George III Longcase Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c.1770
This George III longcase clock dates to circa 1770 and is signed by Joseph Wood of Scarborough on the dial. The clock features a tall case finished in scarlet red and gilt japanning, decorated with raised, polychrome Chinoiserie scenes including pagodas, pavilions, exotic birds, and figures in traditional dress.
The hood has a break-arch top, giltwood finials, and supporting pillars. It houses a 12-inch arched brass dial with cast corner spandrels, a matted center, a date aperture, a secondary seconds dial, and Roman and Arabic numeral tracks. The clock is powered by an 8-day, weight-driven movement that strikes on a bell. The object is accompanied by its original cast iron weights, pendulum, and winding key. According to the auction description, the movement has been cleaned, oiled, and serviced, and the clock is fully functional, exhibiting age-related surface wear and a rich patina across the japanned finish.
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
- c.1770
- Type
- Longcase clock
- Finish
- Scarlet red japanned and gilt
- Function
- Striking on a bell
- Movement
- 8-day, weight-driven
- Dial size
- 12-inch
- Dimensions
- 214cm x 43cm x 27cm
- Place recorded
- Britain
- Included components
- Weights, pendulum, and key
- Maker / attribution
- Joseph Wood
Design
- Visible features
- • Arched dial with a moon phase indicator above the main chapter ring • Engraved signature on the dial reading 'Joseph Wood' and 'Scarborough' • Decorative japanned finish displaying scenes of birds, pagodas, and figures • Matted brass dial center with secondary seconds dial and date aperture
- Case and Decoration
- The longcase is finished in a deep scarlet red varnish applied over the structure. This finish is embellished with raised, gilded, and polychrome Chinoiserie designs. The decoration covers the trunk door and base panel, depicting scenes of pagodas, pavilions, exotic birds, and figures dressed in traditional styles. The condition report notes that the case exhibits honest age-related crazing and minor surface wear commensurate with its age. The scarlet and gilded elements retain a visible level of vibrancy, contributing to the overall appearance of the piece.
- Dial and Timekeeping
- The clock features a 12-inch brass dial with an arched top, set behind a hood that includes giltwood finials and pillars. The dial displays a matted center, which accommodates a date aperture and a secondary seconds dial. The time is marked by Roman and Arabic numerals. A moon phase display is positioned within the arch of the dial, centered above the chapter ring. The dial is signed by the maker, Joseph Wood, with his location noted as Scarborough. The movement is an 8-day, weight-driven mechanism, which the auction description reports has been cleaned and oiled.
- Condition and Functionality
- The auction description reports that the clock's 8-day movement is currently fully functional and capable of keeping time. It is designed to strike the hour using a bell. The object is sold with its original cast iron weights, pendulum, and winding key. Regarding the condition of the exterior, the case is reported to be in excellent condition for an antique red lacquer piece. The auction house notes that the clock has undergone professional cleaning and servicing as part of its recent maintenance.
Identification
- Reference
- JN141
- 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 extent of restoration or repainting to the original japanned surface is not specified
- Research required: The auction house provides no evidence confirming the original association of the movement to the case