A 'Salt box' verge escapement, fusee, English dial wall clock by Upjohn of Exeter. Circa 1790.

This is a very rare and 'transitional' clock that is almost 'untouched' in its condition. It was made by a member of the prolific Upjohn Clockmaking dynasty.

Stock No:   14550

The 8 day duration, gut fusee movement with attached Verge escapement, tapered plates, knopped pillars and pendulum hook also, a 'false bob' attached to the verge staff.

Behind a 12" diameter, flat and painted metal dial with a mellowed, off-white coloured background and black inking. Having outer, Arabic 5's, a divided minute track with hour triangles, slender Roman hour numerals and an inner ring. The upper centre is signed "UPJOHN" and lower centre: "EXETER". Below the "UPJOHN" is an upward curved 'false bob' pendulum aperture through which a circular bob can be seen swinging with the pendulum. The original matching, blackened and pierced steel hands are of elaborated diamond style.

The dial is protected by a substantial 'Sheraton' design, cast brass, locking bezel with a flat glass.

Contained in a full (rather than half) Salt box, dark mahogany case that is constructed in exactly the correct way. The beautifully turned and moulded, very slim dial surround has full seatings for the dial and bezel. The case is of good colour and patina. The dial surround is transitionally 'pegged' onto the salt back box. The salt box has a right side and lower door to the flat bottom that are hinged and toggled with moulding to the edges. The back board extends well above and below the box for fixing to the wall and stability.

Every time that I look at this rare clock I see a little more. It is exactly as it should be and is iconic also, it's condition means that it shows it's age and use, has not been altered and not been cut down to a half salt box as so many of these clocks have been! It is transitional because of features such as the pegged-on back box and the painted iron dial which all tie in with the proposed date it was produced. It was probably made by John Upjohn because of the period and also because this clockmaking family were so prolific at this time that all was needed, was their surname.

Dimensions:                          15" wide x 23 1/2" high x 7"deep.

Circa:                                     1790.

Condition:                               Beautiful, largely untouched, 'Country House' condition and neglected, the 
                                               movement requires a complete overhaul (included within the price) to ensure 
                                               its condition and perfect running for years to come. The dial has never been
                                               repainted and shows signs of use and wear especially around the screw fixing
                                               points; this can be repainted but I feel would damage the original appearance
                                               of it. The bezel is excellent and the lock is working. The case is of a lovely 
                                               dark colour and patina, it too shows its age and usage but is sound and the 
                                               doors work correctly also, it is not warped or bowed. All in all, this is a 
                                               fabulous find because it has simply and majestically 'aged' for 230 years
                                               without abuse. If you are a puritan collector then this is probably for you. 
                                               Seriously, the photographs do not serve this item justice, I will attempt to
                                               take better ones.

Price:                                      £6,250 including a very careful and loving movement restoration by myself - 
                                               however many hours it takes, to restore this very special and rare clock back
                                               to perfect working condition.