Mahogany quarter-striking longcase clock with grid-iron pendulum by John Shelton, London

Dealer description — The Antique Clock Company

This exquisite longcase clock is a masterful creation by John Shelton, one of 18th-century London’s most accomplished horologists. Crafted with precision and artistry, this clock is as much a testament to fine British engineering as it is to elegant design. Features: Movement: A robust three-train movement with substantial plates joined by six knopped pillars. Deadbeat escapement with maintaining power, ensuring unparalleled timekeeping accuracy. A temperature-compensating nine-rod steel and brass gridiron pendulum, suspended from a spring-mounted back cock. Striking the quarters on two nested bells and the hour on a third bell mounted above the plates. Includes three brass-clad weights for smooth and reliable operation. Dial: 12-inch arched dial with a strike/silent ring in the arch for control over the chimes. A silvered Roman chapter ring enclosing a subsidiary seconds dial. Signed “John Shelton, London” in a polished and brushed center. Accentuated with blued steel hands and gilt scroll and foliage spandrels, blending function with refined decoration. Case: A beautifully figured mahogany case featuring a hood with a swan’s neck pediment and sound frets for acoustic clarity. The arched long door is richly grained, and the panelled plinth rests on a moulded base, showcasing timeless craftsmanship. Fluted chamfers complete the architectural elegance of the design. John Shelton’s career epitomizes the golden age of English clockmaking. Apprenticed to Henry Stanbury, Shelton became a Clockmakers’ Company member in 1720 and later a Liveryman in 1766. Renowned as George Graham’s principal maker of astronomical clocks, Shelton contributed to the advancement of horology during a pivotal era. Despite his talents, financial challenges marred his later years, leading to a petition to King George III for relief in 1777. This clock not only embodies Shelton’s technical prowess but also serves as a historical artifact from one of horology’s most transformative periods. Offered in exceptional condition, this longcase clock is a rare find for collectors and connoisseurs. It combines innovative mechanics, elegant design, and a rich historical lineage, making it a true treasure for any fine collection. Height: 89 ½” or 227 cm