John Thompson Automata Longcase Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1780
This eight-day longcase clock is attributed to the London-based maker John Thompson, dating to approximately 1780. The mahogany case is finished with flame veneers, featuring stop-fluted columns and brass finials.
The clock houses a mechanical movement with rack striking on a bell. The dial incorporates a silvered chapter ring with both Roman and Arabic numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial, and a signed nameplate. The arched dial space contains automata elements including a rocking couple on a see-saw, a windmill in motion, and a miller emerging from a house. Standing 237 cm tall, the clock is constructed with knopped pillars. The item is described as an automata longcase clock, combining timekeeping with animated decorative features intended for display in a domestic interior.
The object originates from a UK private collection.
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 Thompson
- Dating
- circa 1780
- Height
- 237 cm
- Provenance
- Private collection, UK
- Case material
- Flame-veneered mahogany
- Movement type
- Eight-day
- Place recorded
- UK
- Maker / attribution
- John Thompson
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is housed in a case constructed from flame-veneered mahogany, elevated on a plinth base. The hood section is surmounted by brass ball finials and features stop-fluted columns flanking the dial. The dial is designed with a silvered chapter ring featuring both Roman and Arabic numerals. A subsidiary seconds dial is present, alongside a central nameplate. The arch of the dial contains the primary decorative focus, consisting of an animated scene depicting a rocking couple on a see-saw, a windmill, and a miller emerging from a house.
- Visible features
- • Silvered chapter ring with Roman and Arabic numerals • Animated scene with a windmill and figures in the dial arch • Stop-fluted columns on the hood • Flame-veneered mahogany case finish
- Movement and Functionality
- The clock is powered by an eight-day movement. It utilizes rack striking to sound the hour on a bell. The construction of the internal movement includes the use of knopped pillars. These animated features operate in conjunction with the movement to create visual interest.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The clock is attributed to the London-based clockmaker John Thompson and is dated to approximately 1780. The object is recorded as having been held in a private collection within the United Kingdom prior to this listing. The seller identifies the clock as a representative example of 18th-century horology, noting its historical function as a centrepiece in a wealthy household.
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 exact mechanisms of the automata are not internally documented in the source
- Research required: The attribution to John Thompson is stated as a fact by the seller without referencing specific archival identification