MATTHEW & THOMAS DUTTON No 237, London c1795
Description:
An important George III longcase clock, the refined and well-proportioned case veneered with well figured mahogany which has achieved an excellent colour. Standing on moulded block feet there is a double plinth to the base. The trunk door is also moulded and the hood door has the scratch mouldings associated with the best cases of this style. The break arch hood has a single wooden mount and retains the original ball finial with leaf embellishment. The substantial five pillar movement has duration of eight days. The plates of the movement and pillars are substantial and there is a double backcock from which the pendulum is suspended. There is a recoil anchor escapement and the hours are sounded on a bell. The flat steel pendulum has a double roller suspension unit and there is a massive brass bob with calibrated silvered rating nut. The dial of this clock is particularly fine. The brass dial plate is mounted with two enamel discs, one for the chapters and a subsidiary disc for the day of the month, which is signed by the maker. The gilt corner spandrels are particularly finely cast and attached to the dial plate with two screws. The original blued steel hands are finely pierced. The dial is numbered to the bottom right hand corner. Matthew & Thomas Dutton were the sons of William, who entered into partnership with Thomas Mudge in 1755. Together they employed the skills attained in the Tompion/Graham era to great effect, with the help of their expert cabinetmaker, Ann Rich. They were patronised by the wealthiest members of the aristocracy as it was generally acknowledged that their designs, the quality of their work and their elegant cases surpassed all others. Matthew & Thomas Dutton continued the family tradition, working from Fleet Street. Height to top of centre finial: 7ft 6in, 229cm
Clockmaker: MATTHEW & THOMAS DUTTON No 237, London
Circa: 1795
Stock Number: 3955
Height: 90 inches (229 cm.)