Mahogany Longcase Clock by John Harvey of Weymouth
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1785
This eight-day duration longcase clock is constructed in mahogany and is attributed to the Weymouth-based maker John Harvey, who was active during the late 18th century.
The clock features a weight-driven movement with five pillars, arranged to strike the hours on a bell. The 12-inch break-arch dial is painted and decorated with a portrait of a lady in the arch, accompanied by floral motifs and raised gilt gesso corners. The dial display includes Roman and Arabic numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial, and a calendar aperture. The blued steel hands are described as original. The clock is housed in a mahogany case with veneers on the break-arch door and reeded columns flanking the hood.
John Harvey, who died in 1829, was a civil engineer and tradesman in Weymouth who also identified himself as a clock and watchmaker to King George III.
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
- Dial
- 12-inch painted break-arch
- Type
- Longcase clock
- Maker
- John Harvey
- Dating
- Circa 1785
- Height
- 85 inches or 216 cm
- Duration
- 8 day
- Movement
- Weight driven, 5 pillar, striking
- Provenance
- Private collection, U.K.
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- John Harvey
Design
- Movement
- The timepiece is an eight-day duration clock, powered by weights. The internal mechanism is a five-pillar striking movement designed to strike the hours upon a bell. The clock has been recently serviced by the current vendor. The movement is reported to be original to the clock.
- Case and Dial
- The clock is encased in mahogany, utilizing veneers on the break-arch case door. The hood is accented by reeded columns. The visual presentation of the clock is dominated by its 12-inch painted break-arch dial. The dial decoration includes a painted portrait of a lady positioned in the arch, surrounded by floral motifs of strawberries and raised gilt gesso corner pieces. Timekeeping is indicated by Roman and Arabic numerals, alongside a subsidiary seconds dial and a calendar aperture, all operated by blued steel hands.
- Visible features
- • 12-inch painted break-arch dial with portrait of a lady • Reeded columns on the hood • Subsidiary seconds dial and calendar aperture • Mahogany case with figured door veneers
- Maker and History
- John Harvey was based in Weymouth and lived from 1758 until 1829. He marketed himself as 'Clock and Watchmaker to the King', noting his attendance upon George III during royal visits to Weymouth.
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 manufacturing date is provided as an estimate (circa 1785)
- Research required: The claim of being 'Clock and Watchmaker to the King' is based on the maker's own self-styling