John Tickell lacquered chinoiserie tavern clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
early 18th century
This early 18th-century English tavern clock is signed to the dial centre by John Tickell of Crediton. The case is finished in black and gilt chinoiserie lacquer, comprising an octagonal moulded dial surround measuring 34 inches across, a tapering trunk, and a bombé-shaped base fitted with a circular lenticle.
The dial features Roman hour numerals and Arabic five-minute outer markers with brass hands. According to the auctioneer, the clock houses a substantial eight-day weight-driven movement equipped with four finned knopped pillars and an anchor escapement.
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
- Tavern clock
- Dial Size
- 34 inches
- Case Design
- Tapering trunk with bombé-shaped base and lenticle
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker and Location
- John Tickell, Crediton
- Overall Dimensions
- 165 cm high, 86 cm wide
- Maker / attribution
- John Tickell
- Movement Specification
- Eight-day weight-driven movement with four finned knopped pillars and anchor escapement
Design
- Movement
- The clock is reported to house an eight-day weight-driven movement. The auction description specifies the inclusion of four finned knopped pillars and an anchor escapement. These technical details are attributed to the auctioneer's catalogue description.
- Visible features
- • Large octagonal black dial with gilded Roman hour numerals and Arabic five-minute outer numerals. • Dial centre inscribed in gilt lettering 'John Tickell' above and 'CREDITON' below the hand arbor. • Brass hands including a pierced spade-pattern hour hand. • Tapering trunk door decorated with a gilt chinoiserie architectural scene with figures. • Lower bombé section features a circular glass lenticle bordered by gilt floral, bird, and figure motifs.
- Case Construction
- The case comprises a tapering trunk and a bombé-shaped base equipped with a fitted lenticle. The exterior is described as a lacquered chinoiserie finish. The total height of the clock is recorded as 165 cm and the width as 86 cm.
- Dial and Inscription
- The clock features a 34-inch octagonal dial with a moulded edge. The dial includes a chapter ring with Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic markers for five-minute intervals. The center of the dial is signed with the name 'JOHN TICKELL' and the location 'CREDITON'. The dial is fitted with brass hands.
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: Movement details, pillar construction, and escapement type are reported by the source and not visible in the photograph.
- Research required: Lacquered surfaces show minor craquelure and surface wear consistent with age.