A red tortoiseshell, lacquer, chinoiserie longcase clock by John Woster of London. Circa 1720

A very elegant, original and superb red faux tortoiseshell, chinoiserie clock.

Stock No:   14500

The 8 day duration, 5 finned pillar movement with Anchor Recoil escapement and internal countwheel striking of the hours on a top-mounted bell. Also having its original calendar date work.

Behind a 12" wide, break-arch brass dial with 'Indians Head' cast brass spandrels to the corners and 'Sea serpent' spandrels to the arch. The arch carries the bowed and silvered maker's signature plate bearing "John Woster. London" with a 'wheat ear' engraved border. The main silvered chapter ring has outer Arabic 5's, a narrow divided minute track, Roman hour numerals, an inner quarter track and half hour Fleur-de-Lys markings. The matted dial centre has ringed winding holes and calendar date aperture to the bottom which is also surrounded with birds and flower engraving. The upper area carries a silvered subsidiary seconds chapter with Arabic numerals and the matted centre has engraving in the form of a 12 pointed star. The original hands are pierced and blued steel.

Contained in a spectacular, lavishly decorated (to all of its surfaces), faux red tortoiseshell chinoiserie case of great detail. The hood has an arched, elaborated moulded top with a scrolled and decorated pediment which is divided with 3 blocks bearing brass ball-and-spire finials. Beneath this is a gilt pierced fret which in turn, sits over the full-size hood door. The glazed door is flanked with integral turned pillars with brass capitals. The Cavetto throat sits over the full-length rectangular trunk door with edge moulding which in turn, is over the square base with a Cavetto top and shaped plinth. The hood sides have glazed rectangular viewing apertures and conforming quarter pillars with capitals, mounted upon 'ears'. The hand painted decoration throughout is superb. The red tortoiseshell background is adorned with gilt decoration of scrolls and pattern design to the minor areas but extremely detailed scenes of Eastern buildings, people, birds, trees and pagodas etc. to the trunk door and base. Various shades are used throughout and the case sides are decorated with large flowers and birds in flight. The trunk door decoration is applied over gesso to give it a raised 3D effect.

No record can be found of this Clockmaker however, the movement is of high quality and in good condition. The most important aspect of this clock however, is the case, it is exceptionally original and whilst showing its age - 300 years plus, it is in great condition. This clock was made to go into a grand house because of its height. It is also slimmer than usual which adds to its slender elegance. It is an interior decorator's dream!

Dimensions:                99 1/2"  high (very tall) x 20" wide x 10" deep. The trunk is only 13" wide.

Circa:                          1720.

Condition:                    The movement is working but awaiting an overhaul. It is generally in good, undamaged
                                    condition and has been well maintained throughout its long life. The dial is lovely
                                    with a warm and aged appearance, it is undamaged as are the hands. The case is
                                    self-evident, it shows signs of maintenance to the decoration and structure but is in
                                    excellent condition for its age. The colours have remained bright and there are no
                                    areas of peeling or flaking to the decoration.

Price:                           £12,700 with the movement completely overhauled by myself.