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.

Height: 46 ½ in (118 cm)

Dial width: 18 in (46 cm)

Overall diameter: 21 ½ in (54.5 cm)

Depth: 8 ¼ in (21 cm)

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