and new buyers alike.
A very similar clock is illustrated on plate 80 and page 181 of R.A. Lee’s book: The Knibb Family Clockmakers.
References: R.A. Lee, The Knibb Family Clockmakers, pl. 80 and p. 181
Dawson, Drover & Parkes, Early English Clocks, pp. 438, pl.636
Sunny Dzik, Engraving on English Table Clocks – Art on a Canvas of Brass 1660- 1800, pp.132-133
Sunny Dzik, Beneath the Dial – Pull Repeat Striking 1675 – 1725, pp 187-189
HW6401
Joseph Knibb, Oxford circa 1668
A rare Charles II Oxford copper farthing trade token
JOSEPH
KNIBB LONDINI
A rare James II period miniature brass lantern clock by this famous clockmaker.
This classic little clock of typical Knibb form has very pleasing proportions and is designed to hang from the wall with a central hoop and two steel spurs.
The dial centre is filled with exquisitely engraved flowers and leaves and the alarm setting disc is engraved with a central Tudor Rose and an outer band of Arabic hour numerals. The patinated steel hand is finely fretted and facetted.
The diminutive brass case has shallow flower and foliate frets and a bellstrap surmounted by a turned finial The maker’s signature Joseph Knibb Londini is engraved in the dial centre below XII. It has a narrow chapter ring and trident half-hour markers.
Unlike most early miniature lantern clocks which are only timepieces with alarm work, this clock features both a strike train for the hours on an outside countwheel and an original alarm train. The short duration 30-hour movement retains its original knife edge verge escapement
Date: circa 1670
Height: 6 in (15 cm) excluding finial
6 ⅜ in (16.25 cm) including finial
Width: 3 ½ in (9 cm)
Depth: 3 ⅞ in (10 cm) including spurs
* Joseph Knibb is widely regarded as one of England’s most innovative and finest clockmakers. He made very few lantern clocks as they were probably not cost effective in terms of time and value relative to his more important productions. Such clocks were mostly destined for the servants’ quarters or pantries. Today they have great folkloric appeal and they are very easy to accommodate given their miniature proportions. The design of this clock was unique to Joseph Knibb and a small number of his apprentices, among them Edmund Massey. We had the identical clock signed Edmund Massey a few years ago.
References: Dawson, Drover, Parks, Early English Clocks, pp.55-73, pl.83
W.F.J. Hana, English Lantern Clocks
Ronald A. Lee, The Knibb Family Clockmakers, p.162, pl.175
Brian Loomes, Lantern Clocks & Their Makers
George White, English Lantern Clocks, p.162, Fig.IV/8
HW6402
EDWARD WEBB, CHEWSTOKE 1683
A rare previously unrecorded Charles II striking lantern clock dated 1683 by this highly collected West Country maker.
The highly distinctive Bristol and Chew Valley type case has one-piece column turned corner posts beneath pierced heraldic frets of the Lion and the Unicorn, integral multi-knopped vase-and-cover turned finials and domed bell bearer cast with pierced leaf decoration between the limbs. It has its original detachable side doors and hoop and spurs.
The dial is a typical Webb design with his Christian name Edward and family name Webb on the top left and right hand corners respectively and Chewstoke on the bottom left and Fecit 83 on the bottom right corner. The elaborate dial centre with scrolling foliage surmounted by a female mask resembles those of Thomas Brown of Bristol. The original single hand is also finely wrought in brass, a typical feature on Bristol and Chew Valley clocks. Interestingly, the word ‘march’ is inscribed on the dial plate beneath the chapter ring, indicating the clock was completed in March 1683.
The short duration 30-hour movement was drawn up for alarm work but it was never fitted. The engraved central rose is original. It retains its original verge escapement which is mounted on the top plate and strikes the hours on a single bell.
Dated: 1683
Height: 12 ½ (31.5 cm) excluding finial
Height: 15 ¼ in (39 cm) including finial
Width: 6 in (15.2 cm)
Depth: 7 in (17.8 cm) including spurs
* Edward Webb is the most famous of the late 17th century clockmakers of the Chew Valley just south of Bristol in North Somerset. His clocks are highly prized by collectors. It is thought he learnt his trade from Thomas Veal who had previously worked in Bristol. He became a highly innovative maker of lantern and musical clocks which he usually dated. He was active in Chewstoke between 1663 and his death in 1694, the year his wife Anne also died. At least three of his six sons followed in his footsteps as clockmakers. Examples of his work are illustrated in many of the major horological books and one of his lantern clocks dated 1688 is in the Science Museum Collection.
References:
J.K. Bellchambers, Somerset Clocks, p.65
Dawson, Drover, Parks, Early English Clocks, pp. 65-66, pl.75
Brian Loomes, Lantern Clocks and Their Makers, p.171, p.188, p.189-193, p.211, p.510
W.F.J. Hana, English Lantern Clocks, p.83, pl.37
J. Moore, R. Rice, E. Hucker, Bilbie and the Chew Valley Clockmakers, p.32, p.202, p.383, p.383
George White, English Lantern Clocks, pp.230-234, pp.239-240, Figs.V39-V43
HW6454
ROBERT SEIGNIOR, LONDON
A rare Charles II period floral marquetry, walnut and green bone inlaid 8-day longcase clock of beautiful proportions and colour.
The 10-inch square brass dial is mounted with cherub and foliate brass corner spandrels and a silvered brass chapter ring. The dial centre is finely matted with shutters for the bolt and shutter maintaining power. There is also an aperture to view the day of the month above VI. The maker’s signature is inscribed Robert Seignior London on the dial plate below VI. The blued steel hands are finely pierced and faceted and there is a subsidiary seconds dial below XII o’clock.
The high quality 8-day duration movement has five ringed pillars and the hours are sounded on a bell via an outside locking plate.
The case is constructed primarily of oak and veneered with walnut and panels of floral marquetry with green bone inlays. The long grain trunk door mouldings are ebonised. Standing on bun feet the clock retains its original base and there is an ebonised lenticle to the trunk door. The hood is flanked by ebonised barley twist columns and there are beautiful walnut, floral marquetry and green bone inlays below the cornice and in each section around the hood door.
Date: circa 1680-1685
Height: 77 ½ in (197 cm)
Width: 17 ½ in (44 cm)
Depth: 9 ¾ in (25 cm)
* Robert Seignior was born in 1645 and he became free of the Clockmakers’ Company in April 1667. He was called to account for ‘contemptible words’ he had used to and about Thomas Claxton, the Master. He was also fined 20 shillings in October 1671 for calling the Clockmakers ‘a company of cheating knaves.’
Among his apprentices were Thomas Cruttenden of York and Samuel Gascoigne. Interestingly, we recently had a longcase clock by the latter maker which was housed in an almost identical early walnut, marquetry and green bone inlaid 10-inch case. Only the second such case we have had in thirty years of handling them.
Robert Seignior was obviously highly regarded as a clockmaker despite his tempestuous nature. Circa 1673 – 1674 he was appointed King’s Clock and Watchmaker ‘without fee’ until the death or surrender of office of Edward East, who actually outlived him.
Upon Seignior’s death in 1686, Daniel Quare took over his former premises in Exchange Alley in the parish of St Mary Woolnoth.
References: Dawson, Drover, Parkes, Early English Clocks
B. Loomes, Clockmakers of Britain: 1286-1700, pp.431-432
B. Loomes, Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, p. 698 HW6394
ROBERT WILLIAMSON LONDINI
An exceptional Charles II period olivewood and ebonised table clock of rare small size by this fine early maker.
