an exceptional eight day regulator longcase clock with detached escapement

This fine clock would have graced the jewellers “Rainforth and Son” in Bridgewater and would have been used to regulate the watches and other clocks they sold; also it would have been a status symbol to show just how good a quality the company could produce.

The Escapement.The clock originally started life out as a superbly well-made dead beat escapement, regulator but several better more accurate escapements were invented, one of which was by Hardy. He was a celebrated maker and as such he would convert top quality regulators using his new escapement. Some 18 have been recorded and well documented in English Precision Pendulum Clocks by Derek Roberts who we had the honour of buying for for over 30 years until his retirement. This example, we believe, was converted by Evans of Handsworth in the late Victorian period and is a detached type with a four toothed escape wheel providing impulse only in one direction to the otherwise free pendulum. There are many advantages of having a detached pendulum involving the timekeeping. This form of escapement is largely similar to that of a chronometer,and this particular layout would seem to be quite similar to one invented by Breguet. A lovely feature of this exceptionally rare escapement is the way the seconds hand advances two seconds at a time.The Movement and DialThe substantial movement has no less than eight baluster shaped pillars; these are screwed on rather than pinned. The plates are shaped most attractively with two distinct shoulders, high pinion and teeth count to all wheels and pinions - and wherever possible wheels - have six spokes. Again, where possible, all have end stops to avoid end float.
Bridges are provided to hand-bearing wheels to avoid drop. The whole movement is mounted onto a substantial cast metal frame to give as much rigidity to the movement as possible -again for accuracy, no doubt the clock would have been firmly attached to the wall in the shop! The clock has a pulley that is in itself a little work of art; it also has six spokes to the wheel and is beautifully designed and finished. The weight is polished brass and contains lead. The pendulum is a mercurial compensated one - the mercury has been replaced with lead slugs as mercury does have risks and cannot be transported on aircraft. The containers could be simply refilled with mercury if required. Note the use of two glass containers, again for accuracy, as these would compensate quicker to changes as more surface area of mercury is exposed. The 13 inch dial (just over 12 inches visible) is typical for a regulator with regulator layout (three separate dials showing seconds and hours in two subsidiary dials and the minutes around the main chapter ring). The dial is beautifully engraved and a nice feature is the word “Regulator” just to make sure the shop customers were aware! Time is indicated with steel hands of simple spade form. The CaseTo house this amazing movement the clock has a mahogany case made from the finest flame mahogany - the colour and patination are both superb. The clock stands on front feet only so it leans back to the wall - a good stable solution! These feet are nicely shaped; the base has finely figured mahogany and a line of beading in a Greek key type design. A bold moulding joins base to trunk. The trunk has a glazed door, allowing the fine pendulum to be seen swinging to and fro. Canted corners to the trunk give slim elegant lines. The hood has beading and also canted corners - again made from superb mahogany, and to the very top there is a rather elegant fret to finish the clock off.

Antiques.co.uk Ref: 89PX6FR9T

Maker/Artist:

Rainforth and Son

Materials:

Mahogany/brass/steel

Width (cm):

54

Height (cm):

217

Depth (cm):

27

Please note that this price may NOT include delivery charges which the seller may charge extra for.

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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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