JOHN SPEAKMAN, London c1710
Description:
A fine and elegant Queen Anne longcase clock. The flat top case veneered in burr walnut which has now achieved an excellent colour and good patination. There is a single plinth to the base, brass lenticle to the trunk door and the pull forward hood is flanked by turned pillars with gilt capitals.
The eleven inch square brass dial with wheatear engraved border is mounted with crown and cherub spandrels, silvered chapter ring and subsidiary seconds ring. The dial centre is finely matted with an aperture to view the day of the month and ringed winding holes.
The eight day duration movement is in excellent condition throughout and has inside countwheel striking. The plates are separated with five finned and knopped pillars.
The clock is complete with brass cased weights and pendulum.
John Speakman was the son of William Speakman, an eminent early maker. He was apprenticed to his father in 1692 and known to have been Free early in the eighteenth century. It is recorded that he worked in London until 1712 and it may well be that he died at a young age as there are very few clocks in existence which are signed by him.
Clockmaker: JOHN SPEAKMAN, London
Circa: 1710
Stock Number: 4016
Height: 83 inches (211 cm.)