An impressive black lacquered Tavern Timepiece. The oak case has access doors to either side and a shallow concave moulded foot. The shield dial is well proportioned and with its broad moulded surrounds it projects on either side of the trunk, a feature of clocks of this date. 

The chinoiserie decoration on the trunk depicts a well, a pagoda, two birds and a dog in a tree filled landscape. The trunk sides are filled with floral sprays and the dial mouldings are decorated with leafy scrolls in the corners. The restored brass hands have heart shaped tips and the minute hand has a long counterpoise. The case is surmounted with two gilt wood finials. 

The movement with rectangular plates, anchor escapement and four pillars has a five wheel train and a duration of 8 days. It has a steel pendulum rod with brass faced bob and what may be the original, oval lead weight of 16lbs. 

Height: 62 inches (157.5 cm) 
Dial Width: 32 inches (81.25 cm) 

*John Johnson is recorded in Brian Loomes’s “Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World: Complete 21st Century Edition”.