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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Longcase clock

Thomas Hall Mahogany Longcase Clock with Moonphase

Partially verified

This longcase clock is attributed to Thomas Hall of Romsey, Hampshire, and dates to circa 1765. The clock features an eight-day movement that strikes the hours on a bell. The brass dial measures 12 inches and incorporates a silvered chapter ring, gilded spandrels, and a moonphase display with a painted and silvered disc. The clock is housed in a solid mahogany case, which stands at a height of 210 cm (82 1/2 inches). The case design includes a long trunk door, dentil moulding, and a blind fret situated on the break-arched hood. The hood door is flanked by attached reeded pillars. The clock's provenance is listed as a private collection in the United Kingdom.

Front view of the mahogany longcase clock showing the hood with blind fretwork, the brass dial with moonphase, and the trunk door.
Front view of the mahogany longcase clock showing the hood with blind fretwork, the brass dial with moonphase, and the trunk door. — Dorset Antique Clocks. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.dorsetantiqueclocks.co.uk
Category
Clock · Longcase clock
Maker / attribution
Thomas Hall
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1765
Source-reported place
England

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 Timekeeping Functions

The clock features a 12-inch brass dial, which serves as the primary interface for its eight-day movement. The dial is equipped with a silvered chapter ring and ornate, gilded spandrels located in the corners. Centrally positioned, the clock includes a subsidiary seconds dial.

In the arch above the main dial, a moonphase mechanism is integrated, featuring a hand-painted and silvered moon disc against a star-filled sky.

Evidence for this section
  • “8 day movement, striking the hours on a bell, 12” chapter ring and spandrels’ dial with painted and silvered moon disc.”

Case Construction

The housing for the clock is constructed from solid mahogany. The design includes a long trunk door that occupies the majority of the clock's height. The upper section, or hood, is built with a break-arched profile and is adorned with dentil moulding and a decorative blind fret.

The hood door is further detailed with attached reeded pillars, which frame the dial. The total height of the piece is 210 cm, maintaining a profile described in the listing as small and aesthetic.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case is of solid mahogany, with a long trunk door and featuring dentil moulding and a blind fret to the break-arched hood and attached reeded pillars to the hood door.”

Provenance and Documentation

The object is recorded as having been held in a private collection within the United Kingdom prior to being offered for sale. The auction description reports the clock's date of origin as circa 1765.

The documentation provided by the seller identifies the maker as Thomas Hall, who was based in Romsey, Hampshire.

Evidence for this section
  • “Provenance: Private collection – U.K.”
  • “CIRCA. 1765”
  • “A small, pretty, brass dial moonphase longcase clock by Thomas Hall of Rumsey (Romsey, Hampshire).”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific archival evidence for a clockmaker named Thomas Hall working in Romsey during the mid-18th century?
  • Are there recorded modifications to the dial or movement that typically accompany a clock of this age?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thomas Hall Mahogany Longcase Clock with Moonphase
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThomas Hall of Rumsey (Romsey, Hampshire)“Thomas Hall of Rumsey (Romsey, Hampshire)”
Movement type8 day movement“8 day movement”
Striking mechanismstrikes the hours on a bell“striking the hours on a bell”
Case materialsolid mahogany“The case is of solid mahogany”
Dial size12 inch“12” chapter ring”
Height82 1/2 inches or 210 cm“Height: 82 ½” or 210cm”
Datecirca 1765“CIRCA. 1765”
ProvenancePrivate collection, UK“Provenance: Private collection – U.K.”

Visible details

  • Painted and silvered moon disc in the arch of the dial
  • Gilded foliate spandrels in the four corners of the dial
  • Blind fretwork detailing on the break-arched hood
  • Attached reeded pillars on the hood door

Research qualifications

  • The exact date of manufacture is stated as an approximation ('CIRCA. 1765')
  • The attribution to Thomas Hall of Romsey is reported by the seller's description

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

Consulted source

THOMAS HALL – ROMSEY – MAHOGANY LONGCASE CLOCK WITH MOONPHASE

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 4a73a8608c

Terms in this record

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

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