English Musical Longcase Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1750
This English musical longcase clock, dated circa 1750, is housed in an ebonised case. The timepiece features an 8-day, key-wound, weight-driven movement equipped with an anchor escapement and a rack striking mechanism.
It is designed to chime on eight bells, offering a choice of tunes—Winchester or St Michaels—on each quarter-hour, while striking the full hours on a steel gong; a silencing function is provided. The brass dial is break-arched and includes a chapter ring with Roman numerals, corner spandrels, and a seconds dial. A subsidiary chime/silent dial is located within the arch, accompanied by a chime change lever positioned to the side.
The exterior case incorporates fluted columns with brass cappings on both the hood and the trunk, which is further decorated with brass rosettes and garland wreaths. The clock stands 220cm high, 50cm wide, and 26cm deep.
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
- Date
- circa 1750
- Type
- Musical longcase clock
- Dimensions
- Height 220cm Width 50cm Depth 26cm
- Escapement
- anchor escapement
- Dial features
- Brass break arched face
- Movement type
- 8 Day key wound weight driven movement
- Place recorded
- England
- Musical function
- Chiming on 8 Bells to Winchester or St Michaels on each quarter
- Case material and finish
- Ebonised case
Design
- Visible features
- • Brass corner spandrels on the dial • Chime/silent dial within the arch • Fluted columns with brass cappings on the hood and trunk • Tasselled key or winding hole cover visible on the trunk door
- Case Construction
- The clock is enclosed in an ebonised case measuring 220cm in height. The hood features a cushion top design with a break-arched glazed door, flanked by fluted columns with brass cappings. The trunk also incorporates fluted columns with brass cappings that mirror those on the hood. Decorative brass rosettes and garland wreaths are applied to the exterior of the case.
- Dial and Instrumentation
- The clock features a brass break-arched dial plate. The chapter ring is graduated with Roman numerals and the dial includes corner spandrels. A subsidiary seconds dial is integrated into the main display. In the arch of the dial, a chime/silent selector dial is present. A chime change lever is positioned to the side of the numeral 3, allowing for the selection of the desired musical tune.
- Movement and Musical Mechanism
- The clock is powered by an 8-day, key-wound, weight-driven movement that utilizes an anchor escapement. The striking and chiming system operates on a rack striking principle. The musical complication is configured to play a selection of two tunes, Winchester or St Michaels, on a set of eight bells at each quarter-hour interval. Full hours are marked by striking on a steel gong, and the mechanism includes a user-controlled feature to silence the chimes entirely. Cast steel weights are employed to drive the movement, and the pendulum is fitted with a brass bob, as stated in the documentation provided.
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: The exact origin of manufacture beyond the attributed region is not specified
- Research required: The specific historical provenance or previous ownership of the clock remains unverified