The 8-day movement, which sounds the hours with a single bell on an inside countwheel, has a restored verge escapement and short bob pendulum. The beautiful fire gilt 5 ½-inch dial has the early type of winged cherub corner spandrels and a chapter ring with narrow inside quarter marker band and a similar outer band for the minutes. The blued steel hands are finely wrought and facetted. The date work is inset above VI o’ clock.
The elegant shallow dome top case is constructed primarily of oak carcase wood and veneered with highly patinated olivewood and ebonised mouldings and barley twist pillars. The square dial movement is surmounted by a finely pierced wooden sound fret to the entablature.
The shallow domed top has a Phase I Knibb-type brass carrying handle and four turned ebony ball finials. It stands on four turned ebonised wooden feet.
Date: circa 1675
Height of case: 12 ½ in (31 ⅜ cm) excl. handle
Width of case: 9 ¾ in (24.5 cm)
Depth of case: 6 ¾ in (17 cm)
* Robert Williamson served his apprenticeship with John Harris from 1658-1666 when he was ‘freed’ of The Clockmakers’ Company. He had his own workshops in St Bartholemew’s Lane until his death in 1704. In 1695 he was made Warden of the Clockmakers’ Company and he became Master in 1698.
Small early spring clocks veneered in olivewood were only made over a short period of time and this example is possibly the earliest one known.
Provenance:
Purchased at Phillips Auctions, Bond Street by Michael Hurst, a highly respected founder member of the Antiquarian Horological Society, in the late 1950s.
This stunning little clock was exhibited at the Antiquarian Horological Society 10th Anniversary exhibition at the Science Museum in August 1963.
References: Dawson, Drover & Parkes, Early English Clocks pp 414-415, pl. 589, pl. 590
PG Dawson, Antique Collector Article re Antiquarian Horological Society 10 Year Anniversary Exhibition
B. Loomes, Clockmakers of Britain: 1286-1700, pp 525-526
B. Loomes, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World: Complete 21st Century Edition, p.844
LEONARD HALL, SOUTHWARK
A rare William III period walnut longcase clock with 8-day movement and hour strike on an inside countwheel.
The 11-inch brass dial has winged cherub gilt brass corner spandrels and a raised silvered brass chapter ring with Roman numerals, swordhilt half-hour makers and is signed by the maker Leonard Hall Southwark between VII and V. On the matted centre there is a subsidiary seconds dial below XII and inset datework above VI.
The well-proportioned slim case, in beautifully faded walnut, is veneered onto an oak carcase. There are barley twist pillars to the hood and a half round moulded walnut lenticle to the full-length trunk door. The base is crossbanded and it stands on four turned walnut bun feet.
Date: circa 1695. Height: 80 in (203 cm)
* Leonard Hall was working in Southwark, London from 1690 until about 1720. Small early walnut longcase clocks of the late 17th century with barleytwist pillars and of small proportions have become increasingly rare.
References: Brian Loomes, Clockmakers of Britain: 1286 – 1700, p. 237
Brian Loomes, Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, p.338 HW6420
EDMOND APPLEY LONDINI FECIT
A fine Charles II period striking ebony veneered table clock of rare small size by this highly respected maker.
The 8-day movement, which sounds the hours on a single bell, has five double baluster pillars, a knife edge verge escapement and a pear shaped bob pendulum. The 6-inch square dial has four winged cherub corner spandrels and a chapter ring with sword hilt half-hour markers and an inset date aperture below XII.
The elaborate early backplate is engraved with Dutch tulip flowers amidst foliate scrolls within a scribeline border. The beautiful maker’s signature Edmond Appley Londini fecit is inscribed just below the centre in a cartouche beneath the numbered and engraved outside countwheel.
The small elegant case is veneered with ebony onto an oak carcass. It has a shallow domed top with its original gilt brass carrying handle and it stands on four cast brass bun feet.
Date: circa 168o
Height: 11 ¾ in (30 cm) excluding handle
Width: 9 in (22.5 cm)
Depth: 6 in (15.25 cm)
* Edmund Appley was born in the county of Westmoreland in about 1656. The son of a weaver, he was apprenticed in July 1670 to Jeffrey Bayley (c.1623-96) and was made free of The Clockmakers Company in January 1678. His workshop was in Charing Cross where he had a number of apprentices. In the summer of 1688 he went on a business trip to Edinburgh and according to his will “having come to Scotland about necessary affairs and here falling sick and fearing that my sickness be unto death” he died and was buried in Edinburgh on 11th August 1688.
He was a very fine clockmaker whose work often has a number of distinctive features. Had he lived longer, he would almost certainly have become one of the most famous members of the Clockmakers Company. Due to his early death his work is comparatively rare but always of the highest quality.
This beautiful early little countwheel striking table clock in sleepy condition is a comparative rarity.
References:
Brian Loomes, The Early Clockmakers of Great Britain, pp.16
Brian Loomes, Lantern Clocks and their Makers. pp.142-143, 435
Brian Loomes, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World: 21st Century Edition, p.19
HWTP
GEORGE GRAHAM, LONDON NO 638
A fine, previously unrecorded George I period walnut veneered longcase clock by this famous successor to Thomas Tompion.
The well-proportioned slender case is veneered with well figured walnut onto an oak carcase with book matched panels to the full length moulded trunk door which are repeated on the base which stands on a double plinth. The hood is flanked with turned walnut columns, brass capitals and bases, above which there are intricate sound frets set below the cross grain cornice moulding. The latter is surmounted by a restored Graham caddy top.
The 11-inch square brass dial is mounted with Indian mask spandrels attached with two screws and fine foliate engraved swags between the spandrels. There is a silvered chapter ring with diamond half-hour markers, large seconds ring and bolt-and-shutter maintaining power operated from a lever between II and III o’clock. The dial centre is finely matted with an applied silvered plaque signed by the maker and the dial plate is also signed below VI.
The dial feet and five pillars to the movement are all latched. There is an anchor escapement and rack striking sounded on a bell. The backplate is punch numbered 638 at the base and the movement is complete with its original pendulum, large brass bob and calibrated rating nut and a pair of brass cased weights.
Date: circa 1725
Height: 91 in (231cm)
Max. Width: 18 ⅞ (48 cm)
Max. Depth: 10 ⅜ in (26.5 cm)
* George Graham was born near Wigton in Cumbria in 1673-74. In 1688 he became apprentice to Henry Aske in London. In 1695 he was made Freeman of the Clockmakers Company and went to work as a Journeyman with Tompion, in the same year marrying Tompion’s niece, Elizabeth. Tompion and Graham became partners but only a few clocks were signed by them both. Graham is credited with having invented the deadbeat escapement in 1715 and also the mercury pendulum. On inheriting Tompion’s business on his partner’s death in 1713 he continued Tompion’s numbering series, but clocks by Graham are quite rare. It appears that he made only about 174 clocks himself, numbered from 600 to 774 and, like his partner, all were of the finest quality. In 1722 he became Master of the Clockmakers Company and in 1726 he invented the cylinder escapement for watches. “Honest George”, as he was known, was the first clockmaker to be appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society and on his death in November 1751 he was buried alongside Tompion in Westminster Abbey.
References
Cescinsky & Webster, English Domestic Clocks, p.22, p.99, p.233, p.290, p.315
Dawson, Drover, Parkes, Early English Clocks, p.299, pl.426
B. Loomes, Clockmakers of Britain: 1286 – 1700, p. 223
B. Loomes, Clockmakers of the World: 21st Century Edition, p. 315 HW 6346
JOHN CLOWES, LONDON
A very original William III period gilt-mounted striking table clock with pull quarter-repeat by this famous maker.
