A LATE GEORGE II WALNUT, CROSSBANDED AND OUTLINED QUARTER CHIMING AND HOUR STRIKING 24-HOUR DIAL ANNUAL CALENDAR ASTRONOMICAL LONGCASE CLOCK WITH SUNRISE AND SUNSET INDICATOR

The hood with an ogee pediment surmounted by three brass finials, above blind fret ornament, the arched glazed door flanked by a pair of three-quarter columns and glazed sides, above the trunk with crossbanded and outlined arched panel door, above a stepped base and plinth, the 13 3/4in arched brass dial with age and phase of the moon, above mask and foliate finials, enclosing a silvered 24-hour chapter ring, the outer edge engraved with the twelve calendar months and days, signed John Williams, Bristol, the foliate engraved centre with blued steel pierced hands, and indicator for the rise and fall of the sun on a blue ground, with projecting silvered ‘tongues’ below, the substantial movement with four knopped and turned pillars, anchor escapement, striking the hours via an internal countwheel on a single bell, and chiming each quarter on a nest of eight bells and hammers, with 2.5 second beating pendulum, case and movement associated 

274cm high

This rare clock with its 24-hour dial relates to the astronomical clock by fellow Somersetian Edward Cockey of Warminster, in the Harris Collection at Belmont House, Faversham.  Remarkably they both use the same style of font for their signatures, as well as the design of the solar indicator around the inner edge of the chapter ring.

CONDITION REPORT 

With steel rod pendulum and three substantial brass-cased weights and winding crank key.

The case has been subject to restoration and re-veneering.  The hood has been rebuilt to the upper part.  The base and plinth appear to be rebuilt.  Some lifting of polish in areas.  The movement has been well maintained in the past and a label fixed to the reverse of the dial states it was cleaned in 2003, so will require a service. The chiming train with alterations, vacant holes and converted to later 8-bell chiming.  The hour hammer with Victorian revision and previously fitted with a gong, now striking on its bell.