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Longcase Clocks

The longcase clock was the mainstay of British horology for some 200 years. East Anglian clockmakers were active throughout. Haggar and Miller record at least 585 makers in Suffolk alone.

We were fortunate to gather together a fine selection of local clocks from the 17th and 18th Centuries.

Wm. Hawkins, St. Edmunds Bury. c1740. A fine 5-pillared 8-day movement with brass dial, displayed without its oak case

Wm. Hawkins, St. Edmunds Bury. c1740. A fine 5-pillared 8-day movement with brass dial, displayed without its oak case

 

Wm. Hawkins, St. Edmunds Bury. c1740. A fine 5-pillared 8-day movement with brass dial, displayed without its oak case

Wm. Hawkins, St. Edmunds Bury. c1740. A fine 5-pillared 8-day movement with brass dial, displayed without its oak case

Hawkins, Bury St Edmunds

 

William Hornblower, London. Early 18th Century. Longcase movement.

William Hornblower, London. Early 18th Century. Longcase movement.

William Hornblower, London. Early 18th Century. Longcase movement. New case made to house an early 18th century movement. The overall shape and size have been taken from period cases and it has been made in the traditional manner. The oak case has been veneered with thick cut veneers of walnut using pearl glue and all the fittings are made in the traditional style. The case has been bleached, stained, polished and even lightly distressed to blend in with the age of the movement.

William Hornblower, London. Early 18th Century. Longcase movement. New case made to house an early 18th century movement. The overall shape and size have been taken from period cases and it has been made in the traditional manner. The oak case has been veneered with thick cut veneers of walnut using pearl glue and all the fittings are made in the traditional style. The case has been bleached, stained, polished and even lightly distressed to blend in with the age of the movement.

William Hornblower, London. Early 18th Century. Longcase movement.

Hornblower, London

 

Thomas Moore, Ipswich. Early 18th century 30 hour longcase clock A typical early 18th century East Anglian 30 hour longcase clock with a posted frame movement in an oak case. Clocks like this were made to sell in a rural market with little money to spend on a clock. However the dial still displays the engraver's best work and shows ¼ hour marks on the inner edge of the chapter ring to enable time to be read by those not yet familiar with 'new fangled' minutes. The chapter ring is signed Thomas in full, whereas it is more usual to see Thos and only a handful of clocks are known signed in this way, which seem among the earliest of his making.

Thomas Moore, Ipswich. Early 18th century 30 hour longcase clock A typical early 18th century East Anglian 30 hour longcase clock with a posted frame movement in an oak case. Clocks like this were made to sell in a rural market with little money to spend on a clock. However the dial still displays the engraver's best work and shows ¼ hour marks on the inner edge of the chapter ring to enable time to be read by those not yet familiar with 'new fangled' minutes. The chapter ring is signed Thomas in full, whereas it is more usual to see Thos and only a handful of clocks are known signed in this way, which seem among the earliest of his making.

 

John Overall, Ramsey. Late 18th century 30 hour longcase clock Oak 30 hour longcase clock from the second half of the 18th century with a plated frame movement. The dial, while still of the traditional brass type, now has an engraved, rather than matted, centre.

John Overall, Ramsey. Late 18th century 30 hour longcase clock Oak 30 hour longcase clock from the second half of the 18th century with a plated frame movement. The dial, while still of the traditional brass type, now has an engraved, rather than matted, centre.

Moore, Ipswich

  

Overall, Ramsey

 

 

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.

 

30-hour single-handed longcase clock by Thomas Haley, Norwich, c 1750 Thomas Haley, or Halley, worked in North Walsham (to 1743), Norwich, Dove Lane (1743 to 1753), and also in London (from 1753). This single-handed clock has a birdcage-style movement. The case and pendulum have parted company with the movement, but these can be remade as part of the restoration. Apprentice records show that John Halley became apprenticed to Thomas, his Father, on 29 Sep 1751. (Ref: Bird, Norfolk & Norwich Clocks and Clockmakers; Moore, British Clockmakers and Watchmakers Apprentice Records).

 

 

Preston, Beccles

Haley, Norwich

 

