English Tavern / Act of Parliament Wall Clock by William Stevens
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1775
This English tavern or Act of Parliament wall clock is signed 'Will:m Stevens CIRENCESTER' on the throat of the case. According to the seller, the oak case houses a four-pillar weight-driven movement with a five-wheel train, tapered plates, and an anchor recoil escapement.
The 25 1/4-inch diameter three-plank wooden dial features gilt Roman numerals and an outer minute track with Arabic five-minute markers. The slender trunk door is decorated with raised chinoiserie ornament depicting birds, trees, dwellings, and figures. The dealer notes that the hands and weight are replacements.
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
- Tavern clock
- Dimensions
- 29 1/4" wide x 58" high x 7 3/4" deep
- Replacements
- Hands and weight
- Case Material
- Oak
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Movement Design
- 4 pillar weight driven movement with a 5 wheel train, tapered plates and Anchor Recoil escapement
- Dial Construction
- 25 1/4" diameter three-plank dial
- Maker Inscription
- Will(ia)m Stevens (of) CIRENCESTER
- Maker / attribution
- William Stevens
Design
- Visible features
- • Large black circular dial with gilt Roman numerals and outer Arabic five-minute markers • Gilt inscription reading 'Will:m Stevens CIRENCESTER' on the throat of the case • Trunk door painted with chinoiserie figures, dwellings, foliage, and birds in gold tone • Elongated pierced brass hands with counterpoise on the minute hand • Subtle horizontal joins visible across the dial face indicating multi-plank construction
- Dial and Inscription
- The dial displays large Roman numerals for the hours and an outer minute track containing Arabic five-minute indicators. The minute hand is counterpoised. The maker's name, 'Will(ia)m Stevens (of) CIRENCESTER', is inscribed in a two-line format on the throat of the case.
- Movement and Condition
- The clock utilizes a four-pillar, weight-driven movement equipped with a five-wheel train, tapered plates, and an anchor recoil escapement. These components are not visible in the provided reference imagery. The dealer identifies the hands and weight as replacements, noting that the remaining components are original to the period. The backboard retains its cloth backing.
- Case Construction and Decoration
- The clock is housed in an oak case featuring a 25 1/4-inch diameter three-plank dial. The dial includes a concave moulded surround with gilt lining to the edges. Due to age, the dial boards exhibit visible joins from shrinkage. The case features a slender trunk with ornate 'ears' beneath the dial and a Cavetto design base. The trunk door is decorated with raised chinoiserie ornament depicting a tree, birds, dwellings, and two human figures. Additional floral decoration is present on the sides of the case.
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 notes the hands and weight are replacements rather than original components
- Research required: Internal movement and weight components are source-reported and not visible in the provided exterior photograph