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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tall case clock

James Barnsley English Tall Case Astronomical Clock

Partially verified

This English tall case clock dates to circa 1785 and is reported by the seller to be signed by James Barnsley. The clock is housed in a flame mahogany case constructed in the Chippendale style, measuring 96 inches high by 24 inches wide and 11 inches deep. The dial includes a silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals alongside astronomical indicators for moon phase, date, sunrise, sunset, and the sun's position above the horizon. According to source documentation, the movement is a two-train, five-pillar mechanism with six-spoke wheels, high-count pinions, a deadbeat escapement, and a worm gear drive operating the astronomical calendar.

Full frontal view of the James Barnsley Chippendale-style astronomical tall case clock
Full frontal view of the James Barnsley Chippendale-style astronomical tall case clock — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Clock · Tall case clock
Maker / attribution
James Barnsley
Reference
EMAR 206 P
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Circa 1785
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 Styling

The tall case clock measures 96 inches high by 24 inches wide and 11 inches deep, housed in a flame mahogany case documented as executed in the Chippendale style. Visible cabinetwork includes a carved pediment with scrolling finials and fretwork at the crest of the hood, as well as fluted and carved corner quarter-columns flanking the trunk and hood.

The central trunk is fitted with a door featuring a shaped Gothic-style pointed arch and bookmatched flame mahogany figure.

Evidence for this section
  • “flame mahogany case done in the Chippendale style”
  • “96″ high x 24″ Wide x 11″ deep”
  • “Carved pediment with scrolling finials and fretwork at the crest of the hood.”
  • “Fluted and carved corner quarter-columns flanking the trunk and hood.”
  • “Trunk door featuring a shaped Gothic-style pointed arch with bookmatched flame mahogany figure.”

Dial and Astronomical Indications

The visible arched dial features an upper moon phase aperture and secondary astronomical tracks set within a spandrel-decorated dial plate, alongside a silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals.

According to the source description, the dial system indicates the calendar date, moon phase, the times of sunrise and sunset throughout the year, and the position of the sun above the horizon.

Evidence for this section
  • “Arched dial featuring an upper moon phase aperture and secondary astronomical tracks set within a spandrel-decorated dial plate.”
  • “It boasts a beautiful silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals.”
  • “The dials indicate date, moon phase, time of sunrise and sunset throughout the year. Finally, it finishes with the position of the sun above the horizon.”

Reported Movement and Mechanism

According to seller documentation, the clock is signed by James Barnsley and dates to circa 1785. The movement is reported as a two-train, five-pillar mechanism with six-spoke wheels and high-count pinions.

The seller also notes that the movement features a deadbeat escapement and a worm gear drive operating the astronomical calendar. These internal mechanical details and signature markings are reported by the source and are not verified from the single external photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “The clock, signed by James Barnsley”
  • “Circa 1785”
  • “houses a 2 train 5 pillar movement, with 6 spoke wheels and high count pinions”
  • “features a deadbeat escapement and a worm gear drive to the astronomical calendar”

Open research questions

  • Where is the signature of James Barnsley placed on the dial or movement plates, and does it record an associated town or city?
  • Can physical examination of the movement corroborate the source's claims of a five-pillar build, six-spoke wheels, deadbeat escapement, and worm gear calendar drive?
  • What specific mechanical train drives the sunrise, sunset, and solar horizon indicators behind the dial plate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for James Barnsley English Tall Case Astronomical Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJames Barnsley“signed by James Barnsley”
Case MaterialFlame mahogany“flame mahogany case done in the Chippendale style”
Movement Specifications2 train 5 pillar movement“houses a 2 train 5 pillar movement, with 6 spoke wheels and high count pinions”
EscapementDeadbeat escapement“features a deadbeat escapement”
Drive SystemWorm gear drive“worm gear drive to the astronomical calendar”
Dimensions96″ high x 24″ Wide x 11″ deep“96″ high x 24″ Wide x 11″ deep”
Circa DateCirca 1785“Circa 1785”
Dial IndicationsDate, moon phase, time of sunrise and sunset, and position of the sun above the horizon“The dials indicate date, moon phase, time of sunrise and sunset throughout the year. Finally, it finishes with the position of the sun above the horizon.”

Visible details

  • Carved pediment with scrolling finials and fretwork at the crest of the hood.
  • Trunk door featuring a shaped Gothic-style pointed arch with bookmatched flame mahogany figure.
  • Arched dial featuring an upper moon phase aperture and secondary astronomical tracks set within a spandrel-decorated dial plate.
  • Fluted and carved corner quarter-columns flanking the trunk and hood.

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement, escapement, and astronomical drive gears are not visible in the supplied external photograph.
  • Maker signature and dial inscriptions cannot be clearly resolved at this image resolution.

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

Consulted source

English Tall Case Clock Rare Astronomical Model - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record da0a13febe

Terms in this record

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

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