JOHN SHELTON, London c1695
Description:
A particularly fine seventeenth century quarter repeating spring table clock in an ebony and brass mounted case, all in fine original condition, dating from the period of William & Mary. Standing on turned brass feet, the case rises to a domed caddy top with carrying handle and four corner finials. There is a brass sound fret to the front door and matching escutcheons to the side rails.
The seven inch square brass dial is mounted with a silvered chapter ring and winged cherub spandrels to the four corners. The finely matted centre includes a false pendulum aperture with a back plate to the aperture signed by the maker. Above six o’clock is an aperture to view the day of the month with a small slot above to correct the date, an unusual feature.
The eight day duration movement includes pull quarter repeat with the quarters sounded on three bells and the hours on a separate bell. The back plate is beautifully engraved with leaf scrolls around the maker’s signature and the decorative click work is mounted on the back plate.
John Shelton is recorded by Baillie as being apprenticed in 1662. It is likely that he was the father of the John Shelton who became one of the most important makers of the eighteenth century.
Clockmaker: JOHN SHELTON, London
Circa: 1695
Stock Number: 4024
Height: 13.5 inches (35 cm.)