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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Longcase clock

Thomas Budgen Mahogany Longcase Clock

Partially verified

This English longcase clock by Thomas Budgen of Croydon dates to circa 1760. Constructed from mahogany, the case features a scrolled fret-top hood surmounted by three brass orb finials and canted corner columns, over a full-length arch-top waist door and step-molded base. The composite brass dial incorporates a silvered Roman numeral chapter ring, cast spandrels, a seconds bit, a calendar aperture, and a strike/silent mechanism located in the arch. Measuring 85 inches in height, the clock houses an eight-day time and hour strike movement regulated by a strap iron pendulum.

Front full-length view of the Thomas Budgen mahogany longcase clock
Front full-length view of the Thomas Budgen mahogany longcase clock — Bonhams Skinner. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Clock · Longcase clock
Maker / attribution
Thomas Budgen
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
251
Source-reported date
c. 1760
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 Form

This longcase clock features a mahogany case standing 85 inches in height. Architectural details include a scrolled fret-top hood accented by three brass orb finials and canted corner columns. The design incorporates a full-length arch-top waist door, a beaded faux panel in the base, and rests on a step-molded base.

The auction house reports the case has been refinished.

Evidence for this section
  • “ht. 85 in.”
  • “scrolled fret-top hood with three brass orb finials, and canted corner columns”
  • “full-length arch-top waist door, beaded faux panel in the base, all resting on a step molded base”
  • “refinished case”

Dial and Ornamentation

The clock utilizes a composite brass dial. Features include a silvered Roman numeral chapter ring, a seconds bit, a calendar aperture, and an auxiliary strike/silent indication ring located in the arch. The corners are decorated with cast brass spandrels.

The dial is signed 'Budgen Croyden'.

Evidence for this section
  • “composite brass dial with strike/silent in the arch, cast brass spandrels, silvered roman numeral chapter ring, seconds bit, calendar aperture, and signed Budgen Croyden”

Mechanism and Components

The movement is described as an eight-day, time and hour strike mechanism, regulated by a strap iron pendulum.

The auction house indicates that the clock is lacking one weight pulley, two weights, and a winding key. A door key is included.

Evidence for this section
  • “eight-day time and hour strike movement, regulated by a strap iron pendulum”
  • “lacking one weight pulley, and two weights. Door key but no winding key”

Open research questions

  • What is the mechanical integrity of the eight-day movement given the recorded absence of essential weights and a pulley?
  • Does the current mahogany veneer show evidence of construction alterations potentially associated with the noted refinishing process?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thomas Budgen Mahogany Longcase Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
OriginCroydon, England“Croydon, England”
Approximate Datec. 1760“c. 1760”
Height85 in.“ht. 85 in.”
Movement Duration and StrikeEight-day time and hour strike“eight-day time and hour strike movement”
RegulationStrap iron pendulum“regulated by a strap iron pendulum”
Dial SignatureBudgen Croyden“signed Budgen Croyden”

Visible details

  • Full-height mahogany case with an arched hood topped by three brass orb finials.
  • Arched dial with an auxiliary strike/silent indication ring set in the arch above the primary chapter ring.
  • Brass spandrel ornamentation visible in the four corners surrounding the main chapter ring.
  • Full-length arched trunk door set flush above a molded rectangular plinth.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior pendulum/weights are not visible in the photograph.
  • Reported by the auction house as lacking one weight pulley and two weights, with a refinished case.

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

Consulted source

Thomas Budgen Mahogany Longcase Clock sold at auction on 28th April | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record d697c41563

Terms in this record

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

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