John Ellicott Longcase Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
mid 18th century
This mid-18th century longcase clock features a movement by John Ellicott, London, housed within a case of later construction. The clock measures 250cm in height.
Its 12-inch break-arch brass dial displays a silvered chapter ring with Roman and Arabic numerals, complemented by fleur-de-lys half-hour markers. The matted center includes a subsidiary seconds dial and a calendar aperture. The arch houses a strike/silent subsidiary dial. The movement is substantial, utilizing a deadbeat escapement with adjustable steel pallets. It features an hour-striking train controlled by a rack and snail system on a large bell, while the quarters are struck on a train of eight bells operated by a pinned barrel.
The later case is characterized by a moulded architectural pediment, pierced sound fret with red silk backing, and inlaid doors. The clock is provided with a case key and a winding key.
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
- mid 18th century
- Type
- Longcase clock
- Maker
- John Ellicott, London
- Height
- 250cm
- Condition
- functional
- Dial Width
- 12 inches
- Escapement
- deadbeat escapement
- Quarter Chime
- 8 bells
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- John Ellicott
Design
- Visible features
- • Break-arch dial with strike/silent subsidiary in the arch • Case features an inlaid trunk door and plinth base • Movement includes three winding squares on the dial face • Dial signature is on an applied name plaque
- Case and Exterior
- The clock is housed in a case constructed at a later date than the movement. The exterior design follows a standard longcase architecture, featuring a moulded architectural pediment at the summit, situated above a pierced sound fret that is backed with red silk. The door of the trunk is decorated with inlay and is fitted with a brass escutcheon that matches the one found on the front of the clock. The structure terminates in a moulded plinth base, giving the total height of the object as 250cm. The assembly includes a single case key and a winding key as provided accessories for operation and maintenance.
- Dial and Timekeeping
- The timepiece is equipped with a 12-inch break-arch brass dial designed for comprehensive time and calendar indication. The chapter ring is silvered and features both Roman and Arabic numerals, with traditional fleur-de-lys half-hour markers. The central portion of the dial is matted, providing visual contrast for the subsidiary seconds dial and the calendar aperture. Three winding squares are integrated into the dial layout, indicating the weight-driven configuration for time, hour strike, and quarter strike functions. In the arch of the dial, a subsidiary strike/silent dial is located, allowing for control over the acoustic features. The dial is signed on an applied name plaque reading 'John Ellicott, London', and is framed by six cast brass spandrels, which support the aesthetic structure of the dial plate.
- Movement Construction
- The movement is identified as a substantial piece attributed to John Ellicott, featuring a deadbeat escapement equipped with adjustable steel pallets. This configuration is engineered for precision, allowing for the regulated transmission of power from the weight-driven trains. The striking mechanism is complex, employing a rack and snail system to govern the hour strike on a single large bell. For the quarter-hour intervals, the clock utilizes a separate train of eight bells and corresponding hammers, actuated by a pinned barrel system. The auction description confirms the functional status of these mechanical assemblies, stating that the clock is currently ticking and striking.
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 case is explicitly described as being of a later period than the movement
- Research required: Provenance details are limited to a private collector