Movement · Clock movement

George II thirty-hour longcase clock movement with nine-inch dial by Gabriel Smith

Partially verified

This George II period thirty-hour longcase clock movement features a square brass dial measuring nine inches across. The dial is signed 'Gab Smith, Namptwich' to the lower margin, attributed to maker Gabriel Smith of Nantwich circa 1730. It features an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring, elaborate foliate half-hour markers, scallop shell and foliate scroll cast spandrels, and a single pierced blued steel hand set against a matted brass centre. According to the auctioneer, the countwheel bell-striking movement measures 4.5 by 3 inches, has four finned pillars and an anchor escapement, and is attached via horizontal iron straps.

Square brass dial of a thirty-hour movement signed Gab Smith, Namptwich — Dreweatts. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: auctions.dreweatts.com
Category: Movement · Clock movement
Form: Thirty-hour longcase clock movement
Maker / attribution: Gabriel Smith
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: 150
Source-reported date: circa 1730
Source-reported place: 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

Attribution and Origin

The movement is attributed to Gabriel Smith, a maker associated with Nantwich, United Kingdom, and dated to circa 1730.

The dial features an engraved signature on the lower margin reading 'Gab Smith, Namptwich'.

Evidence for this section

“Gabriel Smith, Nantwich, circa 1730”
“signed Gab Smith, Namptwich to lower margin”

Dial and Visual Features

The clock includes a nine-inch square brass dial with a matted brass center. It is fitted with a single pierced blued steel hand.

The silvered chapter ring displays Roman numerals and foliate half-hour markers. The dial corners feature cast spandrels with scallop shell and foliate scroll motifs.

Evidence for this section

“the 9 inch square brass dial”
“pierced blued steel hand to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with elaborate foliate half hour markers”
“the angles applied with unusual scallop shell and foliate scroll cast spandrels”

Movement and Mounting

The countwheel bell-striking movement incorporates four finned pillars and an anchor escapement. The plates are noted as measuring 4.5 by 3 inches.

The movement is mounted to the dial via horizontal iron straps applied to the rear of the plate.

Evidence for this section

“The single handed countwheel bell striking movement with four finned pillars, anchor escapement and plates measuring just 4.5 by 3 inches”
“it did require him to attach it to the dial via horizontal iron straps applied to the rear of the plate”

Open research questions

What is the historical basis for the attribution of this movement to the Gabriel Smith who lived 1656–1743?
Are there other documented examples of movements of this specific plate size (4.5 by 3 inches) by this maker?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for George II thirty-hour longcase clock movement with nine-inch dial by Gabriel Smith
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker and Location	Gabriel Smith, Nantwich	“Gabriel Smith, Nantwich, circa 1730”
Dial Signature	Gab Smith, Namptwich	“signed Gab Smith, Namptwich to lower margin”
Dial Size	9 inch square	“the 9 inch square brass dial”
Movement Plate Dimensions	4.5 by 3 inches	“plates measuring just 4.5 by 3 inches”
Escapement and Striking	Anchor escapement, countwheel bell striking	“The single handed countwheel bell striking movement with four finned pillars, anchor escapement”
Mounting Method	Horizontal iron straps	“horizontal iron straps applied to the rear of the plate”
Inclusions	Movement and dial only	“no pendulum or weight”

Visible details

Square brass dial plate with four corner spandrels cast with scallop shell and foliate scroll motifs.
Silvered chapter ring with black Roman numerals and elaborate foliate half-hour markers.
Single pierced blued steel hand mounted over a circular matted brass dial centre.
Engraved signature reading 'Gab Smith, Namptwich' along the lower edge of the chapter ring.