Justin Vulliamy George II Longcase Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1744
This eight-day longcase clock is attributed to Justin Vulliamy, clockmaker to King George II, and dates to approximately 1744. The timepiece features a five-pillar, key-wound, weight-driven movement equipped with a deadbeat escapement and rack striking mechanism that sounds the full hours on a bell.
The brass dial includes a silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and a silvered seconds dial, all complemented by brass foliate spandrels and blued steel hands. A silvered name plaque identifies the maker. The housing is a walnut-veneered oak case topped with a flat-hood featuring brass-mounted columns. The clock stands 218cm high, 50cm wide, and 25cm deep. It retains its original locks 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
- Date
- circa 1744
- Type
- Longcase clock
- Maker
- Justin Vulliamy
- Movement
- 5 pillar 8 day key wound
- Striking
- rack striking
- Dimensions
- 218cm x 50cm x 25cm
- Escapement
- dead beat escapement
- Case material
- Walnut veneered Oak
- Place recorded
- England
- Provenance claim
- Science Museum London
- Maker / attribution
- Justin Vulliamy
Design
- Visible features
- • Brass weights and large brass bob pendulum visible inside case • Blued steel hands on the dial • Walnut veneer on the exterior case • Square brass face with foliate spandrels
- Case Construction
- The housing consists of an oak case finished with walnut veneers. The upper section features a flat-top hood, which is flanked by brass-mounted columns located on either side of the hood door. The case retains the original locks and key for both the hood and trunk doors. The auction description reports that the back board of the case has been replaced at some point, with the replacement performed on a like-for-like basis to maintain the object's original appearance. The exterior dimensions of the clock are 218cm in height, 50cm in width, and 25cm in depth.
- Dial and Movement
- The clock is powered by an eight-day, weight-driven movement constructed with five pillars. The timekeeping is regulated by a deadbeat escapement, and the clock features a rack striking mechanism designed to chime the full hours on a bell. The weights and the pendulum's brass bob are visible within the case interior. The square brass dial is adorned with four corner foliate spandrels. The silvered chapter ring displays Roman numerals for the hours and a minute track on the outer edge, accompanied by a silvered seconds dial. A silvered plaque situated on the dial bears the signature of Justin Vulliamy, London, and the time is indicated by blued steel hands.
- Historical Context and Attribution
- The maker, Justin Vulliamy, is noted as having served as clockmaker to King George II. The source identifies this specific object as a timepiece dating to circa 1744. The object is currently located in Nantwich, Cheshire, where it is available for viewing at the Dagfields Craft and Antiques centre.
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 original state of the internal components is not verifiable
- Research required: The 'sister clock' comparison is a claim from the source