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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Tavern clock

John Tickell lacquered chinoiserie tavern clock

Partially verified

This early 18th-century English tavern clock is signed to the dial centre by John Tickell of Crediton. The case is finished in black and gilt chinoiserie lacquer, comprising an octagonal moulded dial surround measuring 34 inches across, a tapering trunk, and a bombé-shaped base fitted with a circular lenticle. The dial features Roman hour numerals and Arabic five-minute outer markers with brass hands. According to the auctioneer, the clock houses a substantial eight-day weight-driven movement equipped with four finned knopped pillars and an anchor escapement.

Full front view of the John Tickell octagonal chinoiserie tavern clock
Full front view of the John Tickell octagonal chinoiserie tavern clock — Hutchinson Scott. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.the-saleroom.com
Category
Clock · Tavern clock
Maker / attribution
John Tickell
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
55
Source-reported date
early 18th century
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

Dial and Inscription

The clock features a 34-inch octagonal dial with a moulded edge. The dial includes a chapter ring with Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic markers for five-minute intervals.

The center of the dial is signed with the name 'JOHN TICKELL' and the location 'CREDITON'. The dial is fitted with brass hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “The 34" octagonal dial with moulded edge enclosing a chapter ring with Roman numerals and 5-minute outer markers, signed to the centre and fitted with brass hands”
  • “JOHN TICKELL, CREDITON.”

Case Construction

The case comprises a tapering trunk and a bombé-shaped base equipped with a fitted lenticle. The exterior is described as a lacquered chinoiserie finish.

The total height of the clock is recorded as 165 cm and the width as 86 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “the tapering trunk with a bombe' shaped base and fitted lenticle.”
  • “165cm high, 86cm wide.”

Movement

The clock is reported to house an eight-day weight-driven movement. The auction description specifies the inclusion of four finned knopped pillars and an anchor escapement.

These technical details are attributed to the auctioneer's catalogue description.

Evidence for this section
  • “substantial eight-day weight-driven movement with four finned knopped pillars and anchor escapement.”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical basis for the 'early 18th century' attribution provided by the auctioneer?
  • Are there verified records of a clockmaker named John Tickell operating in Crediton during the early 1700s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for John Tickell lacquered chinoiserie tavern clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and LocationJohn Tickell, Crediton“JOHN TICKELL, CREDITON.”
Dial Size34 inches“The 34" octagonal dial with moulded edge”
Overall Dimensions165 cm high, 86 cm wide“165cm high, 86cm wide.”
Movement SpecificationEight-day weight-driven movement with four finned knopped pillars and anchor escapement“substantial eight-day weight-driven movement with four finned knopped pillars and anchor escapement.”
Case DesignTapering trunk with bombé-shaped base and lenticle“the tapering trunk with a bombe' shaped base and fitted lenticle.”
MakerJohn Tickell“JOHN TICKELL”
LocationCrediton“CREDITON”
Dimensions165cm high, 86cm wide“165cm high, 86cm wide.”

Visible details

  • Large octagonal black dial with gilded Roman hour numerals and Arabic five-minute outer numerals.
  • Dial centre inscribed in gilt lettering 'John Tickell' above and 'CREDITON' below the hand arbor.
  • Brass hands including a pierced spade-pattern hour hand.
  • Tapering trunk door decorated with a gilt chinoiserie architectural scene with figures.
  • Lower bombé section features a circular glass lenticle bordered by gilt floral, bird, and figure motifs.

Research qualifications

  • Movement details, pillar construction, and escapement type are reported by the source and not visible in the photograph.
  • Lacquered surfaces show minor craquelure and surface wear consistent with age.

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

Consulted source

JOHN TICKELL, CREDITON. A RARE EARLY 18TH CENTURY LACQUERED CHINOISERIE TAVERN CLOCK OF LARGE SIZ

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 56cf4e267f

Terms in this record

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

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