Justin Vulliamy Burl Walnut Grandfather Longcase Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1730-1790
This English longcase clock features a burl walnut case housing an eight-day time and strike movement, as reported by the auction house. The dial incorporates a silvered chapter ring signed Justin Vulliamy, London, and features shuttered winding holes.
A square brass dial plate displays ornate cast corner spandrels, a subsidiary seconds ring, and a square date aperture. The auction description notes the clock measures 81 inches high by 17 inches wide and 9 1/2 inches deep, accompanied by its pendulum, weights, and 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
- Type
- Longcase clock
- Dimensions
- 17" X 9 1/2" X 81"
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker attribution
- Justin Vulliamy, London
- Maker dates cited
- c. 1730-1790
- Maker / attribution
- Justin Vulliamy
- Movement description
- 8 day time and strike movement
- Winding aperture feature
- Opening and closing winding holes
Design
- Visible features
- • Square brass dial face with ornate gilt corner spandrels, Roman hour numerals, and Arabic five-minute outer markings • Subsidiary seconds ring situated beneath 12 o'clock and a calendar aperture above 6 o'clock • Silvered signature plaque positioned above the calendar aperture inscribed 'Justin Vulliamy London' • Hood flanked by cylindrical columns with metal capitals and bases, under a cornice with an inlaid frieze • Burl walnut veneer visible across the upper section of the trunk door and surrounding case
- Dial and Inscription
- Visual observation of the clock reveals a square brass dial plate mounted with ornate cast corner spandrels, Roman hour numerals, and outer Arabic five-minute markings. A subsidiary seconds ring sits below the 12 o'clock numeral, and a calendar aperture is located above 6 o'clock. A silvered plaque above the calendar aperture is inscribed 'Justin Vulliamy London'. The auction catalog describes an 'engraved and silvered dial' with 'opening and closing winding holes, a rare feature.' The listing associates the clock with the dates '(c. 1730-1790)', which align with the maker's working dates rather than a verified date of production for this object.
- Reported Movement and Auction Disclaimers
- The auction catalog states that the clock 'Features 8 day time and strike movement.' However, the movement is not visible in the provided photograph, and internal mechanical specifications or signatures are not described in the listing. Mechanical function and authenticity are explicitly disclaimed by the auctioneer. The catalog states that 'We do not test clocks and watches an will not guarantee their function' and notes that 'Converse does not authenticate or guarantee authenticity.'
- Case Construction and Accompanying Material
- The auction listing records case dimensions of 17" X 9 1/2" X 81". Visual observation shows burl walnut veneer on the upper section of the trunk door and surrounding case, with the hood flanked by cylindrical columns with metal capitals and bases under a cornice with an inlaid frieze. The lot includes loose clock parts, loose wood components, and provenance documentation. The description notes that 'Pendulum, key and weights are present', that the clock 'Includes appraisal and bill of sale form John Wannamakers from 1957', and that 'Included is a box with extra woods bits, including molding and veneer.'
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: Internal movement is not visible in the supplied photograph
- Research required: Auctioneer explicitly disclaims testing or guarantee of mechanical function and authenticity
- Research required: The dates 'c. 1730-1790' cited in the source denote the maker's working dates rather than a precise object manufacture date