The six pillar double fusee verge movement has a beautifully engraved backplate and apron and strikes each hour together with a pull quarter-repeat on a further five bells. It is most unusual that the maker’s signature John Clowes London is engraved on the elaborate brass fretted apron.
The 7-inch square dial has winged cherub corner mounts, mock pendulum aperture and inset datework and a silvered and engraved chapter ring. The reverse of the dial displays an exhibition label from the British Clockmakers’ Heritage Exhibition/Cat No:- 132/ Science Museum London 1952.
The ebonised case has repoussé gilt-brass mounts to the front door and an exquisitely finished basket-top with carrying handle and four brass urn finials.
Date: circa 1700
Height: 14 ½ in (37 cm) excluding handle
Height: 16 in (40.4 cm) including handle
Width: 10 ½ in (26.5 cm)
Depth: 6 ¾ in (17 cm)
* John Clowes was born in 1651 and made Freeman of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1672/3, later becoming Assistant Warden in 1708. He became a well-known maker and had a number of fine apprentices, among them William Sellars, Richard Rooker and Francis Gregg. He died circa 1713/14.
His longcases and bracket clocks can be found in some of the finest private and museum collections worldwide. The movement of this clock is discussed at great length in Early English Clocks by Dawson, Drover and Parkes and illustrated on plates 570 - 576.
References: Dawson, Drover & Parkes, Early English Clocks, pp 401, 405-406, pls. 570-576
B. Loomes, Clockmakers of Britain: 1286-1700, p.127
HW6350
HENRY MASSY, LONDON
A fine and rare William III period tortoiseshell and silver mounted quarter-repeating bracket clock of 8-day duration.
The 7-inch square brass dial is mounted with winged cherub head corner spandrels and a silvered chapter ring. The centre is finely matted and there is engraving around the apertures to view the day of the month and the dummy pendulum. The maker’s signature Henry Massy London is engraved on the plate behind the dummy pendulum.
The high quality twin fusee 8-day duration movement has a restored verge escapement, hour strike with strike/ silent and pull quarter-repeat mechanism, the quarters being sounded on five bells and the hours on a separate bell. The particularly finely engraved backplate of the movement has a wheatear border and exquisite flower, foliate and bird engraving. At the top there is a very elaborate fretted and engraved heart-shaped backcock for the verge arbor.
The elegant dome top case is veneered with red tortoiseshell and has silver escutcheons, a knopped solid silver carrying handle and beautifully engraved and pierced silver sound frets to the front and each side.
Date: circa 1695 - 1700
Height: 13 ⅜ in (34 cm) excluding handle
Width: 10 ½ in (26.5 cm)
Depth: 6 ½ in (16.5 cm)
* Henry Mass(e)y was born circa 1664, the son of Nicholas Massey. He was made a Free Brother of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1692 and in 1695 he admitted to having two “alien” apprentices. In 1697 he signed the Clockmakers’ Company oath of allegiance. He died in 1720. His clocks are signed variously ‘Henry Massey, London, ‘Mr Massy London, ‘Hen. Massy London’ and ‘H. Massey’.
Tortoiseshell veneered table clocks were made for a very short period in the last quarter of the 17th century and it is rare to find one in such pristine condition.
References: Brian Loomes, Clockmakers of Britain: 1286 - 1700, p. 516
Brian Loomes, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, pp.338339
Dawson, Drover, Parkes, Early English Clocks, p.455, pl.666
Cecinsky and Webster, English Domestic Clocks, pp.273-279, fig.290
HW6441
AMBROSE VOWELL, LONDON
A fine quality George II period figured walnut longcase clock with break-arch dial and original caddy top.
The 12-inch break-arch dial has an applied chapter ring with foliate corner spandrels and a subsidiary dial in the arch with an engraving of a bird and inscribed Tempus Fugit. The dial centre is finely matted with an inset seconds ring and the blued steel pointers are well pierced. The maker’s signature Ambrose Vowell, London is engraved on a silvered brass plaque in the dial centre.
The five pillar movement has rack striking with the hours sounded on a bell and retains its original anchor escapement. The clock comes complete with a pair of brass capped weights and brass bob pendulum.
The case is veneered with highly figured walnut of excellent colour and patination. The pull-forward caddy top hood is flanked by turned, walnut veneered pillars with brass capitals and bases. The original caddy top is surmounted by two gilt ball finials.
Date: circa 1740
Height: 98 in (249 cm)
Width: 21 cm (53.5 cm)
Depth: 10 ⅝ in (27 cm)
* Ambrose Vowell is recorded as working in London from circa 1720 until his death in 1776. 18th century longcase clocks of this quality and originality rarely come onto the market.
HW5611
PETER WALKER, LONDON
A beautiful and rare Queen Anne period cream and polychrome lacquer table clock of 8-day duration with hour strike and pull quarter-repeat work.
The remarkable ‘japanned’ case is adorned on all four sides with polychrome flower and foliate spray decoration set against a cream ground colour and with elements in red and green. Within the japanning on the key drawer there are oriental figures in a garden observing the flowers and an insect.
The unusual design of the case is also of note as it is a hybrid of the best French and English cabinetmakers’ work. The gilt wooden sound fret above the dial to the front and sides beneath the inverted bell top is characteristic of Huguenot workmanship as is the concave key drawer which can be found on musical table clocks by Claudius Du Chesne. It also retains its original gilt metal foliate carrying handle, two brass finials and four turned brass bun feet.
The 7-inch square brass dial with raised silvered chapter ring has a dummy pendulum aperture and inset datework above VI. The corner spandrels are of the wing and cherub’s heads variety typical of the period and there is a strike/silent lever above XII on the dial plate.
The 8-day knife edge verge movement has five ring turned pillars, hour strike and pull quarter repeatwork on four bells via four hammers. The exquisite backplate is engraved with flowers and foliage and signed by the maker Peter Walker London within an elaborate foliate cartouche.
Date: 1705-1710
Height: 23 ¼ in (59 cm)
Width: 13 ½ in (34.25 cm)
Depth: 8 in (20 cm)
* Peter Walker was apprenticed to Andrew Savory in 1681 but he seems to have been affiliated to the Ironmongers’ Company. It was there that he signed the ‘Oath of the Allegiance’ to the King in 1697. His working address was Wild Street End and it is believed that he died in Amsterdam in 1730.
This wonderfully well preserved clock is discussed and illustrated in fig.12 on page 214 of Antiquarian Horology, Vol.32, No. 2, June 2010.
Provenance: An American Private Collection
References:
Robert Donaldson, Early Japanned Table Clocks, Antiquarian Horology, Number 2 Vol. 32, June 2010, pp. 201-219
Cescinsky & Webster., English Domestic Clocks, Chancery House Publishing, 1976, pp. 279- 282
BENJAMIN GRAY AND JUSTIN VULLIAMY, LONDON
A fine George II period figured walnut longcase clock by one of the most eminent partnerships of the Georgian period, Benjamin Gray and Justin Vulliamy.
The 12-inch square dial with rococo corner spandrels has an applied silvered chapter ring. The centre is finely matted with a large subsidiary seconds dial; a particular feature of Gray & Vulliamy of this period. The original blued steel pointers are finely pierced and above VI is an aperture to view the day of the month. The makers’ signature – Benjn:Gray Just:Vulliamy, London - is engraved on a silvered cartouche and applied to the matted centre.
