Preston, Beccles

Brian Kerridge

30-hour longcase clock by John Preston, Beccles, c 1760 John Preston of Beccles is unlisted in any reference book but the style of the dial and hands suggests the clock was made around 1760. The placement of the engraved name and location at the bottom of the dial is very similar to a Bungay clock, known to be made in 1730, shown in Suffolk Clocks and Clockmakers, especially the unusual way the town name is split. The case is made of oak, although the trunk may have been stained and finished to make it look more impressive. Interesting features include a strike countwheel with projections instead of the usual indentations and very attractive side windows, which are early features and unusual on country clocks. The case has lost its strap hinges and door lock but is otherwise in reasonably original condition.