Tavern clock by John May, Southampton, 1775

Dealer description — Howard Walwyn

A fine late George III period gilt Chinoiserie tavern clock in very original condition. The case is of classic tavern-clock form, with a broad circular white dial and full opening door above a long moulded drop trunk. It is finished in a deep black japanned ground, richly heightened with gilt work throughout. There is a bold gilt maker’s signature panel beneath the dial signed MAY, Southampton , flanked by shaped gilt scroll ears at the shoulders. The full length trunk door is decorated with a finely composed Chinoiserie scene with figures amongst pavilions and a stylised landscape. They are framed by gilt wheat-ear border lines and narrow floral sprigs to the sides. The ogee shaped base has additional gilt foliate and line decoration and the sides to the trunk are ornamented with gilt chrysanthemums. The 18-inch white painted dial has its original craquelure surface with Roman hour numerals and an outer minute ring with Arabic five-minute markers. The original brass hands are finely pierced and suited to the tavern form, and the whole sits behind a glazed painted and turned wooden bezel, a very rare feature. The 8-day duration timepiece movement has A-shaped plates and an anchor escapement and is regulated by a long pendulum with a lenticular brass bob. It retains its original oval lead weight. Date: circa 1775 Height: 54 ½ in (138.5 cm) Width: 23 in (58.4 cm) * Tavern Clocks signed ‘ May, Southampton ’ are distinctly uncommon and the present example is a very appealing provincial counterpart to the London-signed tavern clocks of the period, combining a strong, architectural silhouette with particularly decorative japanned work in original condition. John May is listed on page 521 of Brian Loomes’ Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World: Complete 21 st Century Edition . He is said to have worked in Southampton from 1773 until his death in 1791. HW6578