What defines a Georgian longcase clock?

A Georgian longcase clock, commonly known as a grandfather clock, is a tall, floor-standing timepiece housing a pendulum movement within a wooden enclosure, typically crafted between 1714 and 1830.

What materials were traditionally used in 18th-century longcase clocks?

Early to mid-18th-century longcase clocks were primarily constructed using native solid oak or walnut, featuring brass dials, steel hands, and cast lead weights.

How can you determine if an antique longcase clock is authentic?

Authentic pieces feature period-correct joinery, natural oxidisation on the timber and movement, original brass spandrels, and a makers inscription across the dial or arch.

How can an antique longcase clock be styled in a modern interior?

Position the clock as a focal piece in a hallway, foyer, or dining space alongside contemporary minimalist furniture to create an engaging visual contrast.

How should an antique wooden longcase clock be maintained?

Maintain stable indoor humidity levels away from direct heat sources, dust the wooden case regularly with a soft cloth, and have the mechanical movement serviced by a professional horologist every five to seven years.

for sale €4,680 $5,080

£4,000

M. C. Taylor

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021

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Oak Longcase Clock with a Brass Dial by George Clapham of Whitton (Lincolnshire). circa 1735. (Long Case)

18th century

For Sale by M. C. Taylor

Description

An exceptionally charming country oak clock.

The 8 day duration, 4 pillar weight driven movement with Anchor Recoil escapement and pinned striking greatwheel, countwheel striking of the hours on a top-mounted bell.

Behind a 12" wide, brass break-arch dial with cast brass urn style corner spandrels, well-matted centre with a round chamfered edge aperture for the rear-mounted, silvered subsidiary 2nds dial. This has outer divisions, large Arabic numeral 10's and a geometric star to the centre. The lower portion has a further 'drop-mouth aperture for the silvered calendar date disc. This has outer divisions and Arabic numerals at 5 day intervals. The winding holes are ringed. The main silvered chapter ring is broad with large outer Arabic 5's, a divided minute track and larger Roman hour numerals with Fluer-de-lys half hour markings. The arch has a further aperture for the silvered brass phases-of-the-moon disc with a dark blue background to the large 'man-in-the-moon' faces. The arch perimeter bears a generous silvered maker's cartouche engraved with "GEORGE CLAPHAM, WHITTON". The arch hemispheres are engraved with birds and the blued steel hands are of lattice style.

Contained in a superb honey-coloured oak case that has wooden nailed joints. The ample and well-executed caddy top has a further pediment (removable) with a central, turned oak ball finial. The top also has a large flat moulding that sits over the break-arch full-size hood door with integral turned pillars and brass capitals, these are mimmicked with quarter pillars to the rear. The Cavetto throat sits over the full-size break-arch trunk door with a lock and moulded edge. The slender and full base has a high double and plain plinth and sits upon four short block feet. The hood and hood door have automatic locking which can only be released from inside the trunk once the trunk door has been unlocked.

* The only listing of a Clockmaker by this name was based in Brigg circa 1767 - 90. Perhaps the son of this maker as they were geographically close. The style of this clock places it in the North Lincolnshire/Hull area and Whitton is a small village and Church Parish in North Lincolnshire. This is a truly exceptional example of a country oak longcase and it is of fabulous colour and attractiveness. Rarely does one find such a fine piece of living furniture.

Dimensions: 90" high including the removeable pediment x 21" wide x 10 3/4" deep.

Condition: The dial and the case are excellent although there is historic damage to the dial brass here and there that has been repaired. The moonphase and calendar operate correctly. The movement is somewhat neglected and should be completely overhauled.

Price: The price is for the clock in it's present, working condition. The cost and timescale for any work required by the purchaser can be advised upon enquiry.

For further information please contact us at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk

Physical Dimensions

Height

228.6cm (90.00")

Width

53.3cm (20.98")

Depth

179.7cm (70.75")

Declaration

M. C. Taylor has dated this Georgian Oak Longcase Clock to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA971237

Dealers Internal Reference

SA Clapham

Description

An exceptionally charming country oak clock.

