John Davidge, London, late 18th century brass-mounted mahogany belltop table clock

Object Description

JOHN DAVIDGE, LONDON
A fine late George III period century brass-mounted mahogany bell top table clock by this excellent London maker.
The bell top case is made of flame mahogany of exceptional colour and patination and is surmounted by a brass handle with four finely cast brass urn finials, with an applied brass swag mount across the arched pediment. The front and sides have pierced and engraved gilt-brass sound frets, flanked by brass caryatid and foliate mounts to the front door. The base is of moulded brass and stands on four raised ogee cast brass bracket feet.
The 6 ¾ inch silvered brass dial is finely engraved with Roman and Arabic numerals, the centre finely engraved with a central urn and foliage, surrounding a date aperture above VI. The strike/silent selection dial is set within the arch. The clock retains its original pierced steel serpentine hands and the maker’s name, John Davidge, London is signed in the centre below XII.
The five-pillar double chain fusee movement has a restored verge escapement, and is beautifully engraved to the backplate with scrolling foliage and a classical urn. It strikes the hours and repeats on a bell via a pull chord.

Object Literature

John Davidge was active in London between 1802 and 1804, although it is probable his working period extended beyond these dates. He is featured on page 197 of Brian Loomes, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, 21st Century Edition (NAG Press, 2006)

HW6613

Object Details