James Barnsley English Tall Case Astronomical Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1785
This English tall case clock dates to circa 1785 and is reported by the seller to be signed by James Barnsley. The clock is housed in a flame mahogany case constructed in the Chippendale style, measuring 96 inches high by 24 inches wide and 11 inches deep.
The dial includes a silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals alongside astronomical indicators for moon phase, date, sunrise, sunset, and the sun's position above the horizon. According to source documentation, the movement is a two-train, five-pillar mechanism with six-spoke wheels, high-count pinions, a deadbeat escapement, and a worm gear drive operating the astronomical calendar.
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
- Tall case clock
- Maker
- James Barnsley
- Circa Date
- Circa 1785
- Dimensions
- 96″ high x 24″ Wide x 11″ deep
- Escapement
- Deadbeat escapement
- Drive System
- Worm gear drive
- Case Material
- Flame mahogany
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- James Barnsley
- Movement Specifications
- 2 train 5 pillar movement
Design
- Visible features
- • Carved pediment with scrolling finials and fretwork at the crest of the hood. • Trunk door featuring a shaped Gothic-style pointed arch with bookmatched flame mahogany figure. • Arched dial featuring an upper moon phase aperture and secondary astronomical tracks set within a spandrel-decorated dial plate. • Fluted and carved corner quarter-columns flanking the trunk and hood.
- Case Architecture and Styling
- The tall case clock measures 96 inches high by 24 inches wide and 11 inches deep, housed in a flame mahogany case documented as executed in the Chippendale style. Visible cabinetwork includes a carved pediment with scrolling finials and fretwork at the crest of the hood, as well as fluted and carved corner quarter-columns flanking the trunk and hood. The central trunk is fitted with a door featuring a shaped Gothic-style pointed arch and bookmatched flame mahogany figure.
- Reported Movement and Mechanism
- According to seller documentation, the clock is signed by James Barnsley and dates to circa 1785. The movement is reported as a two-train, five-pillar mechanism with six-spoke wheels and high-count pinions. The seller also notes that the movement features a deadbeat escapement and a worm gear drive operating the astronomical calendar. These internal mechanical details and signature markings are reported by the source and are not verified from the single external photograph.
- Dial and Astronomical Indications
- The visible arched dial features an upper moon phase aperture and secondary astronomical tracks set within a spandrel-decorated dial plate, alongside a silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals. According to the source description, the dial system indicates the calendar date, moon phase, the times of sunrise and sunset throughout the year, and the position of the sun above the horizon.
Identification
- Reference
- EMAR 206 P
- 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: Internal movement, escapement, and astronomical drive gears are not visible in the supplied external photograph.
- Research required: Maker signature and dial inscriptions cannot be clearly resolved at this image resolution.