THOMAS MUDGE & WILLIAM DUTTON No. 176, London c1785
Description:
A fine and extremely rare month duration spring table clock by the most eminent partnership of the George III period. The triple pad top mahogany case with brass carrying handle surmounting the central pad, stands a fraction over 16 inches high. The break arch brass dial is mounted with a one piece silvered disc for the chapters and a smaller subsidiary disc in the arch for rise and fall regulation. Both discs are flanked by finely cast rococo spandrels with a strike/silent option between the discs. Below 12 o’clock is a false pendulum aperture and above 6 o’clock, a small aperture to view the day of the month. The disc is signed to the centre by the makers, Thomas Mudge & William Dutton, London.
The substantial two train fusee movement has five knopped pillars with an anchor escapement and spring suspended pendulum with rise and fall regulation. The plain backplate is signed by the makers. The movement is stamp numbered 176 on the top edge of the backplate.
Thomas Mudge & William Dutton formed an important partnership working in Fleet Street. They benefitted from a wealthy clientele and, most significantly, the skills they attained under their tutorage of their master, George Graham.
Close examination of the movement of this clock shows its remarkable originality. All wheel, arbors and pinions appear original and the only noticeable change is that early in the clock’s life, the gut lines were changed to chain, most probably it was thought safer in view of the substantial springs required to achieve the month duration.
Clockmaker: THOMAS MUDGE & WILLIAM DUTTON No.176
Circa: London c1785
Stock Number: 4136
Height: 16 inches (40 cm.)