J. IRELAND, LONDON, Tavern Clock

Object Description

This charming white dial, green and gilt lacquer tavern clock is signed J. Ireland, Maiden Lane, Covent Garden. At the bottom is the inscription Bibe, Vel Discede (Drink Up or Leave) which was obviously designed to stimulate turnover in the pub.

Unusually, the teardrop shaped door is removable and is decorated with a country scene of men and women playing with a dog.

The movement has tapered plates and winds anti-clockwise. Unusually for this type of clock, the 18-inch painted wooden dial is protected by a glazed wooden hinged bezel. The heart-tipped hands are in brass, the minute with counterpoise.

Object History

Provenance: A Swiss Private Collection; Derek Roberts Antique Clocks 1981

Object Literature

References: Martin Gatto, The Tavern Clock, pp.136-137; Derek Roberts, A Collector’s Guide to Clocks, 1992; Clocks Magazine, October 1981. This clock is illustrated on the Front Cover

Object Details