What is a regulator longcase clock?

A regulator longcase clock is a high-precision timepiece engineered primarily for accuracy rather than decoration. Historically used in clockmakers workshops and observatories to set other timepieces, they feature deadbeat escapements and compensated pendulums to minimise timekeeping variances.

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

Mid-19th-century longcase clocks were commonly housed in solid wood cases faced with flame mahogany or walnut veneers. Internal mechanisms utilised brass plates and gear trains, steel arbors, silvered dial plates, and pendulums filled with mercury or nickel-steel alloys to counteract thermal expansion.

How do you identify an authentic mid-19th-century regulator clock?

Authentic regulator clocks typically feature a silvered brass dial with distinct subsidiary dials for seconds and hours, rather than traditional central clock hands. Check for weight-driven deadbeat escapements, heavy movement plates, mercury or gridiron pendulums, and hand-cut joinery within the mahogany trunk.

How do you incorporate an antique longcase clock into a modern interior?

Position the clock as a architectural focal point against a neutral or dark painted accent wall in an entryway, dining room, or study. The clean lines of mid-19th-century arched cases integrate well alongside modern minimalist furniture, providing historic contrast.

How should a mahogany longcase clock be maintained?

Ensure the case is kept on a perfectly level surface away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent wood warping. The movement requires professional horological lubrication every five to seven years, and the mahogany veneer should be dusted with a microfibre cloth and treated periodically with beeswax.

for sale €11,642 $12,637

£9,950

M. C. Taylor

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021

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Id #SA929805

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A Good, English Regulator Longcase Clock in an Arched Mahogany Case. Circa Mid 19th Century. (Long Case)

19th century

For Sale by M. C. Taylor

Description

This is a true English Regulator with all of the main features.

The extremely substantial, 8 day duration, 5 pillar, weight driven, timepiece movement with jewelled pallets Dead-beat escapement, Harrison's maintaining power, shaped plates, top-mounted crutch beat setting adjuster, 6 spoked wheels throughout, end stops to the escape wheel and a mercurial, faceted glass jar, temperature-compensated pendulum with a graduated regulation nut, small weight tray and free-standing and silvered graduated beat plaque. The brass-cased weight is hung from a 5 spoked pulley wheel which passes through a hole in the base top board. Also having a substantial cast iron 'A' frame pendulum suspension bracket and the movement is fixed to the seatboard with two substantial fixing knobs.

Behind an 11 1/2" visible, flat, circular, silvered and engraved regulator dial with outer, Arabic 5 minute numerals, a divided minute track with bold 5 minute markings and the centre having a conforming upper subsidiary seconds dial with outer divided track and inner Arabic 10 second markings. The lower portion has an hour dial with outer ring and inner Roman numerals. The 3 blued steel hands are precisely cut and the dial has a fixed and chamfered sight ring.

Contained in a substantial mahogany case of good colour and patina with an arched, laminated top. The plain sides have upper, hinged and glazed access doors that are also beaded. The trunk has a full-size glazed and twin locking door that sits upon a protruding moulding when closed. The door edges are laid with cross-cut veneer and the below-dial area within the glazing has a very well executed, carved foliate fret. The solid base has a moulded top and a recessed panel to the front with a moulded frame. The laid veneer is also cross-cut which in turn sits upon a straight plinth with protruding top moulding.

This is a true English Regulator produced to keep very accurate time. Its use would have been undoubtably practical and it was deemed unnecessary to apply the makers or owners name on the dial. This is a fine example and the appearance and quality is exceptional. It ticks a lot of boxes and is also of good size and very competitively priced.

Dimensions: 75" high x 20" wide x 12 3/4" deep (at the base).

Condition: The movement is working well and does not appear to have any wear. It has been well maintained until recent years but as is usual, would benefit from a complete overhaul especially being such a fine movement. The dial and hands are good without any damage and the same applies to the weight and pendulum. The case is slightly faded throughout and would look magnificent if re-polished. The backboard is so substantial that it has opened up at the top - this is due to shrinkage but remains solid and does not compromise the strength of the case. The door locks require servicing and a key fitting.

Price: The price is for the clock in its present and working condition. A price and timescale for any work required by the purchaser can be advised upon enquiry, however, I deem this clock 'safe to operate'.

