Antique Longcase Walnut Clock -
LCWAL 113

A well proportioned, late 17C figured walnut, brass dial, 8 day, flat top longcase clock by Francis Martin of Chelmsford with "planet/day of the week" symbol above the date aperture in the dial centre. Now sold.

LCWAL 113 - £22,750

SOLD - UK

CASE DETAILS

Well proportioned figured walnut veneered case with lenticle to trunk door, barley sugar twist hood columns, cornice flat top with pierced frieze under.Convex throat moulding.

DIAL DETAILS

10 7/8" square brass dial with finely matted dial centre, profusely decorated with cup and ring turnings plus ringed winding holes, ringed date box, and ringed seconds aperture.The chapter ring signed "Francis Martin in Chelmsford" being engraved and silvered in contrast to the polished and lacquered brass centre and corners. Rare extra feature of planet/day of the week symbol above the date box. Exquisite blued cut steel hands.

MOVEMENT DETAILS

Very fine quality 8 day movement with 5 knopped and finned pillars ( 4 latched, the centre being for location only ).Hourly ( inside countwheel ) striking on a single bell.Superb "London" quality of workmanship.

MAKER DETAILS

Francis Martin of Chelmsford is recorded "born circa 1670, apprenticed to John Wells ( London ) Aug 1683 til 1690 but not freed".There are many examples of clockmakers not taking up their freedom ( right to trade ) in London choosing instead to set up in a provincial town where they would not have to pay substantial fees to the Clockmakers Company.

If they decided that they wanted to return and set up in London, then they would have to apply for their freedom and pay the fees.

Some got around this situation by constantly moving addresses in London, the only other options being to work outside the jurisdiction of the Clockmakers Company, or, "moonlight" for another established clockmaker the latter being very popular - even the heirarchy of the Clockmakers Company itself was known to employ such men.

DATE - Dating by style circa 1695.

HEIGHT - 86.6" ( 220 cms. ).

Allan Smith Antique Clocks

Specialising in antique longcase moonphase clocks with extensive showroom in Swindon, Wiltshire

Amity Cottage, 162 Beechcroft Road, Upper Stratton, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 7QE

Tel: 01793 822977

Mobile: 07778 834342

Other