Bracket clock by John Ellicott, London, c. 1760–1770

Dealer description — Howard Walwyn

A classic George III period mahogany table clock by this famous Royal clockmaker. The well patinated case is veneered in mahogany with brass mouldings, carrying handle and block feet. The distinctive Ellicott style case has an opening front door with a central circular convex glass and moulded brass bezel. It stands on four brass moulded bracket feet. The case has an inverted bell top with a fettled brass carrying handle in the centre. The plain silvered brass 7-inch dial has a chapter ring with Roman hour numerals and Arabic five-minute markers. The dial is signed Ellicott, London along the bottom and in the top left-hand corner there is a strike/silent lever. The blued steel hands appear to be original. The 8-day movement, characteristic of Ellicott’s excellent work, strikes the hours on a single bell and has pull hour repeat work. The substantial movement has four turned pillars and a knife edge verge escapement with pear shaped bob pendulum. The backplate has fine scrolling floral and foliate engraving with a line engraved border and the maker’s signature Ellicott, London, which are shown off to brilliant effect through the mahogany brass moulded frame of the rear door. Height: 17 ½ in (44.5 cm) including handle Width: 10 ½ in (26.5 cm) Depth: 6 ¾ in (17 cm) * John Ellicott , one of the most respected 18 th century English clockmakers, was born in 1706 and succeeded his clockmaker father who died in 1733. He worked at 17 Sweetings Alley, Royal Exchange, London between 1728 and 1772. In 1738 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and served as a Councillor for three years. Later he became clockmaker to George III and made many fine and unusual clocks. LW01