Thomas Huttly, Cogges Hall, c1685 30 hour longcase clock A rare example of early local clockmaking. The single-handed brass dial has top quality engraving to the centre with wheat ear engraved border. It is rare in that it has never had spandrels. The iron frame 30 hour movement is of birdcage construction and very robust. It has nicely shaped wheel collets and an unusual train count giving a pendulum length of nearly six foot. It still retains its two winding pulleys although the chains have been joined and it now runs on one weight. The movement hangs in the case by a hoop and spur. The primitive coffin case is of beautiful 17th century construction; note peg latch to trunk door. Thomas Huttly probably came from Holland as both movement and case show strong Dutch influence. One other clock is known by this maker and can be seen at Peaycocks Hall, Coggeshall. This too is Dutch style and there are blocked holes in the door, which shows it has also had odd length pendulums. Thomas Huttly, Cogges Hall, c1685 30 hour longcase clock A rare example of early local clockmaking. The single-handed brass dial has top quality engraving to the centre with wheat ear engraved border. It is rare in that it has never had spandrels. The iron frame 30 hour movement is of birdcage construction and very robust. It has nicely shaped wheel collets and an unusual train count giving a pendulum length of nearly six foot. It still retains its two winding pulleys although the chains have been joined and it now runs on one weight. The movement hangs in the case by a hoop and spur. The primitive coffin case is of beautiful 17th century construction; note peg latch to trunk door. Thomas Huttly probably came from Holland as both movement and case show strong Dutch influence. One other clock is known by this maker and can be seen at Peaycocks Hall, Coggeshall. This too is Dutch style and there are blocked holes in the door, which shows it has also had odd length pendulums. Thomas Huttly, Cogges Hall, c1685 30 hour longcase clock A rare example of early local clockmaking. The single-handed brass dial has top quality engraving to the centre with wheat ear engraved border. It is rare in that it has never had spandrels. The iron frame 30 hour movement is of birdcage construction and very robust. It has nicely shaped wheel collets and an unusual train count giving a pendulum length of nearly six foot. It still retains its two winding pulleys although the chains have been joined and it now runs on one weight. The movement hangs in the case by a hoop and spur. The primitive coffin case is of beautiful 17th century construction; note peg latch to trunk door. Thomas Huttly probably came from Holland as both movement and case show strong Dutch influence. One other clock is known by this maker and can be seen at Peaycocks Hall, Coggeshall. This too is Dutch style and there are blocked holes in the door, which shows it has also had odd length pendulums. Thomas Huttly, Cogges Hall, c1685 30 hour longcase clock A rare example of early local clockmaking. The single-handed brass dial has top quality engraving to the centre with wheat ear engraved border. It is rare in that it has never had spandrels. The iron frame 30 hour movement is of birdcage construction and very robust. It has nicely shaped wheel collets and an unusual train count giving a pendulum length of nearly six foot. It still retains its two winding pulleys although the chains have been joined and it now runs on one weight. The movement hangs in the case by a hoop and spur. The primitive coffin case is of beautiful 17th century construction; note peg latch to trunk door. Thomas Huttly probably came from Holland as both movement and case show strong Dutch influence. One other clock is known by this maker and can be seen at Peaycocks Hall, Coggeshall. This too is Dutch style and there are blocked holes in the door, which shows it has also had odd length pendulums. Thomas Huttly, Cogges Hall, c1685 30 hour longcase clock A rare example of early local clockmaking. The single-handed brass dial has top quality engraving to the centre with wheat ear engraved border. It is rare in that it has never had spandrels. The iron frame 30 hour movement is of birdcage construction and very robust. It has nicely shaped wheel collets and an unusual train count giving a pendulum length of nearly six foot. It still retains its two winding pulleys although the chains have been joined and it now runs on one weight. The movement hangs in the case by a hoop and spur. The primitive coffin case is of beautiful 17th century construction; note peg latch to trunk door. Thomas Huttly probably came from Holland as both movement and case show strong Dutch influence. One other clock is known by this maker and can be seen at Peaycocks Hall, Coggeshall. This too is Dutch style and there are blocked holes in the door, which shows it has also had odd length pendulums.

Thomas Huttly, Cogges Hall, c1685 30 hour longcase clock A rare example of early local clockmaking. The single-handed brass dial has top quality engraving to the centre with wheat ear engraved border. It is rare in that it has never had spandrels. The iron frame 30 hour movement is of birdcage construction and very robust. It has nicely shaped wheel collets and an unusual train count giving a pendulum length of nearly six foot. It still retains its two winding pulleys although the chains have been joined and it now runs on one weight. The movement hangs in the case by a hoop and spur. The primitive coffin case is of beautiful 17th century construction; note peg latch to trunk door. Thomas Huttly probably came from Holland as both movement and case show strong Dutch influence. One other clock is known by this maker and can be seen at Peaycocks Hall, Coggeshall. This too is Dutch style and there are blocked holes in the door, which shows it has also had odd length pendulums. Thomas Huttly, Cogges Hall, c1685 30 hour longcase clock A rare example of early local clockmaking. The single-handed brass dial has top quality engraving to the centre with wheat ear engraved border. It is rare in that it has never had spandrels. The iron frame 30 hour movement is of birdcage construction and very robust. It has nicely shaped wheel collets and an unusual train count giving a pendulum length of nearly six foot. It still retains its two winding pulleys although the chains have been joined and it now runs on one weight. The movement hangs in the case by a hoop and spur. The primitive coffin case is of beautiful 17th century construction; note peg latch to trunk door. Thomas Huttly probably came from Holland as both movement and case show strong Dutch influence. One other clock is known by this maker and can be seen at Peaycocks Hall, Coggeshall. This too is Dutch style and there are blocked holes in the door, which shows it has also had odd length pendulums. John Calver, Woodbridge c.1735 Walnut longcase clock. John Calver was born in 1693 and died in 1751. He is considered to be one of the best clockmakers of his period. This is an early example of a well-executed brass rolling moon dial. Inside the door of the walnut case is an Equational timetable. This is a chart to explain to the owner how to set the clock to time using a sundial. It is exceedingly rare to find such a table in provincial clocks.

