a fine georgian library clock by dwerrihouse and carter. 1801

A very fine Georgian library longcase clock with eight-day striking movement. This clock represents the peak of English clockmaking of the Georgian period.

The case is made of the finest Honduras mahogany. Normally, as the timber was so scarce and expensive, this would have been veneered onto an oak carcass. Most unusually (we have never seen another) this clock is made from solid flame mahogany which would have increased the cost of making it enormously. Fabulous figuring and patina overall. An unusual feature is that the top of the hood is also high quality, figured and polished mahogany rather than the usual plain wood used. This was probably because the clock was originally commissioned to stand at the bottom of a staircase where the top would be visible when descending. Brass reeding has been used to the canted corners of the hood, another expensive sign of quality.The clock was sold by the renowned clockmakers Dwerrihouse and Carter whose shop was at 30 Charles Street, Berkeley Square, London between 1800 and 1820. Like most of the major clock dealers of this period, they commissioned specialist makers to construct the movement. The movements were sometimes signed but usually behind the dial where the signature could not be seen without dismantling the clock. This is the case with this clock the movement is signed and numbered on the front plate edge and the front plate by Thwaites who were probably the most important clockmakers of the 19th century. They maintained the clock in Big Ben for many years.Thwaites numbered all their movements and kept records which are still with us. We can therefore confidently state that they made this movement in 1801. The movement is of very high quality and has five pillars instead of the usual four a sign of a fine, usually London, movement. It is far superior to a normal longcase movement. The movement plates are shaped and there is a strike/silent lever at the top of the dial. The original heavy steel and brass pendulum and the brass cased weights (unusually in excellent condition) are present, as is the (probably) original Georgian winding key. The original steel hands have heart-shaped pointers.

Antiques.co.uk Ref: E4ARXYNRW

Maker/Artist:

Dwerrihouse & Carter. Movement by Thwaites

Materials:

Flame mahogany, brass, steel

Width (cm):

45

Height (cm):

221

Depth (cm):

24

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J. and R. Norman Antiques

We have been antique dealers since 1974 and specialize in antique clocks, especially longcases, but also bracket, carriage and wall clocks. For many years we sourced clocks for a world-renowned clock specialist and author of books about clocks, who has now retired. We carry out restoration on pre-1860 clocks. We are also the largest dealers in 19th century stereoscopic photography in the world. We are a family business and are fortunate in having three generations working - aged from 22 to 75!

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