A fine quality cuban mahogany 8 day longcase clock by John Williams of Preston, circa 1760.

• Maker: John Williams, Preston
  
• Date: 1760
• Height: 8ft  
  
• Width: 19”
  
• Depth: 9.5”
• Price: Sold
  

 

Case

The high quality case constructed of beautifully figured cuban mahogany, possibly by the cabinet makers Gillows of Lancaster.
It is documented that the Williams clockmakers of Preston did buy their cases from Gillows of Lancaster, purchasing mahogany examples in 1771 for £2 5 shillings and another at £2 and 15 shillings.

The case having a break arch pediment hood with central gilded finial, beneath unusual design reeded columns further reeded with wooden quills to the bottom and carved and gilded corinthian capitals to the top, sound frets to the arched hood door.
The long panelled and moulded trunk door flanked by quarter reeded columns.
The moulded box base with unusual curved canted corners with further reeded work to match the hood, surmounted on fine quality shaped ogee shaped bracket feet.

Dial

The unusual arched brass dial with finely matted centre and silvered Roman chapter ring surrounded by finely cast spandrels.
Revolving moonphases to the arch with painted blue background, stars and full moonphases, with painted numbered outer edge. The silvered strap to the arch signed John Williams Preston Fecit.
Fine quality sweep seconds to the dial centre, with subsidiary zones for strike silent facility and ringed calendar.

Movement

The fine quality fully restored movement of eight day duration united by four knopped pillars, with anchor escapement and striking the hours on a single bell.

Hands

Fine quality blued steel hands of serpentine design, with long sweep centre seconds hand and matching strike silent hand.

Hands

Original cast iron weights and brass faced bob pendulum.

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