A good late Georgian mahogany wall tavern timepiece by this well-known Norwich maker.

The case is veneered in well figured flame mahogany of very good colour and patination. The large circular hood is framed by a moulded curved wooden surround and fitted with flat glass to protect the dial. The trunk tapers gracefully to a rounded base and is fronted by a long flame mahogany door hung on brass hinges, giving access to the pendulum and weight.

The round painted iron dial has Roman hour numerals within a dotted minute track with Arabic five minutes, and retains its original white craquelure surface. It is signed Samuel Sly, Norwich below XII and is fitted with a pair of finely pierced steel hands.

The weight-driven movement is a single-train timepiece of eight-day duration, with two substantial plates united by turned pillars and is regulated by a long pendulum. It is driven by a cast-iron weight running down the trunk and it is wound through the dial.

Date: circa 1800

Height: 48 in (122cm)

Width: 20.5 in (52cm)

*Samuel Sly is recorded as a clockmaker working in Norwich between 1778-1817. He was also known for making watches and spent his time outside the workshop as both a pastor and a minister at St Margaret’s Chapel in Norwich. In 1800, he renamed his workshop to Sly & Son, which carried on after his death in 1842.

References: Clifford & Yvonne Bird, Norfolk & Norwich Clocks & Barometers, p.158

Martin Gatto, The Tavernicus Tavern Clock Archive: Extended Edition, p.245

Brian Loomes, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, p.716

HW6623