Huttly, Cogges Hall

 

John Calver, Woodbridge c.1735 Walnut longcase clock. John Calver was born in 1693 and died in 1751. He is considered to be one of the best clockmakers of his period. This is an early example of a well-executed brass rolling moon dial. Inside the door of the walnut case is an Equational timetable. This is a chart to explain to the owner how to set the clock to time using a sundial. It is exceedingly rare to find such a table in provincial clocks. John Calver, Woodbridge c.1735 Walnut longcase clock. John Calver was born in 1693 and died in 1751. He is considered to be one of the best clockmakers of his period. This is an early example of a well-executed brass rolling moon dial. Inside the door of the walnut case is an Equational timetable. This is a chart to explain to the owner how to set the clock to time using a sundial. It is exceedingly rare to find such a table in provincial clocks. John Calver, Woodbridge c.1735 Walnut longcase clock. John Calver was born in 1693 and died in 1751. He is considered to be one of the best clockmakers of his period. This is an early example of a well-executed brass rolling moon dial. Inside the door of the walnut case is an Equational timetable. This is a chart to explain to the owner how to set the clock to time using a sundial. It is exceedingly rare to find such a table in provincial clocks. John Calver, Woodbridge c.1735 Walnut longcase clock. John Calver was born in 1693 and died in 1751. He is considered to be one of the best clockmakers of his period. This is an early example of a well-executed brass rolling moon dial. Inside the door of the walnut case is an Equational timetable. This is a chart to explain to the owner how to set the clock to time using a sundial. It is exceedingly rare to find such a table in provincial clocks. John Calver, Woodbridge c.1735 Walnut longcase clock. John Calver was born in 1693 and died in 1751. He is considered to be one of the best clockmakers of his period. This is an early example of a well-executed brass rolling moon dial. Inside the door of the walnut case is an Equational timetable. This is a chart to explain to the owner how to set the clock to time using a sundial. It is exceedingly rare to find such a table in provincial clocks.

Calver, Woodbridge

 

Joseph Bannister, Colchester, c.1820 Mahogany Regulator. Joseph Bannister was without doubt the most important regulator maker in East Anglia. This clock was made early in his career c.1820 shortly after he left the Hedge & Bannister partnership (1807-1818). The mahogany case although of country construction is of the best late Georgian London design; note the high beaded side windows, a typical feature of this locality. The quality eight-day precision movement had dead beat escapement, maintaining power and fine beat adjustment, with a wooden pendulum rod. Joseph Bannister, Colchester, c.1820 Mahogany Regulator. Joseph Bannister was without doubt the most important regulator maker in East Anglia. This clock was made early in his career c.1820 shortly after he left the Hedge & Bannister partnership (1807-1818). The mahogany case although of country construction is of the best late Georgian London design; note the high beaded side windows, a typical feature of this locality. The quality eight-day precision movement had dead beat escapement, maintaining power and fine beat adjustment, with a wooden pendulum rod. Joseph Bannister, Colchester, c.1820 Mahogany Regulator. Joseph Bannister was without doubt the most important regulator maker in East Anglia. This clock was made early in his career c.1820 shortly after he left the Hedge & Bannister partnership (1807-1818). The mahogany case although of country construction is of the best late Georgian London design; note the high beaded side windows, a typical feature of this locality. The quality eight-day precision movement had dead beat escapement, maintaining power and fine beat adjustment, with a wooden pendulum rod. Joseph Bannister, Colchester, c.1820 Mahogany Regulator. Joseph Bannister was without doubt the most important regulator maker in East Anglia. This clock was made early in his career c.1820 shortly after he left the Hedge & Bannister partnership (1807-1818). The mahogany case although of country construction is of the best late Georgian London design; note the high beaded side windows, a typical feature of this locality. The quality eight-day precision movement had dead beat escapement, maintaining power and fine beat adjustment, with a wooden pendulum rod.

