Grandfather clock by John Wilson of Peterborough
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1790
This longcase clock is attributed to the late 18th century and is signed by John Wilson of Peterborough on its arched white dial. The clock features an eight-day duration movement that strikes on a bell and is equipped with a brass compensated pendulum described as being in the Ellicott style.
The painted dial exhibits a specific design with floral motifs and gold leaf ornamentation at the corners, alongside Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial. Moon-phase indication is present in the dial arch, complemented by a lunette-shaped calendar aperture in the centre. The cabinet is constructed from flame mahogany veneers, incorporating a glass lenticle in the trunk door to view the pendulum. The overall presentation incorporates design elements the source associates with London, and the piece shows patination on the mahogany exterior.
The clock remains as described in the source reference.
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
- Maker
- John Wilson
- Case material
- Flame mahogany
- Dial features
- Painted with moon-phase
- Pendulum type
- Brass compensated
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Movement duration
- 8 day
- Maker / attribution
- John Wilson
Design
- Visible features
- • Moon-phase dial with celestial imagery in the arch • Mahogany case with visible flame veneer patterns • Signature reads 'Jn. Wilson PETERBORO' • Glass lenticle on the trunk door
- Dial and Indication
- The timepiece features an arched white painted dial, which serves as the primary interface for timekeeping and astronomical complications. The dial is decorated with floral patterns and gold leaf at the four corners. The chapter ring utilizes Roman numerals for the hour indications and includes a subsidiary seconds register positioned below the central hand arbour. A moon-phase display is located within the upper arch, featuring a painted moon face flanked by terrestrial hemispheres. Additionally, a lunette aperture is positioned in the centre of the dial to display calendar information. The maker's signature, "Jn. Wilson PETERBORO'", is inscribed centrally on the dial plate.
- Cabinet Construction
- The clock is housed in a longcase cabinet constructed from mahogany, utilizing flame veneers to create decorative patterns on the front panels. The trunk of the case includes a glass lenticle, allowing for the observation of the pendulum's motion while the door is closed. The external finish displays patination. The construction is characterized by the source as incorporating high-quality design elements reminiscent of London-made cases of the late 18th century.
- Movement and Pendulum
- The movement is designed for an eight-day duration and incorporates a striking mechanism that sounds on a bell. It is noted for its quality and the specific implementation of the oscillation regulation. A primary mechanical feature is the brass compensated pendulum. The pendulum is described as being executed in an 'Ellicott' style, referring to a method of temperature compensation.
Identification
- SKU
- 1210
- Reference
- 1210
- 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 attribution of the cabinet to a 'London design' is a qualitative claim without verifying workshop origin.
- Research required: The 'Ellicott style' description of the pendulum describes an aesthetic or mechanical influence rather than an explicit documented connection to the Ellicott firm.