A rare and beautiful James II period 10-inch brass dial panelled marquetry longcase clock.

The exceptional early case is constructed primarily of oak and veneered in olivewood with walnut and ebonised mouldings and inset panels of floral and foliate marquetry to the trunk and base. The sides to the trunk are veneered in olivewood panels and have sycamore crossbanding. Standing on ebonised bun feet there is a brass lenticle to the trunk door and the now front-opening hood is flanked by ebonised barley twist columns with a sound fret above.

The 10-inch square brass dial is mounted with a silvered chapter ring  and winged cherub corner spandrels. The centre is finely matted and has closed winding holes enclosed by shutters. The dial is signed by the maker William Dent Londini Fecit along the bottom edge of the dial plate.

The high-quality, five pillar movement has 8-day duration and hour strike via an inside countwheel and there is bolt and shutter maintaining power. The clock is complete with its flat topped brass cased weights and brass pendulum bob.

Height: 78 in (198 cm)

Width: 17 in (43 cm)

Depth: 10 in (25.5 cm)

* William Dent was born in 1652 and was made a Free Brother of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1674. Among his apprentices was Jeremiah Martin who went on to work for Thomas Tompion. In 1697 William Dent signed the Clockmakers’ Company Oath of Allegiance. He was not heard of after 1704 when he last paid quarterage.

References:  B. Loomes, Clockmakers of Britain: 1286-1700, p.159

B. Loomes, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World: Complete 21st Century Edition, p.211

HW5631