A fine quality George III eight day domestic regulator longcase clock by John & Miles Brockbank of London c.1790

The Brockbank brothers John (1747–1806) and Miles (1754–1821) were born in the remote Cumbrian parish of Corney, trained as watchmakers in London and formed a partnership in 1781. The dominant figure in the partnership was John, the elder brother. Miles is mainly notable for his invisibility. Their close acquaintance with both John Arnold and their employee Thomas Earnshaw inevitably drew their attention to chronometer production. Chronometers became the focus of the business from 1788. The brothers’ main interest was in production rather than
invention, and they succeeded in building the largest chronometer manufacturing business in the City. When John died his estate can be roughly valued at £12,000, equivalent to £850,000 today. Miles probably accumulated a similar amount.
Date: 1790
Height: 228cm
Width: 51cm
Depth: 25cm
Price: Sold

Case

John & Miles Brockbank, London. A fine George III flame mahogany domestic regulator longcase clock, the break arch hood with pierced gilt brass sound fret above glazed door flanked by reeded brass capped Corinthian columns. The beautifully figured flame mahogany trunk door with razor edge moulding, flanked by quarter turned reeded colums termininating with brass corinthian capitals. The flame mahogany applied panel to base above a shaped double plinth. The original brass lock and brass hinges to the trunk door.

Dial

The finely executed 12" arched silvered and engraved brass dial with Roman and Arabic chapter ring. The dial centre with subsidiary seconds dial and signed for the makers John and Miles Brockbank London. Strike/Silent to the arch.

Movement

The substantial shaped plate movement of the highest quality united by five turned and knopped pillars. The eight day weight driven movement with Harrison's maintaining power striking the hours on a bell, the back plate having a rolling pin suspension block supporting a steel rod pendulum with heavy brass bob and calibrated regulation nut

The movement is fully restored by our horologist who works exclusively for us.
Our horologist is a Fellow of the British Horological Institute (FBHI), having 35 years of full time professional engagement in the repair & restoration of clocks, watches, music boxes & barometers. He was the recipient of the 1977 Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Bronze Medal.

Weights and pendulum

The original brass cased weights and spoked pulleys. The large brass faced pendulum with substantial engraved regulation nut.

Hands

Fine quality original blued steel hands of elegant diamond design.