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Antique
Longcase Clock made by Richard FRANCIS of Attleburgh,
Norfolk ~ circa 1790.
Richard
Francis, born 1749, is a well documented clock maker from
Attleborough / Attleburgh in Norfolk. An example of his
work is in the Brideswell Museum. He took as apprentices,
John Gudgeon in 1776 for 7 years for a fee of £20, James
Woods 1783 for 7 years & £10, and Joseph Warren in 1806
for 7 years for a fee of £40. He became a freeholder in
1791 & was buried in Attleborough churchyard in 1819 aged
70. His eldest son, Francis 1782-1830 continued the business
on his fathers death. Another son, Richard, also worked
as a clockmaker & postmaster in Wymondham from 1828-47.
A charming period one painted dial has Roman numerals
for the hours & Arabic minutes, a subsidiary seconds dial
above twin winding holes & semi circular date aperture
below. Original non matching steel hands. The arch decorated
with gilt scroll work centred by a floral spray. The spandrels
of typical Wilson design with gilt dot and dash borders
encompassing vermilion roses & cherries.
The 8 day plated movement with four turned & knopped pillars
is rack striking & sounds the hours on a bell.
Oak case work of nice grain & good colour has the typical
features one would expect from the Norfolk area. The single
dimension "whale tail" crest to the arched hood with distinctive
carved lozenge decoration below, corresponding arch topped
trunk door, simple mouldings uniting trunk to base & the
shorter than wide base with east/west timbers, are all
typical regional characteristics. Standing 7' tall on
a swept plinth with bracket feet.
Altogether a graceful Georgian longcase clock surviving
in lovely condition with made in Norfolk stamped all over
it!
Local delivery, setting up and 12 months guarantee on
the clock movement is included in the price of £5650.
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