An oak Longcase clock with a brass dial. Made by George Clapham of Whitton (Lincolnshire). Circa 1735.

An exceptionally charming country oak clock.

Stock No:   14454

The 8 day duration, 4 pillar weight driven movement with Anchor Recoil escapement and pinned striking great-wheel, countwheel striking of the hours on a top-mounted bell.

Behind a 12" wide, brass break-arch dial with cast brass urn style corner spandrels, well-matted centre with a round chamfered edge aperture for the rear-mounted, silvered subsidiary 2nds dial. This has outer divisions, large Arabic numeral 10's and a geometric star to the centre. The lower portion has a further 'drop-mouth aperture for the silvered calendar date disc. This has outer divisions and Arabic numerals at 5 day intervals. The winding holes are ringed. The main silvered chapter ring is broad with large outer Arabic 5's, a divided minute track and larger Roman hour numerals with Fleur-de-lys half hour markings. The arch has a further aperture for the silvered brass phases-of-the-moon disc with a dark blue background to the large 'man-in-the-moon' faces. The arch perimeter bears a generous silvered maker's cartouche engraved with "GEORGE CLAPHAM, WHITTON". The arch hemispheres are engraved with birds and the blued steel hands are of lattice style.

Contained in a superb honey-coloured oak case that has wooden nailed joints. The ample and well-executed caddy top has a further pediment (this is removeable) with a central, turned oak ball finial. The top also has a large flat moulding that sits over the break-arch full-size hood door with integral turned pillars and brass capitals, these are mimicked with quarter pillars to the rear. The Cavetto throat sits over the full-size break-arch trunk door with a lock and moulded edge. The slender  and full base has a high double and plain plinth and sits upon four short block feet. The hood and hood door have automatic locking which can only be released from inside the trunk once the trunk door has been unlocked.

* The only listing of a Clockmaker by this name was based in Brigg circa 1767 - 90. Perhaps the son of this maker as they were geographically close. The style of this clock places it in the North Lincolnshire/Hull area and Whitton is a small village and Church Parish in North Lincolnshire. This is a truly exceptional example of a country oak longcase and it is of fabulous colour and attractiveness. Rarely does one find such a fine piece of living furniture.

Dimensions:                       90" high (85" with the pediment lifted off) x  21" wide x 10 3/4" deep.

Circa:                                 1735.

Condition:                           The dial and the case are excellent although there is historic damage to the dial
                                           brass here and there that as been repaired and the moonphase and calendar
                                           operate correctly. The movement is somewhat neglected and should be
                                           completely overhauled.

Price:                                  £4,000 in it's present, working condition. The cost and timescale of any work
                                           required by the purchaser can be advised upon enquiry.