A rare quarter striking longcase clock by John Ellicott of London

John Ellicott - London

A quite spectacular, finely made and important George III longcase clock by John Ellicott, London. 

The exceptional mahogany case features a double broken arch top fitted with front elevation fretwork and also fretwork to the sides. The pagoda top also has blind fretwork  to the front, and unusually this is also on the side of the pagoda. A very rare feature. The top of the pagoda is surmounted with three solid brass flame finials. The mahogany and brass reeded pillars are fitted with brass Corinthian capitals and Doric capitals to the base.

The trunk is veneered with the most glorious flame mahogany and a block top moulding to the trunk door. A sign of quality and only really seen on exceptional London cases. The base stands on a shaped double plinth. The raised shaped panel to the base is also veneered with superb flame mahogany.

The entire case is also inlaid with brass. This is very rare to see on not only London clock cases but also on London furniture, at this period. 

The 12.5 inch break-arch dial is signed “Ellicott, London” and has a strike/silent dial, unusual “Ladies Head” spandrels to the arch and elaborate scroll type spandrels to the corners. The dial also displays a silvered brass chapter ring with Roman numerals, Arabic minutes, seconds ring and a square date aperture. The blued steel hands are very finely made and typical of the period.

The substantial 6-pillar, 8-day movement has thick shaped plates, a deadbeat escapement and a very large brass pendulum bob. The movement strikes the quarters on two large bells and strikes the hours on a third.

The movement is currently in working order and retains much of its original patina. It will require a full service before delivery and will be guaranteed for 3 years. 

Note: John Ellicott F.R.S. was one of the leading 18th-century English clockmakers and was appointed Clockmaker to the King. He was particularly renowned for his work on temperature-compensated pendulums and precision clockmaking. An outstanding example of Ellicott’s work and perhaps even made for a Royal household.