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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Longcase clock

Justin Vulliamy Burl Walnut Grandfather Longcase Clock

Partially verified

This English longcase clock features a burl walnut case housing an eight-day time and strike movement, as reported by the auction house. The dial incorporates a silvered chapter ring signed Justin Vulliamy, London, and features shuttered winding holes. A square brass dial plate displays ornate cast corner spandrels, a subsidiary seconds ring, and a square date aperture. The auction description notes the clock measures 81 inches high by 17 inches wide and 9 1/2 inches deep, accompanied by its pendulum, weights, and key.

Hood and upper trunk view of the Justin Vulliamy burl walnut longcase clock
Hood and upper trunk view of the Justin Vulliamy burl walnut longcase clock — Converse Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Longcase clock
Maker / attribution
Justin Vulliamy
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
341
Source-reported date
c. 1730-1790
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

Visual observation of the clock reveals a square brass dial plate mounted with ornate cast corner spandrels, Roman hour numerals, and outer Arabic five-minute markings. A subsidiary seconds ring sits below the 12 o'clock numeral, and a calendar aperture is located above 6 o'clock. A silvered plaque above the calendar aperture is inscribed 'Justin Vulliamy London'.

The auction catalog describes an 'engraved and silvered dial' with 'opening and closing winding holes, a rare feature.' The listing associates the clock with the dates '(c. 1730-1790)', which align with the maker's working dates rather than a verified date of production for this object.

Evidence for this section
  • “Square brass dial face with ornate gilt corner spandrels, Roman hour numerals, and Arabic five-minute outer markings”
  • “Subsidiary seconds ring situated beneath 12 o'clock and a calendar aperture above 6 o'clock”
  • “Silvered signature plaque positioned above the calendar aperture inscribed 'Justin Vulliamy London'”
  • “The engraved and silvered dial features opening and closing winding holes, a rare feature.”
  • “(c. 1730-1790)”

Case Construction and Accompanying Material

The auction listing records case dimensions of 17" X 9 1/2" X 81". Visual observation shows burl walnut veneer on the upper section of the trunk door and surrounding case, with the hood flanked by cylindrical columns with metal capitals and bases under a cornice with an inlaid frieze.

The lot includes loose clock parts, loose wood components, and provenance documentation. The description notes that 'Pendulum, key and weights are present', that the clock 'Includes appraisal and bill of sale form John Wannamakers from 1957', and that 'Included is a box with extra woods bits, including molding and veneer.'

Evidence for this section
  • “17" X 9 1/2" X 81"”
  • “Burl walnut veneer visible across the upper section of the trunk door and surrounding case”
  • “Hood flanked by cylindrical columns with metal capitals and bases, under a cornice with an inlaid frieze”
  • “Pendulum, key and weights are present. Includes appraisal and bill of sale form John Wannamakers from 1957.”
  • “Included is a box with extra woods bits, including molding and veneer.”

Reported Movement and Auction Disclaimers

The auction catalog states that the clock 'Features 8 day time and strike movement.' However, the movement is not visible in the provided photograph, and internal mechanical specifications or signatures are not described in the listing.

Mechanical function and authenticity are explicitly disclaimed by the auctioneer. The catalog states that 'We do not test clocks and watches an will not guarantee their function' and notes that 'Converse does not authenticate or guarantee authenticity.'

Evidence for this section
  • “Features 8 day time and strike movement.”
  • “We do not test clocks and watches an will not guarantee their function.”
  • “Converse does not authenticate or guarantee authenticity.”

Open research questions

  • Does inspection of the internal movement confirm an 8-day time and strike train, and does the movement plate carry a signature or serial number matching Justin Vulliamy?
  • How does the movement mechanism operate the opening and closing shutters on the winding holes?
  • What specific provenance or appraisal details are recorded in the 1957 John Wanamakers bill of sale and appraisal documentation?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Justin Vulliamy Burl Walnut Grandfather Longcase Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker attributionJustin Vulliamy, London“signed Justin Vulliamy, London”
Maker dates citedc. 1730-1790“(c. 1730-1790)”
Movement description8 day time and strike movement“Features 8 day time and strike movement.”
Winding aperture featureOpening and closing winding holes“opening and closing winding holes, a rare feature.”
Dimensions17" X 9 1/2" X 81"“17" X 9 1/2" X 81"”
Documented documentationAppraisal and bill of sale from John Wanamakers dated 1957“Includes appraisal and bill of sale form John Wannamakers from 1957.”
Accompanying repair materialsBox with extra wood pieces, molding, and veneer“Included is a box with extra woods bits, including molding and veneer.”
Accompanying accessoriesPendulum, key, and weights present“Pendulum, key and weights are present.”

Visible details

  • Square brass dial face with ornate gilt corner spandrels, Roman hour numerals, and Arabic five-minute outer markings
  • Subsidiary seconds ring situated beneath 12 o'clock and a calendar aperture above 6 o'clock
  • Silvered signature plaque positioned above the calendar aperture inscribed 'Justin Vulliamy London'
  • Hood flanked by cylindrical columns with metal capitals and bases, under a cornice with an inlaid frieze
  • Burl walnut veneer visible across the upper section of the trunk door and surrounding case

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement is not visible in the supplied photograph
  • Auctioneer explicitly disclaims testing or guarantee of mechanical function and authenticity
  • The dates 'c. 1730-1790' cited in the source denote the maker's working dates rather than a precise object manufacture date

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: JUSTIN VULLIAMY BURL WALNUT GRANDFATHER LONGCASE CLOCK

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record d1c72ce661

Terms in this record

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

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