The high quality five pillar movement has 8-day duration with rack strike and sounds the hours on a bell. The clock is complete with a pair of brass cased weights and pendulum with large brass bob.
The elegantly proportioned case is constructed mainly of oak and veneered with figured walnut of excellent colour and patination. Standing on a double-plinth, the case rises to a caddy top with a double tier of sound frets which is surmounted by two gilt ball finials. It resembles in many respects the walnut veneered longcases with caddy tops used by George Graham.
Date: circa 1745
Height: 90 in (228.5 cm)
* Benjamin Gray is recorded as working in Pall Mall, Westminster in 1727, then St James’s Street in 1749, then Pall Mall again by 1752. He became Watchmaker to the King from 1742. He formed a partnership with his son-in-law (to be), Swiss born Francois Justin Vulliamy as Gray & Vulliamy from circa 1743 till Gray’s death in 1764. Justin Vulliamy was later joined by his son Benjamin in the business circa 1780 and they were both subsequently appointed Clockmakers to His Majesty George III.
References: Cedric Jaeger, Royal Clocks, pp.201-208
H. Alan Lloyd, The Collector’s Dictionary of Clocks, pp.189-190 Tom Robinson, The Longcase Clock, p.277, fig. 9/114
HW5889
RALPH GOUT, LONDON
An important George III period mahogany musical table clock, in a case of neoclassical design by this good London maker.
The substantial architectural mahogany case has four fluted and capped columns with matching side urns that enclose the pierced wood side frets and support the swept gadrooned top with five gilt brass finials.
The circular moulded wood base sits within a separate shallow tray section which enables free orientation of the clock be it placed to the side or centre of a room or indeed within a niche, a room feature associated with this classical style.
The three-train verge movement has a finely engraved backplate and plays each quarter hour on eight bells and a further musical tune on the hour.
The signed brass dial has a matted centre with inset date above VI and a strike/silent selector in the arch.
Date: circa 1770
Height: 31 ⅛ in (79 cm)
* Ralph Gout, London, is recorded as working in London between 1770-1836 and his business and workshops were located at 6 Norman Court in Old Street. He produced many clocks for the Spanish and Indian markets. He was also an inventor patenting a pedometer and other devices for measuring the paces of man or horse in 1796 and the revolutions of a carriage wheel in 1799.
ROBERT MAWLEY, LONDON
A highly decorative early George III period cream, black and polychrome gilt lacquer longcase clock with 8-day brass dial hour-striking movement.
The 12-inch break arch brass dial has an applied silvered Roman and Arabic chapter ring and a subsidiary seconds dial below XII. The dial centre is silvered and finely engraved and the maker’s signature is signed in large script across the centre. In the arch there is a strike/ silent dial with foliate engraving. The high-quality 8-day two-train movement strikes the hours on a single bell.
The stunning cream, black and gilt chinoiserie decorated case is in a remarkable state of preservation. It has an arched top to the hood, a raised panelled base with a double plinth and a full length break arched moulded trunk door. The gilt decoration is highly distinctive. There are three intricately shaped panels in the trunk door depicting oriental scenes, characters and leafy floral
landscapes on a cream coloured background. These are offset by sections of gilt crosshatching and black and gilt foliate decorated mouldings. The decoration to the base, hood and sides has the same beautiful contrasting colours and motifs.
Date: circa 1760
Height: 90 in (228.5 cm)
Width: 22 ¼ in (56.5 cm)
Depth: 10 ¾ in (27.25 cm)
* Robert Mawley is listed on page 520 of Brian Loomes’ Clockmakers of the World as working in London from the first half of the 18th century until the early part of George III’s reign.
Provenance:
An American Private Collection
HW6431
CHARLES GOODE, LONDON
A rare George I period walnut veneered table clock by this excellent maker.
The eight day movement, which strikes the hours on a single bell, has a verge escapement, short lenticular bob pendulum and pull quarter repeat work on six bells. There is a subsidiary dial at the top of the arch dial for strike/ silent.
The 6 inch dial has foliate and satyr head corner spandrels and a silvered brass chapter ring with fleur-de-lys halfhour markers and inside quarters. The date indicator is inset above 6 o’clock above which the maker’s signature is engraved on a cartouche set inside the dial plate. There is also a central crescent shaped aperture for the false pendulum within the finely matted dial centre.
The elaborate back plate is engraved with beautiful floral and foliate scrolls, pairs of winged birds and trumpeting cherubs. The maker’s name Charles Goode, London is set on an oval cartouche just below the centre. There is a fine outer boarder of wheatear engraving.
The exceptional case is constructed primarily in chestnut and veneered with beautifully figured and patinated walnut. It has an inverted bell top with a brass carrying handle and the very unusual feature of hinged opening side doors.
Date: circa 1715-1720
Height: 16 ½ in (42 cm)
Width: 10 ½ in (26.5 cm)
Depth: 6 ¾ in (17.5 cm)
*Charles Goode was made free of the Clockmakers Company in 1686 and he had his own workshop in the Strand, London where he had a number of apprentices. He is said to have died in 1730. There are a number of similarities between his work and that of Daniel Delander, Daniel Quare and John Ellicott. With this clock there is the beautifully executed dial with its matted centre, fleur de lys half hour markers on the chapter ring, finely wrought blued steel hands and well cast brass corner spandrels.
I believe that this clock was found in Italy and is the second walnut table clock by Goode we have known which was found there. The elegant case is very unusual with its chestnut carcase timber and front door which opens from right to left. The original side opening doors with their miniature brass latches and pinned hinges are almost unique and hark back to the very first table clocks. The rear door, which also opens from right to left, has a large rectangular glass aperture to show off the exceptionally beautiful backplate, another very unusual feature. The internal surfaces of the case and original seatboard are dry and untouched.
Charles Goode is in our view one of a small number of great underrated makers like Edmund Appley, Claudius Duchesne, Richard Street and Christopher Gould. The exceptional quality of their actual clocks greatly exceeds their reputations, but with greater knowledge amongst collectors, dealers and other cognoscenti this is beginning to change.
HW5983
JOS WILLIAMSON LONDON
A rare George I period ebony veneered bracket clock with globe moon by this eminent maker.
The break arch brass dial has a finely matted centre and the maker’s name is engraved in the dial centre below the dummy pendulum aperture. There is a revolving globe moon in the arch with lunar calender indication. The blued steel hands are finely pierced and wrought.
The substantial double fusee movement has six finned pillars, spring verge escapement and pull quarter repeat with six hammers and bells. It is of eight day duration with rise/fall regulation to the spring suspended verge escapement and strike/silent. The pull quarter repeat mechanism operated from the side of the case strikes the hours on a large bell and the quarters on a small bell.
The backplate is exquisitely engraved with flowers and foliage and twin winged cherubs armed with trumpets at the top and topless female figures and winged birds at the bottom. The maker’s bold signature Jos Williamson London is set within an elaborate central classical cartouche reminiscent of those used by Tompion’s Graver 515.
The case is of the classic early ‘shallow arch’ variety of which Daniel Quare was the most noted exponent. It has an inverted bell top with its original knopped brass carrying handle. The ebony mouldings are of particularly fine quality and the overall proportions of the case are excellent. It stands very well.
Date: circa 1715- 1720
Height: 16½ in (42cm) excluding handle
Height: 18 ½ in (46.5) with handle
Width: 10 ¼ in (26 cm)
Depth: 6 ¾ in (17 cm)
* Joseph Williamson was a Quaker and, like Daniel Quare who was a fellow believer, could not sign the Oath of Allegiance to the King in 1697. It is no accident that both this clock movement and its ebony case resembles those of Daniel Quare as Williamson is known to have supplied Equation of Time and other clocks to him. The globe moon is a very rare feature and hugely adds to the complexity and appeal of this rare clock.
