A magnificent and rare quarter-chiming fortnight-going longcase clock, c1750

By JOHN ELLICOTT, LONDON, CLOCKMAKER to King George III

John Ellicott (1706-1772) was one of the most eminent clockmakers of the 18th century. He was a fellow of the Royal Society and a council member of the society for three years. Among other achievements, Ellicott invented a form of compensated pendulum, which was used by several other makers, and was instrumental in the development of the cylinder escapement. He published 2 articles on clocks and also an equation of time table, in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society. He had an astronomical observatory built at his home in St John’s, Hackney, and was appointed clockmaker to King George III. Ellicott’s clocks, made in his workshops at St Swithun’s Alley, Royal Exchange, London, were noted for their excellence of workmanship.

This clock must rank amongst the finest that he made, and is housed in a magnificent and finely proportioned Cuban mahogany case. The case stands 9ft tall (9’6” including the centre finial). (2.74m/2.98m).

The substantial 7 pillar 3 train movement of fortnight going duration, with 5 wheel trains (all winding anticlockwise), is fitted with its original Graham type of dead-beat escapement. It displays many of the refinements and stylistic details seen on the best Ellicott movements. The clock strikes the hours on one large bell, and chimes the quarters on a nest of 8 bells. It is also fitted with a pull repeat lever, which when activated, chimes the nearest quarter, and the hour.

The movement has been completely cleaned and overhauled by a leading horological conservator (details supplied on request), and re-strung with extra thick natural gut lines.

The 12” arched dial has the most unusual feature of a revolving moon (half silver, and half black) housed in a concave recess decorated with gold stars on a dark blue sky. The moon sphere is geared to a moon calendar beneath, and flanked by a date dial to the left, and strike/silent dial to the right. The finely chased and burnished spandrels have their original gilding, as does the deeply matted dial centre.

The clock is in superb condition, and has its original brass cased lead weights and brass pendulum, and has a long handled period winding crank.

This clock would have been made for an important & wealthy client, and wouldn't look out of place in any of the finest houses in the country.

Provenance: Scandinavian private collection.

Please Email us for further information or telephone on 023 80364651

This clock is to be offered for sale by BONHAMS in their FINE CLOCK SALE on 12th December 2006 at New Bond Street, London.

If you would like more information on the clock please do not hesitate to contact us.  For details on the forthcoming sale click on the link above to take you to the relevant web page for Bonhams Clock Department.