What defines a Georgian longcase clock?

A Georgian longcase clock, commonly referred to as a grandfather clock, is a tall, free-standing, weight-driven pendulum clock enclosed in a wooden case, typically manufactured in Britain between 1714 and 1837.

What materials were traditionally used in 19th-century longcase clocks?

These clocks were typically constructed using solid hardwoods such as mahogany or oak, frequently veneered with flame mahogany or walnut, accompanied by brass or painted iron dials and brass clockwork mechanisms.

How can you identify an authentic Georgian longcase clock?

Authentic period pieces feature hand-cut joinery, weight-driven mechanical clockworks, hand-lettered or engraved dials, period-appropriate brass finials, and natural age-related patina across the cabinet and movement.

How do you style a longcase clock in a modern interior?

Position the longcase clock in an entryway, hallway, or dining space as a structural focal point, balanced alongside understated contemporary furniture and neutral textiles to highlight the figured woodwork.

How should an antique mahogany clock case be maintained?

Keep the wooden cabinet situated away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent timber shrinkage, dust regularly with a clean microfiber cloth, apply beeswax sparingly, and have the mechanical movement serviced by a professional horologist.

for sale €6,435 $6,985

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19th Century Grandfather Clock

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Thwaites, London, Georgian Long Case / Grandfather Clock. Circa 1808.

Name: Thwaites, London, Georgian Long Case / Grandfather Clock. Circa 1808.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1203744
Price: 5500 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by FJ & RD Story Antique Clocks

Description

A fine quality George III flame mahogany 8 day longcase clock by John Thwaites of London, numbered 4181, retailed by Septimus Miles of 32 Ludgate Street, London. Circa 1808.

The high quality “Gentleman’s Library” style case veneered in beautifully figured flame mahogany of excellent colour and patination, constructed on a solid oak carcass.

The break arch hood surmounted with the original shaped pediment and cast brass spire finial, below canted stop fluted corners with brass reeding. The convex circular glass bound with a cast brass bezel. The hood sides with circular glass viewing windows.

The razor edge moulded long trunk door with choice curled mahogany veneers, flanked by canted corners with brass reeded inlay.

The moulded edge raised panel to the base with London style double plinth.

The 12" convex circular white enamelled dial signed Miles, 32 Ludgate Street, London to the centre.

A beautifully executed dial with very fine calligraphy work, in excellent original condition.

The fully restored high quality movement of eight day duration, united by five knopped pillars, with anchor escapement and striking the hours on a single bell, with strike / strike silent facility. Engraved to the frontplate Thwaites, numbered 4181, which dates the clock to 1808.

The original brass cased weights and heavy brass bob pendulum with steel strap and knurled rating nut.

Finely fretted and cut blued steel hands of delicate design.

A beautiful quality clock in excellent original condition with the movement expertly restored.

The movement is fully restored by our horologist who is a Fellow of the British Horological Institute (FBHI), having 50 years of full time professional engagement in the repair & restoration of clocks, watches, music boxes & barometers. He was the recipient of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Bronze Medal.

All of our clocks have been sympathetically restored and have been expertly vetted for originality and good working order. All clocks purchased from us are guaranteed for two years.

Delivery and installation of our longcase clocks is carried out free of charge within the U.K. For overseas customers a fully insured door to door service is provided by our regular couriers, please contact us for a specific quotation. All longcase clocks are securely packed and comprehensive installation and maintenance instructions are included.

For more information please visit our website www.storyclocks.co.uk

Maker: John Thwaites

John Thwaites, the seventh of at least twelve children, was born to Ainsworth and Sarah Thwaites in July 1757. He was baptised the following month at St Giles Church, Cripplegate.

Ainsworth Thwaites was a clockmaker of great renown, an occupation that had been practised in the family for many generations. He founded Ainsworth Thwaites and Company in 1740 and in around 1772 he apprenticed young John to learn the skills.

By 1780 John was heading the firm, which he then moved from its premises in Clerkenwell to Bowling Green Lane. When his father died in 1794, the business was thriving.

John Thwaites married Henrietta Walford, a widow, on August 1st 1801 at St James’ Church, Clerkenwell.

In 1815 he served as Master of the Clockmakers Company and in 1816 he joined forces with his nephew, George Jeremiah Reed (b1780) to form Thwaites and Reed and to ensure the safe future of the business.

In 1819 and 1820 he again served as Master of the Clockmakers Company.

John died in late 1826 and both he and Henrietta are buried at Compton (South London).

The memorial stone gives the following

Inscription: To the memory of Mr John Thwaites, many years an eminent Clockmaker in Clerkenwell London Who died at his house in this parish on October 28th 1826 aged 69 years.

Physical Dimensions

Height

228cm (89.76")

Width

51cm (20.08")

Depth

26cm (10.24")

Declaration

FJ & RD Story Antique Clocks has dated this Georgian Mahogany Longcase Clock to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1203744

Dealers Internal Reference

Miles/Thwaites

Description

A fine quality George III flame mahogany 8 day longcase clock by John Thwaites of London, numbered 4181, retailed by Septimus Miles of 32 Ludgate Street, London. Circa 1808.

“

The high quality “Gentleman’s Library” style case veneered in beautifully figured flame mahogany of excellent colour and patination, constructed on a solid oak carcass.