References:
H. Alan Lloyd, The Collector’s Dictionary of Clocks, pp. 147-148 Tom Robinson, The Longcase Clock, figs. 8/31-36
HW6376
EARDLEY NORTON, LONDON
A fine George III period mahogany bracket clock of rare small size, the 8-day 6-inch brass dial movement with hour strike, inset date work, alarm and twin subsidiary dials for strike/ silent and rise/fall.
Date: circa 1765
Height: 16 in (41 cm) excluding finial
Width: 9 ¾ in (25 cm)
Depth: 7 ½ in (19 cm)
* Eardley Norton was a most highly esteemed member of the Clockmakers’ Company. He is recorded on page 575 in Brian Loomes’ Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World as working in St John Street, London from 1762 until his death in 1792. In 1771 he patented a striking mechanism for clocks and repeating work for watches. There are clocks by him in the Royal Collection and many museums worldwide.
HW6369
ROBERT HIGGS, LONDON
A fine late George II period burr walnut table clock by this well-known maker of clocks for the Spanish market.
The verge movement is of 8-day duration and strikes the hours on a single bell. In addition, there is a lever and a cord for repeating the hours. The break arch brass dial has a finely matted centre with a dummy pendulum aperture, foliate corner spandrels, two subsidiary dials for strike/silent and rise/fall and a further dial in the arch for the calendar The delicate blued steel pointers appear to be original. The maker’s signature Robert Higgs London is on a raised silvered brass plaque set above VI.
The substantial movement largely fills the case and the backplate is exquisitely engraved with the maker’s signature centered within interlacing foliage and flowers. The two chamfered brass fixing brackets have wheatear engraving.
The inverted belltop case, with a brass carrying handle and walnut sound frets to each side, has fine burr walnut veneers and brass mouldings. There is a gilt brass caryatid mounted on each chamfered corner of the case and there are five spire finials to the top. It stands on four cast brass moulded block feet
Date: 1750-1755
Height: 20 in (51 cm) excluding finial
Width: 12 ½ in (32 cm)
Depth: 7 ¼ in (18 cm)
* Robert Higgs was apprenticed in 1743 and gained his Freedom of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1750. This would have been one of the first clocks he made. It predates the many clocks he made with his brother Peter for the Spanish market. Both the movement and the top quality walnut veneers and firegilt mounts and mouldings echo the work of John Ellicott at this date.
Walnut table clocks of this quality and date are rarely found in such pristine condition.
HW6393
J. IRELAND, LONDON
This charming white dial, green and gilt lacquer tavern clock is signed J. Ireland, Maiden Lane, Covent Garden. At the bottom is the inscription Bibe, Vel Discede (Drink Up or Leave) which was obviously designed to stimulate turnover in the pub.
Unusually, the teardrop shaped door is removable and is decorated with a country scene of men and women playing with a dog.
The movement has tapered plates and winds anti-clockwise. Unusually for this type of clock, the 18-inch painted wooden dial is protected by a glazed wooden hinged bezel. The heart-tipped hands are in brass, the minute with counterpoise.
Provenance: A Swiss Private Collection Derek Roberts Antique Clocks 1981
References: Martin Gatto, The Tavern Clock, pp.136-137
Derek Roberts, A Collector’s Guide to Clocks, 1992 Clocks Magazine, October 1981. This clock is illustrated on the Front Cover
HW6369
JAMES DRURY, LONDON ANNO 1760
An exceptionally rare mahogany tavern clock by this well-known London maker.
The large case, of classic tavern clock style, has glazed doors on both sides of the trunk to view the winding of the weights. There is an access door on the right hand side to enable one to install the pendulum when setting up the clock. The long front door has fine flame mahogany veneers and the ogee shaped base has been sympathetically restored. There are beautifully carved foliate mahogany scrolls to each side of the trunk at the top.
The black painted mahogany dial comes in two sections and has a bold, crisply moulded wooden bezel. The chapter ring has gilt Roman hour numerals, a band of gilt dots for the minutes and outside five minute Arabic numerals. The flattened brass hands have elongated heart tips, the minute with a counterpoise tail. The maker’s signature James Drury London is in gilt letters on a black lacquered raised panel just below the dial surround.
The 8-day 2-train movement has substantial rectangular plates and a four wheel going train with anchor escapement. The hourly rack-striking train has the bell raised above the backplate of the movement. It has a steel rod pendulum with brass faced bob and two lead weights. Very unusually, the front plate of the movement is also signed J. Drury London Anno 1760 in cursive script.
Date: Anno 1760
Height: 66 in (169 cm)
Dial: 34 in (86 cm)
Depth: 9 ¼ in (23.5 cm)
* The Drurys were a fine London clockmaking family working over three generations in Clerkenwell, London. James Dury was apprenticed in 1740 and was a member of the Clockmakers’ Company from 1751 until his death in 1811. We once owned a superb silvered brass dial verge timepiece clock by this maker set within a gilt moulded panel at the top of a walnut bureau bookcase.
Reference: Brian Loomes, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, p.226 HW6174
CHEVRIER LONDON
A charming George II period Anglo-French brass lantern clock of rare diminutive proportions made for the Ottoman market..
The mellow brass baluster pillared case has foliate frets with crescent tips to each side and a bell strap surmounted by a top finial also with a Turkish crescent tip. The unusual glazed and arched opening side doors are original.
The 2 ¾ x 3 ¾-inch dial has four applied foliate corner spandrels, a raised chapter ring with Turkish numerals, a matted centre and a well facetted French style steel single hand. The maker’s signature Chevrier London is engraved on an inset plaque within the break-arch top.
The short duration movement has a knife edge verge escapement behind the backplate and hour strike on a bell.
Date: circa 1730
Height: 5 ½ in (14 cm) excluding finial
6 ¼ in (16 cm) including finial
Width: 2 ½ in (9 cm)
Depth: 3 ½ in (10.5 cm) including steel spurs
* Chevrier is recorded as working in London in the second quarter of the 18th century. This stunning little lantern clock is the smallest one we have ever had.
HW6043
FRANCIS DE LA BALLE, LONDON
A rare miniature George III period bracket clock. The ebonised brass moulded case stands on four ogee feet and the 3-pad break-arch top is surmounted by a brass carrying handle.
The 4-inch brass dial has a silvered chapter ring, gilt foliate corner spandrels and a subsidiary dial for strike/silent in the arch. The centre is matted with an aperture to view the day of the month above VI and a dummy pendulum between X and II. There is also a central alarm dial below which is an applied plaque for the maker’s signature Fr De La Balle London
The twin fusee, 8-day duration movement includes a verge escapement and hour strike sounded on a bell and an alarm train. The backplate is delicately engraved with the maker’s signature in a reserve within the overall foliate design. The high quality movement entirely fills the case.
Date: circa 1760 - 1765
Height: 9 ¾ in (25 cm)
Width: 7 in (17.5 cm)
Depth: 5 ½ in (14 cm)
* Francis De La Balle is recorded on page 204 of Brian Loomes’ Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World as working in London in the middle part of the 18th century.
HW6413
WILLIAM GIBBS, LONDON
A fine early George III period English carved giltwood Cartel clock of excellent colour and proportions. The case is beautifully carved and gilded with flowers and foliage and is surmounted by a winged eagle. The concave bezel for the door is in cast brass.
