Deacon of Barton-in-the-Beans, Leicestershire, circa 1790.

Samuel Deacon is Leicestershire's most well known clockmaker. He was born in Ratby in 1746 & having completed his apprenticeship, he started his own business at Barton in 1771. He made church clocks, longcase and wall clocks, watches & barometers until his death in 1816. He was a life long deacon of Barton church & his family remained in the village until 1951 when the Leicester Museum acquired the entire contents of the workshop & forge. His son John and grandson Samuel continued in the family business until the mid 19th century.

A pretty period one, 12" enamel painted dial is decorated with floral bloom & foliate spandrels with bird of paradise to the dial centre. With semi-circular date aperture below. Original blue steel hands.

The brass plated movement with four turned & knopped pillars incorporates a pin wheel mechanism and strikes the hours on a bell.

Petite and perfect proportions feature in the oak case which stands just 78" tall including the finials. The most charming and rather unusual broken gable pediment has scroll fretwork to the panels. Gilt brass paterae compliment the ball & eagle finials. The long trunk door, with clipped corners to the top, showing particularly good selection of figured oak. Standing on a plain square base and plinth. Delicate mouldings and mahogany cross banding enhance the case throughout.

Altogether an attractive, good quality Georgian clock by Leicestershire's premier maker. Delicious!

Local delivery, setting up and 12 months guarantee on the clock movement is included in the price of £3950.