What is a 17th-century oak longcase clock?

A longcase clock, commonly known as a grandfather clock, is a tall, free-standing, weight-driven clock enclosed within a wooden cabinet. Popularised in late 17th-century Britain, these early timepieces frequently feature brass dials, single or dual hands, and durable native oak cases.

What materials were traditionally used in 17th-century longcase clocks?

Early English longcase clocks typically feature solid oak cases housing movements crafted from brass and iron. Dials were made of cast brass, often decorated with gilded spandrel corner ornamentation and silvered chapter rings.

How do you identify an authentic 17th-century longcase clock?

Authentic late 17th-century examples often feature smaller square dials, typically nine to eleven inches across, hand-cut brass gears, iron backplates, and original rope-driven 30-hour or eight-day movements. The woodwork usually exhibits hand-planed oak, pegged joinery, and period architectural details like barley twist columns.

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

A traditional longcase clock serves as an architectural focal point when positioned in an entryway, hallway, or dining space. Placing it against neutral plaster walls alongside contemporary artwork creates an engaging dialogue between historic craftsmanship and modern design.

How should an antique oak longcase clock be maintained?

Keep the wooden case away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent timber shrinkage and movement. Clean the brass dial gently with a soft microfibre cloth without harsh chemicals, and ensure the clock movement is serviced regularly by a professional horologist.

for sale €10,472 $11,367

£8,950

M. C. Taylor

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021

View Dealers Stock Page

About Us

Clockmakers and restorers established 1987

Relevant Links

Tallcase Clock Oak

30 Hour Longcase Clock

Seventeenth Century Clock

Antique Oak Longcase Clock

Barley Twist Longcase Clock

Brown Oak Grandfather Clock

Id #SA990847

PDF

SAVE

17th Century, Small Oak, 30 Hour Longcase Clock with 9 Inch Dial By William Noke of Shropshire circa 1690 (Long Case)

17th century

For Sale by M. C. Taylor

Description

A rare survivor of the English King William III period and being of exceptional appearance.

The 30 hour duration posted movement with Anchor Recoil escapement and countwheel striking the hours on a top-mounted, cast bell. Having 'Lantern clock' style brass rear pillars and flat front pillars to accept the dial feet. The early style pinion arbors are not colleted but are flanged to mount the wheels. The movement has iron top and bottom plates.

Behind only a 9" square brass dial with a finely matted centre and fire-gilded, cast brass, winged putti corner spandrels. The silvered, engraved and wax-filled brass chapter ring has tall Roman hour numerals within double-track ring borders and elaborated 'cruciform' half hour markings. The inner portion has a divided quarter track with conforming border. It is signed across the bottom to either side of the numeral VI "Wm. Noke Fecit" The single steel hand is pierced and tailed.

Contained in a plain oak case of considerable weight and hardness and of rich colour and patina. The flat overhang top is above a frieze with a blind fret to the front which in turn, sits upon an overhanging moulding over the hood door. The door is glazed and has integral 'barley twist' pillars with bobbin capitals. The are quarter pillars copied to the rear and fixed to ears. The sides have tall glazed apertures. The hood terminates with a moulded floor and slides over the convex-over-concave trunk throat. The plain trunk has a full-size locking door with iron strap hinges, half-round edge mouldings and a circular glass lenticle with conforming circular moulding. The plain base has a large and conforming top moulding and four, squashed bun feet.

* William Noke is recorded as being from Beobridge, Claverley (Shropshire) and was probably born circa mid 1600's. He was recorded as a Watchmaker when his will was proved in 1718 and a Longcase clock is known by him with an 8" dial and lantern clock style posted movement signed "Wm. Noke Fecit

This is an extremely attractive clock, quite rare and of 'Tudor' appearance. It was purchased privately and is a jewel of a find. The heavy case feels as strong as iron and the oak tree that it was cut from would already have been several hundreds of years old when it was felled. It is very small - under 6 feet 5 inches high and literally appears 'cute'! It is hard to imagine that a modest Midland-made 30 hour longcase clock has survived for around 330 years practically intact and plainly been working for most of its life. This clock exudes charisma and charm and if you have an appropriate setting then it must be for you - I would love to know that this beautiful clock was returned to a very old house. What blows my mind is that this mechanical, guaranteed and accurate device was made by a man who was born around 375 years ago.

Dimensions: 76 1/2" high x 16 1/2" wide x 10" deep.

Condition: Very original throughout. Since the photographs were taken, I have given the movement a complete, non-cosmetic overhaul and it is working perfectly. The rope sprockets have long ago been changed for chain sprockets but the original wooden pulely wheel has been retained. Though crudely made, the escapement picks up to double what it requires and emits a lovely and even sound.

The pictures of the dial and case are self-evident and show that the lower portion of the back board has had a rotten section removed. The case has undergone maintenance and repairs over the centuries including cheek repairs and covered holes have been cut into the trunk sides to stop the pendulum 'knocking'. I have lightly restored the dial so that the time can be easily read but it has retained its aged look and the chapter ring is crisp suggesting that it has not undergone re-silvering many times in its life.

Price: The price is for the clock in guaranteed working condition.

