This is a stunning clock with some interesting twists along the way as documented in correspondence dating back to 1972 between our consignor and renowned English longcase clocks expert, Brian Loomes. We'll let you read the letters and draw your own conclusions. But suffice it to say this is a beautiful clock that will draw the attention of anyone who comes into a room where it is standing. From the gorgeous engraved signature over the dial to the beautiful paintings in each quadrant of the moon dial to the beautiful case to the stunning dial with subsidiary calendar dial, this clock will invite you to enjoy its simple beauty.
(Be sure to view all four quarters of the moon dial in the photos below.)
Physical: The beautiful mahogany and quartered oak case with inlay, measures 24"w x 92"h x 12"d. It is now in excellent, stable condition. The right side of the base was pulling away from the back of the case and the front panel on the base was wavy and wanting to pull away as well. Our restoration shop added some hardwood ply panels and a piece of oak inside the base to pull it all back together and stabilize/strengthen the base (1, 2, 3). None of this is visible from the outside of the clock. In a couple of places (top of the trunk door and top of the front base) the banding was starting to lift. This has been correctly glued and clamped so it will not recur. The hood door also had a mitre joint open that has been glued and clamped, so it is solid once again.
As is typical with a 200 year-old clock, the door glass is not original. We're not convinced the finials are original, though their design is appropriate to the case and they are quite old. It is also likely, given the correspondence, that the movement may have begun life in a different case than this one.
The exquisite 12" brass engraved dial with cast brass spandrels is in excellent original condition and features a working calendar subsidiary dial. This is perhaps the most beautiful English longcase dial that we've ever had the pleasure of seeing.
Mechanical: The eight-day bell-strike movement has been serviced and is in good running order. It features a hand-painted moon dial and working subsidiary calendar dial.
Comments: There are lots and lots of photos below. We suggest that you start with the correspondence then move to the photos. The design of the dial is stunning and sets this clock apart from the common English longcase clock, making this one a beautiful decorator statement. We're sure you'll just want to pick up the phone and make it your own.
Shipping: The clock is here with us and will be picked up by one of our blanket-wrap movers and delivered in a cushion-ride van directly to your home or office. We will be happy to discuss details of the shipping process with you by phone... feel free to call.
Questions? Contact us by phone at 760-604-0262, or e-mail.
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Library Letter - 1
Loomes Inquiry- 2
Loomes Reply - 3
Bronte Society Letter - 4
Front View
Upper Left
Upper Right
Head
Crown Close
Trunk
Trunk Detail
Escutcheon
Column Capitol
Lower Left
Lower Right
Base
Dial
Moon Dial - 1
Moon Dial - 2
Moon Dial - 3
Moon Dial - 4
Hood Top - 1
Hood Top - 2
Hood Inside
Movement - Back Lft
Movement - Back Rt
Movement - Back
Movement - Right
Weights/Pendulum
Weights Closeup
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