THOMAS MUDGE & WILLIAM DUTTON, London c1775
Description:
An important George III longcase clock by one of the most celebrated partnerships of the eighteenth century. The refined and extremely elegant case is veneered with well figured mahogany which has excellent colour and good patination. It stands on moulded block feet with a double plinth to the panelled base. Both the trunk door and unusually, the hood door, have fine mouldings. The latter being indicative that the cabinet was made by Rich, an important cabinet maker of the period. The break arch hood has a single mount supporting a brass finial. The substantial eight day duration, five pillar movement, with anchor escapement, includes a double backcock from which the flat steel pendulum with massive brass bob and calibrated silver rating nut is suspended. The break arch brass dial is mounted with foliate ‘c’ scroll spandrels, each attached to the dial plate with two screws. The chapters are recorded on a large silvered brass disc with a subsidiary seconds dial and aperture to view the day of the month. In the arch there is a smaller silvered disc giving a strike/silent option. The maker’s signature, Thos Mudge and Will Dutton are included on the main disc. Both Thomas and William were apprenticed to and worked for George Graham. After Graham’s death, they came together to form a partnership and continued to work in Fleet Street. They inherited the skills passed down from Tompion to Graham and Mudge is recorded as one of the most eminent and influential makers of his time producing wonderful chronometers and watches as well as clocks.
Height: 7 ft 5 in (225 cm)
Clockmaker: THOMAS MUDGE & WILLIAM DUTTON, London
Circa: 1775
Stock Number: 3957
Height: 89 inches (225 cm.)