For further information please contact us at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk

Physical Dimensions

Height

194.3cm (76.50")

Width

41.9cm (16.50")

Depth

25.4cm (10.00")

Declaration

M. C. Taylor has dated this Antique Oak Longcase Clock to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA990847

Dealers Internal Reference

SA 14460

Description

A rare survivor of the English King William III period and being of exceptional appearance.

“

The 30 hour duration posted movement with Anchor Recoil escapement and countwheel striking the hours on a top-mounted, cast bell.

M. C. Taylor

Having 'Lantern clock' style brass rear pillars and flat front pillars to accept the dial feet. The early style pinion arbors are not colleted but are flanged to mount the wheels. The movement has iron top and bottom plates.

fig 1. A late 17th-century dark oak longcase clock hood featuring barley twist columns, carved frieze moulding, and a square brass dial. — fig 1. 17th Century, Small Oak, 30 Hour Longcase Clock with 9 Inch Dial By William Noke of Shropshire circa 1690 (Long Case)

Behind only a 9" square brass dial with a finely matted centre and fire-gilded, cast brass, winged putti corner spandrels. The silvered, engraved and wax-filled brass chapter ring has tall Roman hour numerals within double-track ring borders and elaborated 'cruciform' half hour markings. The inner portion has a divided quarter track with conforming border. It is signed across the bottom to either side of the numeral VI "Wm. Noke Fecit" The single steel hand is pierced and tailed.

fig 2. A late 17th-century dark oak longcase clock hood featuring barley twist columns, carved frieze moulding, and a square brass dial. — fig 2. 17th Century, Small Oak, 30 Hour Longcase Clock with 9 Inch Dial By William Noke of Shropshire circa 1690 (Long Case)

Contained in a plain oak case of considerable weight and hardness and of rich colour and patina. The flat overhang top is above a frieze with a blind fret to the front which in turn, sits upon an overhanging moulding over the hood door. The door is glazed and has integral 'barley twist' pillars with bobbin capitals. The are quarter pillars copied to the rear and fixed to ears. The sides have tall glazed apertures. The hood terminates with a moulded floor and slides over the convex-over-concave trunk throat. The plain trunk has a full-size locking door with iron strap hinges, half-round edge mouldings and a circular glass lenticle with conforming circular moulding. The plain base has a large and conforming top moulding and four, squashed bun feet.

fig 3. A late 17th-century dark oak longcase clock hood featuring barley twist columns, carved frieze moulding, and a square brass dial. — fig 3. 17th Century, Small Oak, 30 Hour Longcase Clock with 9 Inch Dial By William Noke of Shropshire circa 1690 (Long Case)

William Noke is recorded as being from Beobridge, Claverley (Shropshire) and was probably born circa mid 1600's. He was recorded as a Watchmaker when his will was proved in 1718 and a Longcase clock is known by him with an 8" dial and lantern clock style posted movement signed "Wm. Noke Fecit

fig 4. A late 17th-century dark oak longcase clock hood featuring barley twist columns, carved frieze moulding, and a square brass dial. — fig 4. 17th Century, Small Oak, 30 Hour Longcase Clock with 9 Inch Dial By William Noke of Shropshire circa 1690 (Long Case)

This is an extremely attractive clock, quite rare and of 'Tudor' appearance. It was purchased privately and is a jewel of a find. The heavy case feels as strong as iron and the oak tree that it was cut from would already have been several hundreds of years old when it was felled. It is very small - under 6 feet 5 inches high and literally appears 'cute'! It is hard to imagine that a modest Midland-made 30 hour longcase clock has survived for around 330 years practically intact and plainly been working for most of its life. This clock exudes charisma and charm and if you have an appropriate setting then it must be for you - I would love to know that this beautiful clock was returned to a very old house. What blows my mind is that this mechanical, guaranteed and accurate device was made by a man who was born around 375 years ago.

fig 5. A late 17th-century dark oak longcase clock hood featuring barley twist columns, carved frieze moulding, and a square brass dial. — fig 5. 17th Century, Small Oak, 30 Hour Longcase Clock with 9 Inch Dial By William Noke of Shropshire circa 1690 (Long Case)

Dimensions: 76 1/2" high x 16 1/2" wide x 10" deep.

Condition: Very original throughout. Since the photographs were taken, I have given the movement a complete, non-cosmetic overhaul and it is working perfectly. The rope sprockets have long ago been changed for chain sprockets but the original wooden pulely wheel has been retained. Though crudely made, the escapement picks up to double what it requires and emits a lovely and even sound.

fig 6. A late 17th-century dark oak longcase clock hood featuring barley twist columns, carved frieze moulding, and a square brass dial. — fig 6. 17th Century, Small Oak, 30 Hour Longcase Clock with 9 Inch Dial By William Noke of Shropshire circa 1690 (Long Case)

The pictures of the dial and case are self-evident and show that the lower portion of the back board has had a rotten section removed. The case has undergone maintenance and repairs over the centuries including cheek repairs and covered holes have been cut into the trunk sides to stop the pendulum 'knocking'. I have lightly restored the dial so that the time can be easily read but it has retained its aged look and the chapter ring is crisp suggesting that it has not undergone re-silvering many times in its life.

Price: The price is for the clock in guaranteed working condition.

For further information please contact us at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk