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EVERARD
BILLINGTON of MARKET HARBOROUGH ~ circa 1740
Everard Billington is recorded in Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World,
working in Market Harborough from 1740-1770. A similar example of this
local makers work, dated 1730, is illustrated in John Daniell's "Leicestershire
Clockmakers."
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The charming early 91/2" square brass dial features very nicely
detailed cast spandrels of unusual pattern which are similar in
design to the example in the aforementioned book. The silvered
chapter ring with Roman numerals, attached fleur-de-lys half hour
markers and makers name, encompasses the matted dial centre. The
original pattern replacement steel hand is a feature surviving
from earlier horological periods. At first the concept of minutes
was quite strange to most folk and there was considerable reluctance
to adopt the idea of telling time with two hands. Because of this
conservatism single handed clocks were still produced in country
areas well into the 18th century.
A chain driven, plated 30 hour movement strikes on an outside count wheel, sounding the hours on a bell. A quirky combination of two brass turned and knopped pillars over two simple steel ones is indicative of this early period when the rural craftsman would fashion the components of his movement from whatever resources he had to hand! A feature found on many clocks from this locality being the removal of a portion of the plate bases to form feet. Brass was a very expensive commodity and this was quite probably done to save material and put it to good use in the crafting of other parts.
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The
petite oak cottage case, at just 77" tall, has acquired rich colour
and patination over the centuries and displays typical provincial
characteristics of this period. The flat top hood simply ornamented
with a delicate geometric blind fret frieze and gilded capitals to
the integral columns. Side hood windows enabled the movement to be
viewed and admired. The use of pin hinges, as opposed to the more
common cranked ones, necessitates the primitive method on the hood
sides for clearance of the columns when the door is opened - quite
rustic. The narrow trunk has a full length door with applied mouldings
to the edge. The typically shallow base is finished with a plain deep
plinth.
Altogether a nice example of an early small brass dial cottage clock
with a history that began right here on our doorstep!
Local delivery, setting up and 12 months guarantee on the clock movement
is fully inclusive in the price.
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Oaktree Antiques • The Drapers House • Main Street • Lubenham
Market Harborough • Leicestershire • LE16 9TF • England
Open 10am ~ 6pm • Wednesday ~ Sunday
01858 410041
www.oaktreeantiques.co.uk