FJ & RD Story Antique Clocks

fig 1. A tall Georgian flame mahogany longcase clock featuring an arched hood, brass finial, and a circular white dial with Roman numerals. — fig 1. Thwaites, London, Georgian Long Case / Grandfather Clock. Circa 1808.

The break arch hood surmounted with the original shaped pediment and cast brass spire finial, below canted stop fluted corners with brass reeding. The convex circular glass bound with a cast brass bezel. The hood sides with circular glass viewing windows.

fig 2. A tall Georgian flame mahogany longcase clock featuring an arched hood, brass finial, and a circular white dial with Roman numerals. — fig 2. Thwaites, London, Georgian Long Case / Grandfather Clock. Circa 1808.

The razor edge moulded long trunk door with choice curled mahogany veneers, flanked by canted corners with brass reeded inlay.

The moulded edge raised panel to the base with London style double plinth.

fig 3. A tall Georgian flame mahogany longcase clock featuring an arched hood, brass finial, and a circular white dial with Roman numerals. — fig 3. Thwaites, London, Georgian Long Case / Grandfather Clock. Circa 1808.

The 12" convex circular white enamelled dial signed Miles, 32 Ludgate Street, London to the centre.

A beautifully executed dial with very fine calligraphy work, in excellent original condition.

The fully restored high quality movement of eight day duration, united by five knopped pillars, with anchor escapement and striking the hours on a single bell, with strike / strike silent facility. Engraved to the frontplate Thwaites, numbered 4181, which dates the clock to 1808.

fig 4. A tall Georgian flame mahogany longcase clock featuring an arched hood, brass finial, and a circular white dial with Roman numerals. — fig 4. Thwaites, London, Georgian Long Case / Grandfather Clock. Circa 1808.

The original brass cased weights and heavy brass bob pendulum with steel strap and knurled rating nut.

Finely fretted and cut blued steel hands of delicate design.

A beautiful quality clock in excellent original condition with the movement expertly restored.

fig 5. A tall Georgian flame mahogany longcase clock featuring an arched hood, brass finial, and a circular white dial with Roman numerals. — fig 5. Thwaites, London, Georgian Long Case / Grandfather Clock. Circa 1808.

The movement is fully restored by our horologist who is a Fellow of the British Horological Institute (FBHI), having 50 years of full time professional engagement in the repair & restoration of clocks, watches, music boxes & barometers. He was the recipient of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Bronze Medal.

fig 6. A tall Georgian flame mahogany longcase clock featuring an arched hood, brass finial, and a circular white dial with Roman numerals. — fig 6. Thwaites, London, Georgian Long Case / Grandfather Clock. Circa 1808.

All of our clocks have been sympathetically restored and have been expertly vetted for originality and good working order. All clocks purchased from us are guaranteed for two years.

Delivery and installation of our longcase clocks is carried out free of charge within the U.K. For overseas customers a fully insured door to door service is provided by our regular couriers, please contact us for a specific quotation. All longcase clocks are securely packed and comprehensive installation and maintenance instructions are included.

fig 7. A tall Georgian flame mahogany longcase clock featuring an arched hood, brass finial, and a circular white dial with Roman numerals. — fig 7. Thwaites, London, Georgian Long Case / Grandfather Clock. Circa 1808.

For more information please visit our website www.storyclocks.co.uk

Maker: John Thwaites

John Thwaites, the seventh of at least twelve children, was born to Ainsworth and Sarah Thwaites in July 1757. He was baptised the following month at St Giles Church, Cripplegate.

fig 8. A tall Georgian flame mahogany longcase clock featuring an arched hood, brass finial, and a circular white dial with Roman numerals. — fig 8. Thwaites, London, Georgian Long Case / Grandfather Clock. Circa 1808.

Ainsworth Thwaites was a clockmaker of great renown, an occupation that had been practised in the family for many generations. He founded Ainsworth Thwaites and Company in 1740 and in around 1772 he apprenticed young John to learn the skills.

fig 9. A tall Georgian flame mahogany longcase clock featuring an arched hood, brass finial, and a circular white dial with Roman numerals. — fig 9. Thwaites, London, Georgian Long Case / Grandfather Clock. Circa 1808.

By 1780 John was heading the firm, which he then moved from its premises in Clerkenwell to Bowling Green Lane. When his father died in 1794, the business was thriving.

John Thwaites married Henrietta Walford, a widow, on August 1st 1801 at St James’ Church, Clerkenwell.

fig 10. A tall Georgian flame mahogany longcase clock featuring an arched hood, brass finial, and a circular white dial with Roman numerals. — fig 10. Thwaites, London, Georgian Long Case / Grandfather Clock. Circa 1808.

In 1815 he served as Master of the Clockmakers Company and in 1816 he joined forces with his nephew, George Jeremiah Reed (b1780) to form Thwaites and Reed and to ensure the safe future of the business.

fig 11. A tall Georgian flame mahogany longcase clock featuring an arched hood, brass finial, and a circular white dial with Roman numerals. — fig 11. Thwaites, London, Georgian Long Case / Grandfather Clock. Circa 1808.

In 1819 and 1820 he again served as Master of the Clockmakers Company.

John died in late 1826 and both he and Henrietta are buried at Compton (South London).

The memorial stone gives the following

Inscription: To the memory of Mr John Thwaites, many years an eminent Clockmaker in Clerkenwell London Who died at his house in this parish on October 28th 1826 aged 69 years.