Anthony Woodburn deals in fine antique clocks - 17th & 18th century English antique bracket clocks, longcase clocks and antique barometers, including pieces by JOHN HOLMES, London.

Description:

A very fine George III three train quarter striking longcase clock by one of the most eminent and innovative makers of the eighteenth century.

The elegant cabinet is veneered with carefully chosen and well figured mahogany veneers which have achieved an excellent patination.  Standing on pad feet, there is a double plinth to the panelled base.  The trunk is straight sided with a long door with applied mouldings.  The hood is in a break arch form with canted and reeded corners and a single mount supporting a large brass ball finial.

The break arch brass dial is mounted with a silvered chapter ring, strike/silent ring and finely cast rococo spandrels.  The dial centre is finely matted with an aperture to view the day of the month and an applied cartouche signed by the maker.

The eight day duration movement is of particularly high quality with substantial plates, five pillars and a large double back cock.  The anchor escapement has a reduced recoil action and the three train movement strikes the quarters on two bells and the hour on the separate bell.

Baillie’s records John Holmes as "a maker of great repute".  He established his business in 1762 in Somerset House, The Strand.  He supervised Thwaites' making of the Greenwith Hospital clock and examined Mudges' work.  Examples of his work are included in many important museums and collections, including the Science Museum and The Clockmakers' Company.

Clockmaker: JOHN HOLMES, London
Circa: 1760
Stock Number: 3772
Height: 92 inches (234 cm.)