This is an interesting, unusual and original 18th Century longcase clock.
The eight day duration, five pillar movement with Anchor Recoil escapement and unusual French style rack striking, sounding the hours on a bell.
Behind an 11'' square brass dial with silvered chapter ring, subsidiary seconds ring, calendar ring and makers name plaque. Having Roman numerals, minute and quarter hour rings and half hour Fleur-de-Lys to the chapter ring and the name plate below the centre being signed ''Ever(ar)d Billington, (Market) Harborough'' (Leicestershire). Also having a finely matted centre with square chamfered calendar aperture above the VI and ''Two-birds-with-urn'' corner spandrels.
In an oak case with caddy top, three front blocks with turned giltwood ball spire finials, a fretted hood frieze backed with red silk, tall side glazed apertures, integral hood door pillars with brass capitals and rear quarter pillars with backing. The trunk has a full-length door with good edge mould
...ing and a shaped brass key escutcheon. The plain base has a shaped plinth with moulded top edge.
This is a charming clock of good size, proportions and colour. It is full of character and there is evidence that it has been structurally maintained throughout its life. It is unusual to have an 11'' dial, five pillar movement and the French style rack striking, perhaps the maker was a Hugenot but to date we can only find one listing of him that simply states he was working from 1740 to 1770. I am very fond of this clock because of its look and proportions, I enjoy looking at it every time I walk into the shop.
By the middle of the 18th century Market Harborough had established itself as a centre of the clockmaking industry. Everard Billington was an early clockmaker of the town and there is a fine example of his work in a local museum (it is a very well made 30 hour longcase with a single hand and finely proportioned oak case - such as the one we offer for sale).
This clock is original and well looked after with a good colour and finish. The price is for the clock in its present condition.
The purchased item can be collected at a time mutually agreed or if required, delivery can be arranged for which we are happy to provide a quotation.
For further information, please email us at:
info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk.
Internal Reference: 14264
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA842963
Dateline of this antique is 18th Century
Height is 226.1cm (89.0inches)Width is 47.6cm (18.7inches)Depth is 25.4cm (10.0inches)
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