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Antique longcase grandfather clock ~
David COLLIER of Gatley circa 1750.
David Collier was born in 1721 & worked as a clock maker in Gatley, near Manchester from 1750~1762, then moving to Eccles where he worked until his death. His two sons, Samuel & John were both clockmakers, continuing with the family business well into the 19th century. Many clocks are recorded by David, mostly 8 day brass dial. A similarly interesting example of his work can be seen in "Brass Dial Clocks" ~ Loomes, plates 424/425.
It was the preserve of the wealthy to own a longcase clock at this period, the type & quality of which formed a public display of the owners wealth & status ~ very much as motor cars are perceived today! To that end the more humble & less expensive 30 hour clock was occasionally produced in such a way that visually it would be mistaken for the more expensive 8 day model. This clock is just such an example. Ironically the degree of quality & workmanship executed leaves one wondering just how much more expensive it could have been to make the genuine article!
A beautifully florally engraved, matted brass dial centre sports a semi-circular bevelled date aperture with silvered sun ray date wheel within. The luxury of a well painted penny moon with separate aperture showing the silvered moon phase day enhanced the clock's status. Twin dummy winding holes with faux shafts complete the deception. The silvered chapter ring has Roman hands & Arabic minutes, the half hour markers being typical of those used in this area at this time. Behind this elaborate dial sits a chain driven, count wheel striking brass plated thirty hour movement of equally good quality.
Similar high quality is apparent in the oak & walnut case, again just as one would expect from the Lancashire area at this time. The caddy top hood has a sound fret frieze & free standing columns. The long door with wavy top is flanked by quarter columns to the trunk. The base with canted corners & shaped inlaid panel, standing on ogee bracket feet. Complex mouldings linking hood, trunk & base. Decorated with walnut cross-banding & trim throughout. Surviving from the mid 18th century in good condition & standing 85" tall.
Altogether an excellent quality north-western 30 hour longcase clock that totally achieves its objective of convincing its admirers that it was an equally good quality 8 day model. Local delivery, setting up and 12 months guarantee on the clock movement included in the price of £5250. |