The substantial single fusee timepiece movement has a verge escapement and runs for 8 days. The 7-inch silvered brass dial has Roman hour numerals and an outer band of Arabic numerals for the five minute markers. The hands are of delicately wrought and pierced blued steel and there is an aperture in the dial for the dummy pendulum.
Date: circa 1760
Height: 29 in (74 cm)
Width: 20 ½ inches (52 cm)
* William Gibbs is listed on page 299 in Brian Loomes’s Clockmakers of the World: 21st Edition as working in London between 1730 and 1766.
HW6114
VULLIAMY, LONDON N° 728
A rare English Regency period numbered striking mantel clock in original condition by this famous Royal clockmaker.
The 8-day duration movement strikes the hours on a single bell. It has a half deadbeat escapement, twin chain fusees, and a steel rod pendulum with a brass bob numbered 728. The front plate of the movement is stamped T. Gamage and the backplate is signed and numbered Vulliamy London 728
The 3 ½-inch circular dial is mercury gilt and engine-turned with a snake forming the outer ring. It has Roman hour numerals and very fine heart tipped steel hands. It is signed on the dial Vulliamy London at XII astride the inset regulation arbor.
The truss shaped griotte rouge marble case is fixed to its original circular base which is also stamped 728. The rectangular section of the case has an applied bas-relief of Cupid and Psyche set below two marble volutes each with gilt honeysuckle mounts. A gilt winged eagle sits atop the movement and dial. The inside of the marble drum is also inscribed number 728 in ink.
Date: circa 1818
Height: 12 ½ in (31.8 cm)
Width: 5 ½ in (14 cm)
Depth: 4 ¼ in (10.8 cm)
Diameter of base: 8 in (20.3 cm)
* This fine mantel clock is special in that it is a fully striking example rather than the more usual library timepiece. The stunning case retains all of its original fire gilt mounts and numbered base and is in griotte rouge marble, not the more usual sombre black marble.
Thomas Gamage is recorded as working as a member of the Clockmakers’ Company between 1814 and 1840. In addition to this clock, he made numbers 750, 758, 760, 761, 762 and 769 as recorded in the Vulliamy clock books at the British Horological Institute.
Provenance: Purchased from Biggs of Maidenhead, Twyford, October 1976
HW6258
VULLIAMY, LONDON, N° 1103
An exceptional George IV period longcase clock by this famous Royal Clockmaker with probable Royal or Government provenance.
The twelve inch silvered square brass dial retains its original steel pointers and is finely engraved and includes an aperture to view the day of the month above VI and a strike/ silent option above XII. Below the centre of the dial it is signed by the maker, Vulliamy London N° 1103. There is a subsidiary seconds dial below XII and it is engraved with the Crown and Royal Cypher for Queen Victoria.
The substantial 8-day duration movement has five pillars, an anchor escapement and rack striking mechanism with the hours sounded on a bell. The original chamfered ebonised wood rod pendulum has a large brass bob with a knurled brass calibrating rating nut beneath. The movement is also signed by the maker on the backplate Vulliamy, London 1103 and is fixed to the seatboard with two substantial brass fixing brackets.
The elegant architectural case is veneered in highly figured mahogany and has achieved a good mellow colour with excellent patination. There is a double plinth to the raised panelled base, a long moulded trunk door with stop fluted chamfers which are repeated each side of the pedimented hood.
Date: circa 1835
Height: 85 ½ in (216.5 cm)
* The Crown and the Royal Cypher which are engraved on the dial indicates that this fine clock was made either for a Royal household or a government office. In addition, it has an original V*R paper label stuck onto the inside of the trunk which corroborates the above. On the outside of the backboard there is a 20th century label inscribed Atlanta House, a government owned building which was badly bombed in WWII.
The Vulliamys made many clocks which saw service both in Royal properties and government/civil service buildings and this clock is no exception.
* * Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy was born into this famous dynasty of clockmakers in 1780, the son of Benjamin and grandson of Justin. He was admitted to Freedom of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1809 and became Clockmaker to George III, George IV and Queen Victoria. Benjamin Lewis was one of the founding members of the Clockmakers’ Company Clock Collection. A number of his personal effects including part of his library can be seen to this day in the Science Museum in South Kensington, London. He died in 1854.
Reference: B. Loomes, Clockmakers of the World: 21st Century Edition, p.802 Cedric Jagger, Royal Clocks, pp.201-208, fig.274 HW6445
ROBERT HENDERSON
ST. MARTIN’S COURT, LONDON
A superb George III period musical table clock by this well-known London clockmaker.
The beautifully proportioned mahogany case has a bell top with a central carrying handle and four pineapple finials to each corner. All four sides have corner chamfers with inset brass reeding. The arched door is bound with a brass moulding, and there are well-cast brass sound frets to the front. The whole case is of a rich, deeply patinated and highly-figured mahogany.
The 8-day triple fusee movement strikes the hours on a single bell, chimes the quarters every fifteen minutes, and plays one of four musical turns every hour on eight bells. The break arch dial has a finely matted centre, foliate corner spandrels, inset datework and the maker’s signature on an inset disc. The selection dial for four tunes is set within the arch. The whole backplate is most beautifully engraved with flowers and scrolling foliage surrounding the maker’s inscription.
Date: circa 1770
Height: 18 ½ in (47 cm)
Width: 12 ⅞ in (32.75 cm)
Depth: 8 ⅞ in (22.5 cm)
* Robert Henderson, who was a most highly esteemed maker, is mentioned on page 366 of Brian Loomes’ Watch and Clockmakers of the World: 21st Century Edition as working between 1768 and 1805.
One of his bracket clocks is in the Imperial Palace Collection in Beijing and all the clocks made by Henderson which we have handled have been of excellent quality.
Provenance: A private collection in the USA
RP01
E.W. ROBINS, N° 2895
An exceptional Victorian period gilt engraved brass mantel clock numbered 2895, in the manner of Thomas Cole but attributed to the workshop of Edward Winter Robins, London.
The 4-inch oval silvered engraved dial has Gothic style Roman hour numerals and blued steel crescent tipped hands. There is a pierced and foliate engraved surround and superstructure and a concave shaped plinth set on pad feet with a bevel glazed rectangular section above it.
The rear oval panel housing the movement is engraved with a two horse equestrian stag hunt with profuse foliage set above a stag. There are shutters for winding each train, a hand set aperture and a slow/fast shutter at the top. The oblong rear panel of the base is similarly engraved with two shire horses and a plough set in a profusion of foliage.
The striking movement has twin-going barrels with oval plates truncated at the top to allow for the horizontally planted gilt platform lever escapement. It is regulated by a sprung three-arm monometallic balance. The coiled gong is mounted on the backplate and has a hammer with a sprung stop. This clock is numbered 2895 to the lower edge behind the front bezel. It is very similar in design to another clock signed by Edward Winter Robins numbered 2878 which was sold by Sotheby’s, London in February 1998. Given the proximity of the numbers and similarity of the clocks’ cases, we can safely assume this clock was made by Robins. This clock is a full striking example as opposed to N° 2878 which was a timepiece.
Date: circa 1850
Height: 13 in (33 cm)
Width: 11 in (28 cm)
Depth: 4 ¾ in (12 cm)
* E.W. Robins was listed in the Directories as a manufacturer at various dates in Red Lion Street, Clerkenwell, Queen’s Road, Bayswater and in Maldon Essex.