Joseph Bannister, Colchester, c.1820 Mahogany Regulator. Joseph Bannister was without doubt the most important regulator maker in East Anglia. This clock was made early in his career c.1820 shortly after he left the Hedge & Bannister partnership (1807-1818). The mahogany case although of country construction is of the best late Georgian London design; note the high beaded side windows, a typical feature of this locality. The quality eight-day precision movement had dead beat escapement, maintaining power and fine beat adjustment, with a wooden pendulum rod. Joseph Bannister, Colchester, c.1820 Mahogany Regulator. Joseph Bannister was without doubt the most important regulator maker in East Anglia. This clock was made early in his career c.1820 shortly after he left the Hedge & Bannister partnership (1807-1818). The mahogany case although of country construction is of the best late Georgian London design; note the high beaded side windows, a typical feature of this locality. The quality eight-day precision movement had dead beat escapement, maintaining power and fine beat adjustment, with a wooden pendulum rod.

Bannister, Colchester

 

Cooper and Hedge, Colchester, c.1735 Miniature longcase (Grandmother) clock) This clock has an eight day striking movement with a twelve inch arched brass dial. The original blue lacquer case is of diminutive height and still retains its original double skirt. True miniature longcase clocks from the 18th century are exceedingly rare and highly prized. Cooper and Hedge, Colchester, c.1735 Miniature longcase (Grandmother) clock) T his clock has an eight day striking movement with a twelve inch arched brass dial. The original blue lacquer case is of diminutive height and still retains its original double skirt. True miniature longcase clocks from the 18th century are exceedingly rare and highly prized. Cooper and Hedge, Colchester, c.1735 Miniature longcase (Grandmother) clock) T his clock has an eight day striking movement with a twelve inch arched brass dial. The original blue lacquer case is of diminutive height and still retains its original double skirt. True miniature longcase clocks from the 18th century are exceedingly rare and highly prized. Cooper and Hedge, Colchester, c.1735 Miniature longcase (Grandmother) clock) This clock has an eight day striking movement with a twelve inch arched brass dial. The original blue lacquer case is of diminutive height and still retains its original double skirt. True miniature longcase clocks from the 18th century are exceedingly rare and highly prized. Cooper and Hedge, Colchester, c.1735 Miniature longcase (Grandmother) clock) This clock has an eight day striking movement with a twelve inch arched brass dial. The original blue lacquer case is of diminutive height and still retains its original double skirt. True miniature longcase clocks from the 18th century are exceedingly rare and highly prized.

Cooper & Hedge, Colchester

 

 

Rivett, Ipswich c. 1780 Mahogany Longcase Clock This clock shows an early example of a white painted dial with raised gilt gesso decoration. It has an eight-day movement and a London quality mahogany case with panelled base, double skirt. It has brass stopped reeded pillars to hood. Note the high side windows indicating it was made in the region. This clock was reputed to have been made for a member of his family in Ipswich. John Rivett was a clockmaker from Eye, Suffolk.

  John Massey, Colchester  

Rivett, Ipswich

 

Massey, Colchester

 

 
Ge. Raymond, Manningtree, c.1785 Mahogany Longcase Clock. Finely proportioned mahogany case with early painted moon dial. The eight-day striking movement has some unusual features and it may be that Raymond was not a trained clockmaker. The case hood features high side windows. Raymond also worked in Woodbridge. Ge. Raymond, Manningtree, c.1785 Mahogany Longcase Clock. Finely proportioned mahogany case with early painted moon dial. The eight-day striking movement has some unusual features and it may be that Raymond was not a trained clockmaker. The case hood features high side windows. Raymond also worked in Woodbridge. Ge. Raymond, Manningtree, c.1785 Mahogany Longcase Clock. Finely proportioned mahogany case with early painted moon dial. The eight-day striking movement has some unusual features and it may be that Raymond was not a trained clockmaker. The case hood features high side windows. Raymond also worked in Woodbridge. Ge. Raymond, Manningtree, c.1785 Mahogany Longcase Clock. Finely proportioned mahogany case with early painted moon dial. The eight-day striking movement has some unusual features and it may be that Raymond was not a trained clockmaker. The case hood features high side windows. Raymond also worked in Woodbridge. Ge. Raymond, Manningtree, c.1785 Mahogany Longcase Clock. Finely proportioned mahogany case with early painted moon dial. The eight-day striking movement has some unusual features and it may be that Raymond was not a trained clockmaker. The case hood features high side windows. Raymond also worked in Woodbridge.

Raymond, Manningtree

 
 

Springfield, Norwich

 
 

 

Borrell, Stowmarket. Oak Longcase clock with 11½ in brass dial George Borrell (1) was active 1753-82, had a shop next to the Black Swan in Stowmarket and, when his son George (2) died in 1773 took over his shop in Market Place, Harwich.

 

Buxton, Diss

Borrell, Stowmarket