A fine George II period walnut longcase clock. The elegant veneered case is of fine proportions, made using walnut veneers which are highly figured and well patinated. The pull forward hood is flanked by turned walnut columns with gilt brass capitals and bases and has a carved wooden sound fret.

The 12 inch dial of this clock is of simple elegant design with cherub and crown and sceptre corner spandrels and a matted centre with inset date aperture above VI. The chapter ring has bold Roman hour numerals, an outer minute circle with Arabic numerals at five minute intervals and inner quarter hour markings. The blued steel hands are finely wrought and pierced and the maker’s signature is engraved on the chapter ring.

The well-made substantial movement has 5 finned pillars. The anchor escapement is controlled by a seconds-beating pendulum and the hour-striking mechanism has an internal countwheel strike. The movement is complete with its period brass cased weights and pendulum bob.

 Date: circa 1735

Height: 85 in (221 cm)

Maximum depth: 10 ¼ in (26 cm)

 * James Snelling is recorded on page 725 of Brian Loomes’s  Clockmakers of Britain 1286-1700 as working in Poultry, London between 1712 when he was made free of the Clockmakers Company and his death in 1751.

HW5885