Description
Henry Wilkes Rocking Swan Longcase Clock
This striking figured mahogany case is a classic example of a quality Bristol/Westcountry clock of its period. The short door case has a cast brass finial centred swan neck pediment, boxwood stringing, plus canted corners to trunk with “thumb” mouldings top and bottom and sits upon a simple strip plinth base.
The 13” breakarch Finnemore painted dial boasts a swimming swan automaton to the arch. Unusually the swan’s entire body is moving, giving the impression of swimming instead of the more commonly seen pecking motion. The painted “overblown rose” corner spandrels compliment the sad mouth date aperture, subsidiary seconds dial and punch decorated brass lozenge hands.
N.B The dial maker, Finnemore of Birmingham, is recorded 1815-1817 at Calthorpe Street and 4, Edmund Street 1815 – 1840.
The substantial movement is of 8-day duration and has 4 knopped pillars and an anchor escapement with seconds pendulum. It strikes every hour on a single bell using the rack and snail striking system.
Henry Wilkes of Wotton Under Edge is recorded – apprenticed 1793 to Richards Wasborough of Bristol, free 1812 working in Thornbury, just prior to making this clock.