References:
J.B. Hawkins, The Hawkins Pictorial Survey of Cole Clocks –Part II, pp.90 - 97, illust.p.96
J.B. Hawkins, Thomas Cole & Victorian Clockmaking, p.29, pp.168-169
B. Loomes, Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, p.662
HW6112
BROCKBANK, LONDON
A fine late George III period regulator, the beautiful mahogany veneered case of rare small size, with unusual pagoda top and brass flambeau finials.
The 10-inch breakarch silvered dial has a conventional chapter ring with Roman hour numerals and an outer band of Arabic numerals for the 5 minutes. There is a strike/silent dial and pointer in the arch and a subsidiary seconds dial below XII in the dial centre. The hour and minute hands are of blued steel.
The exceptional five pillar 8-day hour-striking movement has deadbeat escapement, maintaining power, trip repeat and rise and fall regulation. The wheelwork is of fine quality and there is pivoted maintaining power fitted below and acting on the centre wheel. There is also a simple trip repeat lever which acts directly on the lifting piece. Both levers are operated via cords through the seatboard. The deadbeat escapement has steel pallets, with a rise-and-fall platform mounted across the top of the plates activated via a cam on a bracket mounted on the side. The large brass bob pendulum has a wooden rod and an engraved brass rating nut.
The well patinated flame mahogany veneered case has a most unusual moulded pagoda top with two flambeau brass finials, a carved wooden sound fret roundel and chamfered brass string corners to the hood. The case is particularly small and elegant given the narrowness of the 10-inch dial and the full length breakarch moulded trunk door. The base has a raised moulded panel and the clock stands on its original double plinth.
Date: circa 1790
Height: 84 ½ in (214.5 cm)
* The Brockbanks were a very well-known clockmaking partnership of brothers John and Myles Brockbank who were working from 1790 until circa 1830. They were responsible for making many fine precision clocks, longcases and marine chronometers. Regulators in cases of this quality, small proportions and originality are very rare.
Reference: wHW6403
RICHARD COLE
CORNHILL, IPSWICH
A fine George III period mahogany trunkdial wall clock with a one piece 15-inch wooden dial.
The one piece wood dial, 15 inches in diameter, is written in Roman numerals on the original, lightly crazed, white ground. The maker’s signature RICH COLE Cornhill IPSWICH is written above and below the dial centre. Both the slender steel hands have delicate heart shaped tips. The well-turned, concave brass bezel perfectly complements the concave mahogany dial surround.
The 8-day fusee movement has 5 pillars and an anchor escapement. It has a flat steel pendulum rod with a heavy, brass faced lenticular bob.
The mahogany case of rich colour and figure has an ogee shaped access door to the base and a crisp return moulding to the front and sides. The one piece apron with elegant “ears” is a feature of the finest early trunk dials, as are the doors to both sides of the case which provide access to the movement.
Date: circa 1810
Height: 21 ½ in (54.5 cm)
Dial width: 15 in (38 cm)
Overall Width: 17 ¼ in (44 cm)
* Richard Cole was one of the most respected Suffolk makers of clocks and watches. He was born at Shottisham, near Woodbridge in 1771 and by 1785 he was apprenticed for seven years to John Wontner of the Minories, London. In 1793 he took out a patent for “An escapement for beating, striking and pointing seconds or parts of seconds” which could be adapted to either verge or cylinder watches. In 1795 he was known to be working at Butter Market, Ipswich before moving to Cornhill in 1799. Later in 1822 he became a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers when he also received the Freedom of the City of London.
Provenance:
An English Private Collector in Essex. Bought from Anthony Woodburn at the BADA Fair in 2005
Reference:
Arthu+r L Haggar & Leonard F. Miller, Suffolk Clocks and Clockmakers
Brian Loomes, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, p.164
HW6142
DWERRIHOUSE, BERKLEY SQUARE
A good late George III period mahogany tavern clock by this eminent London maker. The substantial weight-driven plated movement runs for eight days and has a wooden painted dial with original pierced brass hands. The classic long door tavern case has fine flame mahogany veneers and retains its original shaped ears.
Date: circa 1800-1810
Height: 40 ½ in (103 cm)
Width: 21 in (53.5 cm)
Depth: 8 in (20 cm)
* John Dwerrihouse is a very well-known clockmaker who was free of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1781. He began working in Charles Street and then moved to Berkeley Square in 1800.
We have had a number of top quality longcases and wall or tavern clocks by him.
Provenance: A private collector in New York HW6363
LEEKEY & SON, LONDON
A fine George III period ebonised fruitwood hour-striking and quarter-chiming table clock.
The 8-day triple fusee movement, with verge escapement, strikes the hours on a single bell and chimes the quarters every fifteen minutes on 8 bells via 8 hammers. The break arch dial has a raised enamel dial and raised gilt brass foliate corner spandrels. There is an inset painted moon dial indicating the phases of the moon in the arch. The whole backplate is engraved with flowers and scrolling foliage.
The profusely mounted gilt brass ebonised fruitwood case has a bell top with a central urn finial and four urn finials to each corner. The arched door is bound with a brass moulding, and there are well-cast raised brass sound frets to the front and back doors.
Date: circa 1790 - 1800
Height: 21 in (53.5 cm) excluding finial
Height: 24 in (61 cm) including finial
Width: 14 ½ in (37 cm)
Depth: 9 ½ in (24 cm)
* Leekey and Son are listed on page 473 of Brian Loomes’ Clockmakers of the World: 21st Century Edition. They were working in London between 1784 and 1799.
HW6335
WALTER MITCHELSON, LONDON
A very elegant George III period mahogany hour-striking and quarterchiming table clock.
The 8-day three train movement, with verge escapement, strikes the hours on a single bell and chimes the quarters every fifteen minutes on 8 bells via 8 hammers. The ogee shaped arch dial has foliate engraved brass corners and two subsidiary enamel dials at the top for strike/ not strike and rise/fall and a central raised enamel dial. The whole backplate is engraved with flowers and scrolling foliage.
The beautifully faded mahogany veneered case has a bell top with a central flambeau finial and four flambeau finials to each corner. The ogee shaped arch door is bound with a brass moulding and there are finely engraved sound frets to the front door. It has a brass carrying handle to each side along with fish scale sound frets.
Date: circa 1790 - 1800
Height: 20 ½ in (51.5 cm) excluding block and finial
Height: 24 ¾ in (63 cm) including block and finial
Width: 14 ½ in (36.75 cm)
Depth: 9 ¼ in (23.5 cm)
* Walter Mitchelson is recorded on page 544 of Brian Loomes’ Clockmakers of the World as working in Helmet Row, London in the last quarter of the 18th century.
This fine clock is illustrated in Robin Butler’s The Arthur Negus Guide to English Furniture, colour plate 96.
HW6238
BARWISE, LONDON
An exquisite William IV period miniature timepiece contained in a beautiful hardstone and gilt engraved brass moulded case with four ball finials and an elaborate foliate carrying handle to the top and standing on four brass bun feet.
The engine turned silvered brass dial has Roman hour numerals and delicate pierced gold Breguet hands. It is set within a foliate engraved mask with inset stone panels. The front, sides and back are all set with malachite, aventurine (goldstone) and opal glass.
The prenumbered timepiece movement has a single fusee chain drive and a platform lever escapement with a fast/slow index visible through the round glass on the malachite panelled top. It is adjustable from a lever on the backplate. The inside of the rear door is boldly inscribed by the retailer Barwise London.
