Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Longcase clock

George III Longcase Clock

Partially verified

This George III longcase clock dates to circa 1770 and is signed by Joseph Wood of Scarborough on the dial. The clock features a tall case finished in scarlet red and gilt japanning, decorated with raised, polychrome Chinoiserie scenes including pagodas, pavilions, exotic birds, and figures in traditional dress. The hood has a break-arch top, giltwood finials, and supporting pillars. It houses a 12-inch arched brass dial with cast corner spandrels, a matted center, a date aperture, a secondary seconds dial, and Roman and Arabic numeral tracks. The clock is powered by an 8-day, weight-driven movement that strikes on a bell. The object is accompanied by its original cast iron weights, pendulum, and winding key. According to the auction description, the movement has been cleaned, oiled, and serviced, and the clock is fully functional, exhibiting age-related surface wear and a rich patina across the japanned finish.

The arched brass dial signed 'Joseph Wood Scarborough' featuring a moon phase display and matted center.
The arched brass dial signed 'Joseph Wood Scarborough' featuring a moon phase display and matted center. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
Category
Clock · Longcase clock
Maker / attribution
Joseph Wood
Reference
JN141
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
c.1770
Source-reported place
Britain

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

Dial and Timekeeping

The clock features a 12-inch brass dial with an arched top, set behind a hood that includes giltwood finials and pillars. The dial displays a matted center, which accommodates a date aperture and a secondary seconds dial. The time is marked by Roman and Arabic numerals.

A moon phase display is positioned within the arch of the dial, centered above the chapter ring. The dial is signed by the maker, Joseph Wood, with his location noted as Scarborough. The movement is an 8-day, weight-driven mechanism, which the auction description reports has been cleaned and oiled.

Evidence for this section
  • “12-inch arched brass dial”
  • “intricately cast corner spandrels, a matted center, a date aperture, a secondary seconds dial, and Roman and Arabic numeral tracks”
  • “8-day weight-driven movement”

Case and Decoration

The longcase is finished in a deep scarlet red varnish applied over the structure. This finish is embellished with raised, gilded, and polychrome Chinoiserie designs. The decoration covers the trunk door and base panel, depicting scenes of pagodas, pavilions, exotic birds, and figures dressed in traditional styles.

The condition report notes that the case exhibits honest age-related crazing and minor surface wear commensurate with its age. The scarlet and gilded elements retain a visible level of vibrancy, contributing to the overall appearance of the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “scarlet red and gilt japanned finish”
  • “The entire surface is beautifully hand-decorated with raised, gilded, and polychrome Chinoiserie scenes”
  • “Intricate portrayals of pagodas, multi-tiered pavilions, exotic birds, and figures in traditional dress”
  • “The scarlet base and gilded Chinoiserie details have survived with beautiful vibrancy, showing a rich patina, honest age crazing, and minor historic surface wear”

Condition and Functionality

The auction description reports that the clock's 8-day movement is currently fully functional and capable of keeping time. It is designed to strike the hour using a bell. The object is sold with its original cast iron weights, pendulum, and winding key.

Regarding the condition of the exterior, the case is reported to be in excellent condition for an antique red lacquer piece. The auction house notes that the clock has undergone professional cleaning and servicing as part of its recent maintenance.

Evidence for this section
  • “The 8-day movement has been professionally cleaned, oiled, and serviced.”
  • “It is fully functional, keeping excellent time and striking cleanly on the hour.”
  • “Case: Excellent antique condition for a rare red lacquer piece.”

Open research questions

  • What is the documentary evidence for the clockmaker Joseph Wood of Scarborough and his production timeline?
  • Does the moon phase dial mechanism exhibit signs of later adaptation or modification?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for George III Longcase Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datec.1770“c.1770”
Movement8-day, weight-driven“high-grade, 8-day weight-driven movement”
Dial size12-inch“12-inch arched brass dial”
Dimensions214cm x 43cm x 27cm“Height: 214cm Width: 43 cm Depth: 27 cm”
FinishScarlet red japanned and gilt“scarlet red and gilt japanned finish”
FunctionStriking on a bell“striking the hour on a crisp, resonant bell.”
Included componentsWeights, pendulum, and key“Original cast iron weights, pendulum, and winding key.”

Visible details

  • Arched dial with a moon phase indicator above the main chapter ring
  • Engraved signature on the dial reading 'Joseph Wood' and 'Scarborough'
  • Decorative japanned finish displaying scenes of birds, pagodas, and figures
  • Matted brass dial center with secondary seconds dial and date aperture

Research qualifications

  • The extent of restoration or repainting to the original japanned surface is not specified
  • The auction house provides no evidence confirming the original association of the movement to the case

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

Consulted source

Exceedingly Rare Antique George III Scarlet Red Japanned & Chinoiserie Longcase Clock, c.1770

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 574e54587d

Terms in this record

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

Other longcase clock records