Longcase clock by Matthew and Thomas Dutton, no. 239
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1790
This 8-day longcase clock is attributed to the London-based makers Matthew and Thomas Dutton, numbered 239. The mahogany case features a break arch hood with a moulded door, flanked by fluted, reeded, and canted corners, and is topped by a four-sided concave pedestal with a brass ball and flame finial.
The trunk door and the base panel utilize flame veneers, with the base sitting on a double plinth. The 12-inch brass break arch dial includes pierced foliate spandrels, a silvered chapter ring with a large seconds dial, and a subsidiary calendar dial in the arch. The clock is signed "Mattw. & Thos. Dutton, London" and retains its original blued steel hands. Its 8-day movement features thick plates, five baluster pillars, an anchor escapement, and an iron-rod pendulum with T-bar suspension and a heavy lenticular brass-faced bob, striking the hours on a bell.
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 1790
- Type
- Longcase clock
- Maker
- Matthew and Thomas Dutton
- Movement
- 8-day duration
- Pendulum
- Iron-rod with brass-faced bob
- Provenance
- Private collection, UK
- Case Material
- Mahogany with flame veneers
- Dial Diameter
- 12-inch
- Serial Number
- 239
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- Matthew and Thomas Dutton
Design
- Case and Dial
- The mahogany clock case is constructed with a break arch hood, which includes a moulded door flanked by fluted, reeded, and canted corner details. The hood is completed by a four-sided concave pedestal supporting a brass ball and flame finial. The trunk contains a break arch door decorated with flame veneers, which are repeated on the raised panel of the base, the whole resting on a double plinth. The 12-inch brass dial is designed with a break arch and features pierced foliate spandrels at the corners. The silvered chapter ring includes a large seconds dial, and the maker's signature is engraved on the dial face. A subsidiary calendar dial is positioned within the arch, and the clock retains its original blued steel hands.
- Visible features
- • Brass ball and flame finial atop the hood • Flame veneer pattern on the trunk door • Pierced foliate spandrels on the dial corners • Silvered subsidiary calendar dial in the arch
- Movement and Pendulum
- The clock is powered by a substantial 8-day movement. It is constructed with thick plates and five baluster pillars. The timekeeping is regulated by an anchor escapement. The pendulum is composed of an iron rod with T-bar suspension, attached to a large backcock. It features a heavy lenticular brass-faced bob. The clock strikes the hours on a bell.
- History and Attribution
- The movement and dial bear the signature of Matthew and Thomas Dutton, who were the sons of William Dutton. William Dutton was a former business partner of Thomas Mudge. The workshop of Matthew and Thomas Dutton was located at No. 148 Fleet Street, London. The provenance of this piece is listed as a private collection in the United Kingdom.
Identification
- Serial number
- 239
- 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 condition is subject to restoration process
- Research required: Precise dating is approximated as circa 1790