Date: circa 1835
Height: 4 ½ in (11.5 cm)
Width: 3 ½ in (9 cm)
Depth: 2 ¾ in (6.5 cm)
* The Barwise clockmaking and retailing dynasty spanned most of the 19th century in London. This exceptional clock was retailed by John and his brother Weston Barwise. It was almost certainly made to a design by Thomas Cole as it bears all the hallmarks of his engraved cases. The handle is typical of his work as are the ball finials, the bun feet and the use of the hardstone panels. The pinned backplate for the movement pillars is also an early Cole feature. Thomas Cole was the go-to designer and creator of exceptional gilt engraved mantel clocks for the leading London clock retailers and jewellers of the period.
References: John Hawkins, Thomas Cole and Victorian Clockmaking
John Hawkins, The Hawkins Pictorial Survey of Cole Clocks, Part I, pp.90-91
HW6457
BARWISE, LONDON
A very rare Victorian period malachite panelled and gilt engraved miniature timepiece on its original stand.
The clock has a white enamel 1 ⅝-inch round dial with Roman hour numerals and a double outer ring for the minutes. It retains its delicate blued steel hands with fleur-de-lys. It is signed by the retailer on the dial Barwise, London
The elaborate case has an engraved mask surrounding the dial and turned baluster pillars with inset malachite panels to the top and sides. At the top there are 4 acorn finials to each corner and it has a scrolled foliate cast brass carrying handle.
The rococo Louis XIV style miniature stand has four cabriole legs joined by foliate stretchers. The top is inset with a malachite panel and there are oval malachite cabochons to each side.
The 8-day timepiece movement has a spring barrel and an English platform lever escapement with a plain three-arm polished steel balance.
Date: circa 1850 – 1860
Height of clock: 3 ½ in (9 cm) excluding handle
Width: 2 ½ in (6.5 cm) excluding feet
Depth: 2 in (5 cm) excluding feet
Height of stand: 3 ¼ in (8.25 cm)
Width: 3 ½ in (9 cm)
Depth: 2 ⅞ in (7.25 cm)
* This clocks was almost certainly retailed by the Barwise brothers from their London premises.
References: John Hawkins, Thomas Cole and Victorian Clockmaking John Hawkins, The Hawkins
Pictorial Survey of Cole Clocks, Part I
HW6440
JOSEPH
FINNEY, LIVERPOOL
A possibly unique museum quality George III period mahogany stick barometer by the best-known clock and instrument maker from Liverpool.
The unusual architectural mahogany case has a central scrolled pedimented top set above a moulded swanneck to each side which terminates in a gilt brass rosette. The two rectangular silvered brass register plates are signed by the maker Jos. Finney in Liverpool. The states of the weather are shown on the left-hand plate and to the right the barometer scale is indicated from 28-31 inches and there is an elaborate table for more precise measurements to 1/100th inch. The scales are enclosed within a hinged and moulded glass door. The unusual moulded cistern cover graduates to a point at the base of the trunk.
Date: circa 1760-1770
Height: 44 ¾ in (113.7 cm)
Width: 10 in (25.4 cm)
Depth: 3 in (7.6 cm)
* The Finneys are mentioned on page 267 of Brian Loomes’ Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World: Complete 21st Century Collection. Joseph Finney Senior was born circa 1708 in Wilmslow (Cheshire) and was made free of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1732. He was active in Finney’s Lane, Thomas Street, Liverpool from 1761 until his death in 1772. He was succeeded by his son of the same name who worked in Richmond Street, Liverpool from 1770 until 1796.
Jos Finney Senior was known for a number of complicated astronomical and musical clocks and year duration regulators. This barometer was almost certainly made by JF Senior. Its unique architectural design is perhaps as a result of Finney also working as an architect.
Provenance:
The Sir Nicholas Goodison Collection. Acquired from Anthony Woodburn, Lewes, at the Grosvenor House Fair in June, 2001.
References: Nicholas Goodison, English Barometers 1680 – 1860, Antique Collectors Club.
Joseph Finney of Liverpool is recorded on pages 68 – 70. See also Plate 18 for a possibly unique architectural angle barometer by this rare maker which is in the Collection of the Science Museum. On page 321 there is a further reference: Finney, Liverpool: Angle Barometer with glass cistern set in mahogany case carved in classical style – Science Museum, London (plate 18) HW6287
GEORGE LINDSAY FECIT 1753
An exceptionally rare early mahogany stick barometer by this Clock and Watchmaker to George II and George III.
The vernier dial is signed and dated by the maker at the bottom Lindsay Fecit 1753 and above that the main signature is that of the original owner Thomas Ryves Esqr.
The beautifully shaped vernier scale has the ‘States of the Weather’ to the left, ranging from Ve Dry at the top to Grt Storms at the bottom with the corresponding barometric scale from 27 – 31 inches on the right hand side. There is profuse foliate engraving around both the signatures and the date 1753 which then continues around the rest of the dial.
The elegant understated Cuban mahogany case is in a very untouched ‘dry’ state. It has fine flower head carving around the top and both sides of the case until it meets the elaborate ‘rococo’ leaf and Venus shell carving of the original cabochon centered cistern cover at the bottom. The carving is crisp and of the very best quality.
Dated: 1753
Height: 35 ½ in (90.25 cm)
Width: 4 ⅞ in (12.5 cm)
Depth: 1 ⅞ in (4.75 cm)
* This is one of the most rare barometers we have ever seen both in the design and untouched condition of the case, the vernier dial and the fact that it is signed for both the maker and the original owner.
Provenance:
This barometer was made by George Lindsay ‘Watchmaker’ to George II in 1753 and commissioned by Thomas Ryves of Ranston in Dorset. HW6460
ABOUT
My deep love of English clocks goes back to my late teens, but it was not until 1987 when I was in my mid-thirties that I gave up a secure career in teaching to become a ‘runner’: buying and selling clocks within the trade, rather than dealing from retail premises. ‘Running’ was a great apprenticeship – one had to quickly develop a good eye and learn from one’s (occasional!) expensive mistakes. I still owe a great debt of gratitude to those fellow dealers, clockmakers and cabinetmakers from whom I have learnt so much over the years.
Our clockmakers and restorers who work quietly and brilliantly are the unsung heroes of our business. Without their painstaking, sympathetic work and technical expertise we would not be able to preserve our ancient horological masterpieces (in the way we do) for future generations.
I am also grateful to my wife, Chiara, for her long-suffering support, and to all the team at Number 123 Kensington Church Street who work so diligently behind the scenes, in the gallery, managing the website and preparing for the big art and antiques fairs.
We are proud to handle some of the finest English clocks by the greatest English makers on the market today. Over recent years we have sold important clocks to museums both in the UK and around the world. In 2012 we sourced 25 clocks for the Dumfries House Trust in Scotland, whose patron is His Majesty The King.
Eleven years have already passed since we opened our new gallery at Number 123 Kensington Church Street in 2013. In addition to our permanent display of the best 17th, 18th and 19th century English clocks and barometers for sale in a beautiful period room setting, we also give occasional talks on different aspects of English Horology and are able to hold in-house exhibitions of special clocks. We will be attending the Treasure House Art and Antiques Fair on the Royal Hospital site in Chelsea at the end of June and the LAPADA Fair in Berkeley Square in mid-October.
For those clients and collectors further afield or unable to visit the gallery, please take the time to visit our website (www.walwynantiqueclocks.com) which we update regularly with recent acquisitions and where we can inform you of upcoming events.
We are always keen to acquire the best antique English clocks and barometers by important clockmakers and can be contacted any time for an appraisal or valuation.
Brochure designed and produced by Dayfold Ltd Photography by Peter Hunnisett
