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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Longcase clock

Mahogany Longcase Clock by Jn° Hindley, Swinton

Partially verified

This longcase clock is constructed within a mahogany case featuring satinwood stringing and sections of flame mahogany veneer. Standing at 214 cm tall, the clock incorporates a lockable case and a square hood topped with a swan neck pediment. The movement is an 8-day, bell-striking mechanism regulated by an anchor escapement. The painted dial displays a white ground decorated with floral motifs and birds, featuring Roman numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial, and a calendar aperture. The maker is identified by the inscription "Jn° Hindley Swinton" on the dial face. According to the source, the clock is in working order and exhibits an aged patina throughout the woodwork. The clock measures 214 cm in height, 52 cm in width, and 24 cm in depth, and is attributed to a circa 1830 manufacture date.

Full view of the mahogany longcase clock with painted dial and swan neck pediment.
Full view of the mahogany longcase clock with painted dial and swan neck pediment. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
Category
Clock · Longcase clock
Maker / attribution
Jn° Hindley
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1830
Source-reported place
England
Source-reported serial
2288

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 Aesthetics

The exterior surfaces display flame mahogany veneers on the trunk and base panels, contributing to the visual texture of the housing. The case is equipped with a lockable door for security and access to the interior.

The upper portion of the clock is defined by a square hood, which is crowned by a swan neck pediment. This architectural feature sits atop the clock, framing the dial. The overall finish is reported to have an aged patina, consistent with its indicated age.

Evidence for this section
  • “housed in a mahogany case with satinwood stringing which has a wonderful aged Patina”
  • “The clock has a square hood with swan neck pediment.”
  • “Incredible solid mahogany case with flame mahogany veneer in places”

Dial and Indication

The dial is a painted surface featuring floral and bird ornamentation in the corners, surrounding a chapter ring of Roman numerals. Central to the dial are two ornamental hands, accompanied by a subsidiary seconds dial and a calendar display positioned near the center.

The dial bears the signature "Jn° Hindley" followed by the location "Swinton" painted directly onto the white surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is painted with floral and bird decoration with roman numerals, subsidiary seconds dial, with calendar display.”
  • “The hands are fantastic, lovely and ornate style typical of the period.”

Movement and Mechanism

The clock utilizes an 8-day movement, which requires periodic winding to maintain operation. It features an anchor escapement for regulation and is designed to strike the hour on an internal bell.

The auction description confirms that the mechanism is currently in working order. The functional components are concealed within the trunk, protected by the lockable mahogany door.

Evidence for this section
  • “8-Day movement”
  • “Bell striking”
  • “Anchor escapement”
  • “Working order”

Open research questions

  • Does the maker Jn° Hindley of Swinton correspond to any documented historical clockmaking records from the early 19th century?
  • Was the movement original to the case at the time of manufacture, or were they married at a later date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Mahogany Longcase Clock by Jn° Hindley, Swinton
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
LocationSwinton“Swinton”
Datecirca 1830“circa 1830”
Case MaterialMahogany and satinwood“housed in a mahogany case with satinwood stringing”
Movement8-Day“8-Day movement”
EscapementAnchor escapement“Anchor escapement”
Dimensions214cm x 52cm x 24cm“Measures 214cm high by 52cm wide & 24cm”

Visible details

  • The dial features ornate hands and a secondary seconds indicator
  • The trunk door features a central panel with flame mahogany veneer
  • The dial has painted floral and avian corner decorations
  • The hood has a glazed door and a swan-neck top section

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance and full history of the clock movement are not documented
  • The extent of later restorations or repairs to the dial paintwork is not specified

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

Consulted source

Fantastic Antique English “Swinton” Mahogany case Long Case clock – ca 1830

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 06d1f641c4

Terms in this record

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

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