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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Longcase clock

English mahogany longcase clock with ships automaton

Partially verified

This English mahogany longcase clock is dated circa 1780 and measures approximately 245 cm high. The source reports a 30.5-cm brass dial with an engraved silvered chapter ring, Roman numerals, pierced hands, rococo spandrels, recessed subsidiary seconds, a date aperture, and a signature plate inscribed for Wm Mason. The dial arch houses a painted ships automaton connected to the going train of an anchor movement featuring rack striking on a bell. The mahogany case is fitted with a break-arch moulded cornice surmounted by three brass finials, glazed hood door flanked by stop-fluted columns, a long break-arch trunk door, and a moulded panel base on a shaped plinth.

Full frontal view of the English mahogany longcase clock with ships automaton
Full frontal view of the English mahogany longcase clock with ships automaton — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Clock · Longcase clock
Maker / attribution
Wm Mason
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
244
Source-reported date
circa 1780
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 Construction

The mahogany longcase clock stands at an approximate height of 245 cm. The case features a break-arch moulded cornice and shaped cresting, surmounted by three brass finials.

The hood includes a glazed door flanked by stop-fluted columns, a design repeated on the trunk. The trunk features a long break-arch door, and the base is detailed with a moulded panel on a shaped plinth.

Evidence for this section
  • “245cm. high.”
  • “mahogany case with break arch moulded cornice and shaped cresting surmounted by three brass finials”
  • “glazed door flanked by stop fluted columns, similar columns to the trunk with long break arch door, base with moulded panel, raised on a shaped plinth”

Dial and Automaton

The 30.5 cm brass dial features an engraved silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals, foliate pierced hands, and a recessed subsidiary seconds dial. The signature plate is inscribed for W.m Mason.

The arch of the dial contains a painted ships automaton connected to the going train. It is noted that the rococo spandrels are replacements and the ships automaton is of a later date.

Evidence for this section
  • “30.5-cm brass dial, engraved silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals, foliate pierced hands and recessed subsidiary seconds”
  • “signature plate signed W.m Mason”
  • “apertures for date and the painted ships automaton in the arch with connection to the going train”
  • “replaced spandrels, ship's automaton of later date”

Movement and Condition

The clock utilizes an anchor movement with rack striking on a bell. The movement is reported as able to function but requires an overhaul due to significant accumulation of dirt.

The case is described as being in good condition with a rich color, though the brass finials are replacements and the brass inlay on the right trunk column is loosening. The dial is reported in good condition with a slight bend in the minute hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “anchor movement with rack striking on a bell”
  • “movement able to function but very dirty and in need of an overhaul”
  • “case in good condition of rich colour, replaced finials, brass inlay of right trunk column starting to get loose”
  • “dial in good condition, minute hand a little bend”

Open research questions

  • To what extent does the later addition of the ships automaton affect the original integrity of the going train?
  • Are there records of a clockmaker named 'W.m Mason' active circa 1780 to verify the signature plate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English mahogany longcase clock with ships automaton
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Height245 cm“245cm. high.”
Dial Diameter30.5 cm“30.5-cm brass dial”
Maker InscriptionWm Mason“signature plate signed W.m Mason”
Movement StrikingRack striking on a bell“anchor movement with rack striking on a bell”
AutomatonPainted ships automaton“painted ships automaton in the arch”
Included AccessoriesPendulum, two weights, two keys, a winder, and three finials“together with a pendulum, to weights, two keys, a winder and three finials”

Visible details

  • Break-arch hood surmounted by three brass finials and flanked by columns
  • Arched brass dial with a painted ships automaton scene in the upper arch
  • Long break-arch trunk door with figured mahogany veneer
  • Base section featuring a moulded rectangular panel over a shaped plinth

Research qualifications

  • Source condition report notes the ships automaton is of later date, spandrels are replaced, finials are replaced, and the minute hand is slightly bent
  • Movement interior, weights, and pendulum are not visible in the catalogue photograph

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

Consulted source

(#244) An English mahogany longcase clock with ships automaton circa 1780

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 7de21706eb

Terms in this record

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

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