Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Longcase clock

Marquetry Longcase Clock by Richard Baker

Partially verified

This longcase clock, attributed to London-based maker Richard Baker, dates to approximately 1690. The timepiece features an eight-day movement with an anchor escapement and five knopped pillars, with count-wheel striking positioned on the outside of the back plate. The clock is housed in a walnut veneer case decorated with bird and flower marquetry inlay, featuring barley twist columns on the hood and a glazed pendulum lenticle on the trunk door. The square 10 1/4-inch brass dial incorporates a matted center with an engraved English Rose, a date aperture, and a seconds subsidiary dial. The maker's signature, "Richard Baker Londini," is engraved beneath the silvered chapter ring. The total height of the clock is 79 1/2 inches (202 cm).

Front view of the Richard Baker longcase clock showing the hood, dial, and trunk decoration.
Front view of the Richard Baker longcase clock showing the hood, dial, and trunk decoration. — Dorset Antique Clocks. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.dorsetantiqueclocks.co.uk
Category
Clock · Longcase clock
Maker / attribution
Richard Baker
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1690
Source-reported place
London

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 Marquetry

The external surfaces of the trunk and base display a recurring motif of birds and flowers.

The hood is constructed with barley twist columns and topped with a decorative pediment. The trunk door features a centrally placed circular lenticle, which provides a view of the pendulum bob within the case. The overall dimensions of the piece reach a height of approximately 202 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “The walnut veneer case features bird and flower marquetry of the highest quality”
  • “barley twist columns to the hood and lenticle to the trunk door.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The clock features a square brass dial measuring 10 1/4 inches. The layout includes a silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals and a seconds subsidiary dial located beneath the twelve o'clock position. The center of the dial is finely matted and decorated with an engraved English Rose motif, complemented by a date aperture.

The movement is an eight-day mechanism utilizing five knopped pillars and an anchor escapement. The striking train is governed by a count wheel, which is mounted on the outside of the back plate for access and identification.

Evidence for this section
  • “A good quality 10 ¼” square brass dial with count wheel striking movement (on the outside of the back plate) and 5 knopped pillars with anchor escapement.”
  • “The dial with finely matted centre, an English Rose engraving to the very centre and date aperture below, seconds subsidiary dial below XII”

Maker and Attribution

The clock is signed by Richard Baker, a London clockmaker documented as achieving his freedom within the Clockmakers' Company in 1685.

The attribution to Richard Baker is supported by the signature "Richard Baker Londini" found engraved on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “He gained his Freedom of the Clockmakers` Company by redemption by order of the Lord Mayor in 1685.”

Open research questions

  • Can the movement number or specific workshop marks confirm the date of production within the late 17th century?
  • What is the full extent of the restoration performed on the marquetry inlay during the piece's lifetime?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Marquetry Longcase Clock by Richard Baker
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRichard Baker“Richard Baker of London”
Datecirca 1690“CIRCA. 1690”
Movement duration8-day“8-day longcase clock”
EscapementAnchor“anchor escapement”
Dial size10 1/4 inches“10 ¼” square brass dial”
Height79 1/2 inches (202 cm)“Height: 79 ½” or 202cm”
Movement configuration5 knopped pillars“5 knopped pillars”

Visible details

  • Barley twist columns to the hood
  • Bird and flower marquetry on the trunk and base
  • Seconds subsidiary dial positioned below the XII marker
  • Glazed lenticle on the trunk door

Research qualifications

  • Condition of the internal movement is not detailed beyond the general description of its configuration
  • The exact extent of restoration work is subject to future assessment by a specialist

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

Consulted source

A VERY FINE MARQUETRY LONGCASE CLOCK – RICHARD BAKER – LONDON

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ff75e5d7d2

Terms in this record

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

Other longcase clock records