JOHN HOLMES, London c1770
Description:
An important three train longcase clock by one of the most eminent makers of the 18th century. The elegantly proportioned and restrained case is veneered with richly figured mahogany which has achieved outstanding colour and patination. Standing on block feet there is a double plinth and panel to the base. The break arch hood with canted corners has a mount supporting a single ball finial.
The break arch brass dial is mounted with finely chased rococo spandrels attached with two screws. There is a strike/silent in the arch and an applied cartouche to the matted centre bearing the maker’s signature. Above six o’clock is an aperture to view the day of the month.
The substantial three-train, eight-day duration movement strikes the quarters on eight bells and the hours on a separate bell. Characteristically of Holmes’s best movements, there is an offset crutch and a double roller suspension to the substantial back cock. The compensated pendulum is of the Ludlum design with wood rod, lead bob and subsidiary bob for fine adjustment. The brass cased weights are also original to the clock.
Clockmaker: JOHN HOLMES, London
Circa: 1770
Stock Number: 4183
Height: 87 inches (22 cm.)