Longcase Clock, 30 Hour, Georgian Birdcage Movement

This is a beautiful example of Georgian provincial clockmaking with the 'birdcage' style thirty hour movement being in excellent condition and having benefitted from a full restoration. The sonorous bell is activated by an outside countwheel and the sound is worthy of an eight day London clock. The dial and oak case have both been refurbished, the trunk door still having its original working lock and key surrounded by the original escutcheon. The case is smaller than most longcases and a lovely colour with great patination. The 37 cm square dial has a lovely matte centre and the chapter ring has just been re-silvered, The tapered hood pillars are capped with solid brass capitals and standing at just over 73 inches tall and being a fine example of an early single handed timepiece, which is becoming increasingly hard to find, this little-known maker's clock dates from circa 1720 but is impossible to pin down more accurately and is a lovely piece of both furniture and history. The dating process is based on multiple clues within the dial elements, movement and case

Thanks to R. Kendall for this online information...

"SHORTGRAVE/SHORTGROVE/SHALLGRAVE etc

Origins: Unknown but it would seem likely the surname is related to a place name (Shortgrove or small wood of which there are several instances). As far as I can establish this name is extinct in the UK. I have identified only one family using the name in the past. According to The 1618-19 Heralds Visitation of Northamptonshire Henry Shortgrave of Worcestershire married Ann, daughter of Sir ? Payton of Isleham, Cambridgeshire. Henry's son, Robert moved to Everdon in Northamptonshire. Robert died in 1620 aged "over 80". The family were well todo and had their own Arms described as :”Ermine a fess chequy Argent and Gules between three lions' heads erased of the last.” I have found no mention of the Shortgraves in the Worcestershire Visitations I have access to and nothing in wills in that county. It looks as if the family lived for 400 years on the Worcestershire and Herefordshire borders. The surname was in Northamptonshire until at least 1780, some of the family becoming clergy, another a watch maker, another an ironmonger."

This clock comes with my two year guarantee as standard.

Rather than trusting a courier of any sort I unreservedly recommend collection or I can deliver regionally/nationally. All antique clocks require delicate handling and specific setting up so it is far better for a dealer to meet a client and talk them through the process, or set the clock up for them, rather than leave the client struggling at the other end on their own.

Clockwise Clock Sales & Restorations

The Cotswolds Leading Antique Clock Restorer and Dealer