For further information please contact us on

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk

Physical Dimensions

Height

190.5cm (75.00")

Width

50.8cm (20.00")

Depth

32.4cm (12.76")

Declaration

M. C. Taylor has dated this Mahogany Regulator Longcase Clock to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA929805

Dealers Internal Reference

SA14434

Description

This is a true English Regulator with all of the main features.

The extremely substantial, 8 day duration, 5 pillar, weight driven, timepiece movement with jewelled pallets Dead-beat escapement, Harrison's maintaining power, shaped plates, top-mounted crutch beat setting adjuster, 6 spoked wheels throughout, end stops to the escape wheel and a mercurial, faceted glass jar, temperature-compensated pendulum with a graduated regulation nut, small weight tray and free-standing and silvered graduated beat plaque.

“

The brass-cased weight is hung from a 5 spoked pulley wheel which passes through a hole in the base top board.

M. C. Taylor

Also having a substantial cast iron 'A' frame pendulum suspension bracket and the movement is fixed to the seatboard with two substantial fixing knobs.

fig 1. A mid-19th century English regulator longcase clock with an arched flame mahogany case, glass trunk door, silvered dial, and visible pendulum. — fig 1. A Good, English Regulator Longcase Clock in an Arched Mahogany Case. Circa Mid 19th Century. (Long Case)

Behind an 11 1/2" visible, flat, circular, silvered and engraved regulator dial with outer, Arabic 5 minute numerals, a divided minute track with bold 5 minute markings and the centre having a conforming upper subsidiary seconds dial with outer divided track and inner Arabic 10 second markings. The lower portion has an hour dial with outer ring and inner Roman numerals. The 3 blued steel hands are precisely cut and the dial has a fixed and chamfered sight ring.

fig 2. A mid-19th century English regulator longcase clock with an arched flame mahogany case, glass trunk door, silvered dial, and visible pendulum. — fig 2. A Good, English Regulator Longcase Clock in an Arched Mahogany Case. Circa Mid 19th Century. (Long Case)

Contained in a substantial mahogany case of good colour and patina with an arched, laminated top. The plain sides have upper, hinged and glazed access doors that are also beaded. The trunk has a full-size glazed and twin locking door that sits upon a protruding moulding when closed. The door edges are laid with cross-cut veneer and the below-dial area within the glazing has a very well executed, carved foliate fret. The solid base has a moulded top and a recessed panel to the front with a moulded frame. The laid veneer is also cross-cut which in turn sits upon a straight plinth with protruding top moulding.

fig 3. A mid-19th century English regulator longcase clock with an arched flame mahogany case, glass trunk door, silvered dial, and visible pendulum. — fig 3. A Good, English Regulator Longcase Clock in an Arched Mahogany Case. Circa Mid 19th Century. (Long Case)

This is a true English Regulator produced to keep very accurate time. Its use would have been undoubtably practical and it was deemed unnecessary to apply the makers or owners name on the dial. This is a fine example and the appearance and quality is exceptional. It ticks a lot of boxes and is also of good size and very competitively priced.

fig 4. A mid-19th century English regulator longcase clock with an arched flame mahogany case, glass trunk door, silvered dial, and visible pendulum. — fig 4. A Good, English Regulator Longcase Clock in an Arched Mahogany Case. Circa Mid 19th Century. (Long Case)

Dimensions: 75" high x 20" wide x 12 3/4" deep (at the base).

Condition: The movement is working well and does not appear to have any wear. It has been well maintained until recent years but as is usual, would benefit from a complete overhaul especially being such a fine movement. The dial and hands are good without any damage and the same applies to the weight and pendulum. The case is slightly faded throughout and would look magnificent if re-polished. The backboard is so substantial that it has opened up at the top - this is due to shrinkage but remains solid and does not compromise the strength of the case. The door locks require servicing and a key fitting.

fig 5. A mid-19th century English regulator longcase clock with an arched flame mahogany case, glass trunk door, silvered dial, and visible pendulum. — fig 5. A Good, English Regulator Longcase Clock in an Arched Mahogany Case. Circa Mid 19th Century. (Long Case)

Price: The price is for the clock in its present and working condition. A price and timescale for any work required by the purchaser can be advised upon enquiry, however, I deem this clock 'safe to operate'.

For further information please contact us on

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk