English mahogany longcase clock with ships automaton
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1780
This English mahogany longcase clock is dated circa 1780 and measures approximately 245 cm high. The source reports a 30.5-cm brass dial with an engraved silvered chapter ring, Roman numerals, pierced hands, rococo spandrels, recessed subsidiary seconds, a date aperture, and a signature plate inscribed for Wm Mason.
The dial arch houses a painted ships automaton connected to the going train of an anchor movement featuring rack striking on a bell. The mahogany case is fitted with a break-arch moulded cornice surmounted by three brass finials, glazed hood door flanked by stop-fluted columns, a long break-arch trunk door, and a moulded panel base on a shaped plinth.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Longcase clock
- Height
- 245 cm
- Automaton
- Painted ships automaton
- Dial Diameter
- 30.5 cm
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker Inscription
- Wm Mason
- Movement Striking
- Rack striking on a bell
- Maker / attribution
- Wm Mason
Design
- Visible features
- • Break-arch hood surmounted by three brass finials and flanked by columns • Arched brass dial with a painted ships automaton scene in the upper arch • Long break-arch trunk door with figured mahogany veneer • Base section featuring a moulded rectangular panel over a shaped plinth
- Case Construction
- The mahogany longcase clock stands at an approximate height of 245 cm. The case features a break-arch moulded cornice and shaped cresting, surmounted by three brass finials. The hood includes a glazed door flanked by stop-fluted columns, a design repeated on the trunk. The trunk features a long break-arch door, and the base is detailed with a moulded panel on a shaped plinth.
- Dial and Automaton
- The 30.5 cm brass dial features an engraved silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals, foliate pierced hands, and a recessed subsidiary seconds dial. The signature plate is inscribed for W.m Mason. The arch of the dial contains a painted ships automaton connected to the going train. It is noted that the rococo spandrels are replacements and the ships automaton is of a later date.
- Movement and Condition
- The clock utilizes an anchor movement with rack striking on a bell. The movement is reported as able to function but requires an overhaul due to significant accumulation of dirt. The case is described as being in good condition with a rich color, though the brass finials are replacements and the brass inlay on the right trunk column is loosening. The dial is reported in good condition with a slight bend in the minute hand.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Source condition report notes the ships automaton is of later date, spandrels are replaced, finials are replaced, and the minute hand is slightly bent
- Research required: Movement interior, weights, and pendulum are not visible in the catalogue photograph