“

The 8 day duration, 4 pillar weight driven movement with Anchor Recoil escapement and pinned striking greatwheel, countwheel striking of the hours on a top-mounted bell.

M. C. Taylor

fig 1. A tall Georgian oak longcase clock featuring a brass dial with silvered chapter ring, an arched hood topped with a brass ball finial, and an arched trunk door. — fig 1. Oak Longcase Clock with a Brass Dial by George Clapham of Whitton (Lincolnshire). circa 1735. (Long Case)

Behind a 12" wide, brass break-arch dial with cast brass urn style corner spandrels, well-matted centre with a round chamfered edge aperture for the rear-mounted, silvered subsidiary 2nds dial. This has outer divisions, large Arabic numeral 10's and a geometric star to the centre. The lower portion has a further 'drop-mouth aperture for the silvered calendar date disc. This has outer divisions and Arabic numerals at 5 day intervals. The winding holes are ringed. The main silvered chapter ring is broad with large outer Arabic 5's, a divided minute track and larger Roman hour numerals with Fluer-de-lys half hour markings. The arch has a further aperture for the silvered brass phases-of-the-moon disc with a dark blue background to the large 'man-in-the-moon' faces. The arch perimeter bears a generous silvered maker's cartouche engraved with "GEORGE CLAPHAM, WHITTON". The arch hemispheres are engraved with birds and the blued steel hands are of lattice style.

fig 2. A tall Georgian oak longcase clock featuring a brass dial with silvered chapter ring, an arched hood topped with a brass ball finial, and an arched trunk door. — fig 2. Oak Longcase Clock with a Brass Dial by George Clapham of Whitton (Lincolnshire). circa 1735. (Long Case)

Contained in a superb honey-coloured oak case that has wooden nailed joints. The ample and well-executed caddy top has a further pediment (removable) with a central, turned oak ball finial. The top also has a large flat moulding that sits over the break-arch full-size hood door with integral turned pillars and brass capitals, these are mimmicked with quarter pillars to the rear. The Cavetto throat sits over the full-size break-arch trunk door with a lock and moulded edge. The slender and full base has a high double and plain plinth and sits upon four short block feet. The hood and hood door have automatic locking which can only be released from inside the trunk once the trunk door has been unlocked.

fig 3. A tall Georgian oak longcase clock featuring a brass dial with silvered chapter ring, an arched hood topped with a brass ball finial, and an arched trunk door. — fig 3. Oak Longcase Clock with a Brass Dial by George Clapham of Whitton (Lincolnshire). circa 1735. (Long Case)

The only listing of a Clockmaker by this name was based in Brigg circa 1767 - 90. Perhaps the son of this maker as they were geographically close. The style of this clock places it in the North Lincolnshire/Hull area and Whitton is a small village and Church Parish in North Lincolnshire. This is a truly exceptional example of a country oak longcase and it is of fabulous colour and attractiveness. Rarely does one find such a fine piece of living furniture.

fig 4. A tall Georgian oak longcase clock featuring a brass dial with silvered chapter ring, an arched hood topped with a brass ball finial, and an arched trunk door. — fig 4. Oak Longcase Clock with a Brass Dial by George Clapham of Whitton (Lincolnshire). circa 1735. (Long Case)

Dimensions: 90" high including the removeable pediment x 21" wide x 10 3/4" deep.

Condition: The dial and the case are excellent although there is historic damage to the dial brass here and there that has been repaired. The moonphase and calendar operate correctly. The movement is somewhat neglected and should be completely overhauled.

fig 5. A tall Georgian oak longcase clock featuring a brass dial with silvered chapter ring, an arched hood topped with a brass ball finial, and an arched trunk door. — fig 5. Oak Longcase Clock with a Brass Dial by George Clapham of Whitton (Lincolnshire). circa 1735. (Long Case)

Price: The price is for the clock in it's present, working condition. The cost and timescale for any work required by the purchaser can be advised upon enquiry.

For further information please contact us at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk