Chinoiserie longcase clock by Chaldecott, Chichester, c. 1775

Dealer description — P A Oxley

An excellent green lacquered longcase clock with well preserved Chinoiserie decoration throughout featuring Naval scenes. The 8 day duration 5 pillar movement striking the hours on a bell and with 12" arched brass dial with separate silvered brass chapter ring, matted centre showing both sunken seconds, date, the makers name on a silvered brass cartouche and brass spandrels to the corners. The arch with a Strike/Silent facility and typical spandrels of the period depicting mythical sea creatures. The very well preserved green lacquered case with gold Chinoiserie decoration to the trunk door depicting houses, landscapes, birds, figures and a naval scene to the base of the door. The sides of the case decorated with flowers and foliage. The base with a double plinth and further Chinoiserie decoration depicting a Galleon complete with two rows of Cannons and a smaller vessel which may be depicting a rescue. Also featuring a large flying bug or fly. This may be a possible artist’s signature. The hood with attached angle pillars with brass Doric capitals and repeated to the rear of the hood. The glazed access door features a working lock, inspection windows to the side and a plain broken arch top. Note: Chinoiseire longcase clocks with well preserved lacquer work are now becoming increasingly difficult to find, with many of them being repainted over the years. Almost all of the original Gesso work and gilding has been retained on this particular clock. Its also very unusual to see a Naval scene, with not just one Vessel but three in total. Its possible this may have been ordered originally by someone with connections to the local Sea Ports such as Chichester Harbour, Bosham, Dell Quay and Emsworth. Maker Chaldecott of Chichester