Walnut longcase clock by Sellers, Long Acre, London, c. 1725

Dealer description — P A Oxley

An excellent early 18th century London longcase clock of unusual small size. The 8 day duration 5 pillar movement with the early form of inside countwheel striking and a recoil anchor escapement. The full brass dial has a separate silvered brass chapter ring featuring Roman and Arabic numerals and with half hour engravings. Also with spandrels to each corner and arch, a matted centre, seconds dial, a square date aperture and original blued steel hands. The makers name and place of work is engraved to the arch on a silvered brass convex roundel. The edge of dial is also profusely decorated with wheatear engraving. A feature which was very commonly used on the early longcase clocks. The exceptional walnut veneered case of excellent colour features high quality book-matched walnut veneer to both the trunk door and base panel. Also with typical cross-grained mouldings and cross-banded walnut veneer throughout the case. The base has a typically plain double plinth. The hood is framed with solid walnut pillars and brass Doric capitals to the top and bottom of each pillar. Also with quarter veneered pillars to the rear of the hood and glass viewing panels to the sides. The flat top pediment has well cut blind sound frets to the front of the hood. A highly desirable and collectable walnut longcase clock. Note: William Sellers was apprenticed to John Clowes in 1682/83 until 1689. He was freed in November 1691. He was made a Steward of the Clockmakers Company in 1712 and in 1724 he was made an Assistant. The street name Long Acre takes its name from a field known as Long Acre which consisted of 7 acres and was purchased by Henry VIII together with Covent Garden adjoining it to the South. Maker ellers of Long Acre, London