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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Longcase clock

John Bushman Quarter-striking Longcase Clock

Partially verified

This antique longcase clock, dating to circa 1725, is reported by the auction source as originating in London and signed on the maker's boss 'John Bushman/London'. The burl walnut veneered flat-top case measures 92 1/2 inches in height and features sound frets above the 13-inch brass composite dial. The dial displays a silvered Roman numeral chapter ring, seconds bit, recessed date dial, and an arch-mounted strike/silent subsidiary dial with cast spandrels. The movement is documented as an eight-day mechanism with six-ringed pillars, recoil escapement, rack-and-snail striking, and a six-bell quarter-strike stand.

Full frontal view of the John Bushman quarter-striking longcase clock
Full frontal view of the John Bushman quarter-striking longcase clock — Bonhams Skinner. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Clock · Longcase clock
Maker / attribution
John Bushman
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
417
Source-reported date
c. 1725
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 and Exterior Ornament

The clock is an upright longcase clock measuring 92 1/2 inches in height. According to the auction catalogue, it has a burl walnut veneered flat-top case featuring sound frets positioned above the dial. The rectangular waist door corresponds with the visual observation of an upright trunk, resting on a two-stage base molding.

Exterior decorative detailing reported by the source includes banded and herringbone inlays on the rectangular waist door, with matching treatment described on the case sides and base. Direct observation confirms visible banded figuring on the waist door and base.

Evidence for this section
  • “burl walnut veneered flat-top case with sound frets above the dial”
  • “rectangular waist door with banded and herringbone inlays and matching treatment on the case sides and base, all on a two-stage base molding, ht. 92 1/2 in.”
  • “Visible banded figuring on the waist door and base”

Dial Composition and Indications

The clock is fitted with an arched 13-inch brass composite dial. The maker's inscription is reported on the boss as 'John Bushman/London', complemented by cast brass spandrels and a strike/silent subsidiary dial situated in the arch.

The time display features a silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals and half- and quarter-hour markings. At the dial center, which the catalog states is matted, are a seconds bit and a recessed date dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “13-in. brass composite dial signed on the maker's boss, John Bushman/London”
  • “strike silent subsidiary dial in the arch and cast brass spandrels”
  • “silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with half- and quarter-hour markings, seconds bit and recessed date dial against a matted center”

Reported Movement and Striking Mechanism

Because internal mechanical components are not visible in the provided photograph, all technical details are drawn from the catalog description. The clock is reported to house an eight-day movement with six ringed pillars.

Striking and timekeeping features are cataloged as a recoil escapement and rack-and-snail striking. The chime mechanism is described as a six-bell quarter-strike stand mounted above a pin barrel.

Evidence for this section
  • “eight-day six-ringed, pillar movement”
  • “six-bell quarter-strike stand mounted above the pin barrel, rack and snail strike and recoil escapement”

Dating and Source Limitations

The listing catalogs the clock with an origin of London and an approximate date of circa 1725. The source provides no movement photos or historical provenance documentation to independently verify these catalog claims.

The auction house specifically notes that the absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is free from imperfections, wear, or aging, and states that condition opinions are not statements of fact.

Evidence for this section
  • “London, c. 1725”
  • “The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.”

Open research questions

  • Are the movement, six-bell quarter-strike stand, dial, and burl walnut case original to one another, or is there evidence of later marryings or alterations to the seatboard?
  • What is the condition of the movement's wheelwork, recoil escapement, and pin barrel given that no movement images are provided?
  • Are the original weights, pendulum, and winding key present with the clock?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for John Bushman Quarter-striking Longcase Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker's Boss InscriptionJohn Bushman/London“signed on the maker's boss, John Bushman/London”
Case Height92 1/2 in.“ht. 92 1/2 in.”
Dial Size13-in.“13-in. brass composite dial”
MovementEight-day six-ringed, pillar movement“eight-day six-ringed, pillar movement”
Strike TrainSix-bell quarter-strike stand“six-bell quarter-strike stand mounted above the pin barrel”
Waist Door InlayBanded and herringbone inlays“rectangular waist door with banded and herringbone inlays”
Base MoldingTwo-stage base molding“all on a two-stage base molding”
Escapement TypeRecoil escapement“rack and snail strike and recoil escapement”

Visible details

  • Full-length upright burl walnut longcase clock with arched hood and rectangular waist door
  • Arched brass composite dial featuring corner spandrels and an upper subsidiary dial
  • Visible banded figuring on the waist door and base

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement, bells, pendulum, and weights are not visible in the photograph
  • Technical movement attributes and date of circa 1725 rely on auction catalog description

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

Consulted source

John Bushman Quarter-striking Longcase Clock sold at auction on 1st November | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 2bfe5924ed

Terms in this record

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

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