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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Longcase clock

Benjamin Gray and Justin Vulliamy George II figured walnut longcase clock

Partially verified

This George II longcase clock is signed on an oval dial plate by Benjamin Gray and Justin Vulliamy, London. Encased in figured walnut, the clock stands 225 cm tall and features a caddy top hood mounted with two brass ball finials and flanking columns. The 12-inch brass dial includes a silvered seconds ring, date aperture, urn spandrels, and a strike/silent lever at the IX position. According to the auction catalogue, it is powered by an eight-day, five-pillar movement set on an old oak seatboard with brass-capped weights.

Full frontal view of the George II figured walnut longcase clock
Full frontal view of the George II figured walnut longcase clock — Cheffins. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Clock · Longcase clock
Maker / attribution
Benjamin Gray and Justin Vulliamy
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0774
Source-reported date
George II
Country
United Kingdom

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Architecture and Construction

The figured walnut longcase clock stands 225 cm high. The hood features a caddy top surmounted by two ball finials, with flanking columns visible beside the dial opening in frontal view.

The rectangular trunk door is positioned above a banded plinth base, with figured wood grain noticeable on the exterior case surfaces. The auction listing records that the lot includes an early loose extra plinth section.

Evidence for this section
  • “figured walnut longcase clock”
  • “the hood with caddy top and two ball finials”
  • “the rectangular trunk door above banded plinth base, 225cm high”
  • “Square brass dial framed by corner spandrels and side columns on the hood.”
  • “with early loose extra plinth section”

Dial and Inscription

The square brass dial measures 12 inches (30.5 cm) across and features corner urn spandrels. The maker signature is displayed on an oval plate inscribed 'Benj. Gray / Just Vulliamy, London'.

Additional dial indications include a silvered seconds ring, a date aperture, and a strike/silent lever situated at the IX numeral position.

Evidence for this section
  • “having 12inch (30.5cm) brass dial, signed to an oval plate 'Benj. Gray / Just Vulliamy, London'”
  • “with silvered seconds ring, date aperture, urn spandrels, disconnected strike/silent lever at IX”

Movement and Reported Condition

According to the auction description, the clock is fitted with an 8-day, 5-pillar movement resting on an old oak seatboard and operating with brass-capped weights. These internal components are not visible in the provided exterior photograph, and their running order is not verified.

Disclosed condition issues include a disconnected strike/silent lever at IX, replaced hood guide rails, a slightly warped trunk door, and unspecified repairs and restorations noted by the cataloguer.

Evidence for this section
  • “the 8 day 5 pillar movement with old oak seatboard and brass capped weights”
  • “disconnected strike/silent lever at IX”
  • “replaced hood guide rails; some repairs and restorations (see photos), trunk door slightly warped”

Open research questions

  • What mechanical linkage is missing or broken that leaves the strike/silent lever at IX disconnected?
  • Does the early loose extra plinth section match the veneer and moulding profile of the existing banded base?
  • Does inspection of the oak seatboard show original movement mounting holes or evidence of adaptation?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Benjamin Gray and Justin Vulliamy George II figured walnut longcase clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureBenj. Gray / Just Vulliamy, London“signed to an oval plate 'Benj. Gray / Just Vulliamy, London'”
Dial Size12 inches (30.5 cm)“having 12inch (30.5cm) brass dial”
Movement8-day, 5-pillar movement“the 8 day 5 pillar movement with old oak seatboard and brass capped weights”
Height225 cm“225cm high”
Case MaterialFigured walnut“figured walnut longcase clock”
Literature ReferenceCompared to Tom Robinson, The Longcase Clock (1989 reprint), p. 276, fig. 9/114“see Robinson (Tom), The Longcase Clock, reprint edition 1989, p. 276, figure 9/114 for a very similar clock by the same makers”
Spandrel DesignUrn spandrels“urn spandrels”

Visible details

  • Full-length standing longcase clock with caddy top and two metal ball finials.
  • Square brass dial framed by corner spandrels and side columns on the hood.
  • Trunk door and lower plinth base show prominent figured walnut wood grain.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement, seatboard, and weights are not visible in the exterior photograph.
  • Catalogue notes repairs, restorations, replaced hood guide rails, a slightly warped trunk door, and a disconnected strike/silent lever.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Benjamin Gray And Justin Vulliamy, A George Ii Figured - Jun 20, 2013 | Cheffins In United Kingdom

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e2051fb901

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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