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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Longcase clock

Thomson Mahogany Longcase Clock

Partially verified

This antique longcase clock features a wooden case attributed by the seller as mahogany, surmounted by three finials and flanked by spiral-twisted columns on the hood. The arched, hand-painted dial displays Roman hour numerals and includes subsidiary indications for seconds and a curved date aperture. Signed 'Thomson London' below the center arbor, the dial is decorated with landscape and architectural vignettes across the arch and spandrels. The seller notes that the movement is powered by two weights wound by a key, with overall case dimensions reported as approximately 2.10 meters high, 40 centimeters wide, and 35 centimeters deep.

Hood and painted dial of the Thomson longcase clock
Hood and painted dial of the Thomson longcase clock — Catawiki. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.catawiki.com
Category
Clock · Longcase clock
Maker / attribution
Thomson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
106824547
Source-reported date
1800-1850
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 Architecture and Visible Presentation

Visual observation of the upper case reveals a hood surmounted by three turned finials and flanked by barley-twist columns on the door frame. The auction listing describes the material as mahogany and dates the piece to 1800–1850.

Reported overall external dimensions are 2.10 meters in height, 40 centimeters in width, and 35 centimeters in depth. The single available photograph illustrates only the hood and dial area, leaving the trunk, base plinth, and lower cabinetry unseen in the provided image record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hood features three turned finials and flanking barley-twist columns on the door frame.”
  • “Mahogany - 1800-1850”
  • “Afmetingen hoog 2,10 m Breed 40 cm diep 35 cm”

Dial Inscriptions and Decorative Scheme

The arched dial is hand-painted with landscape and architectural scenes in the arch and spandrels. Roman numerals mark the chapter ring, and two winding arbors are visible on the dial face.

Beneath the central arbor, the dial is signed 'Thomson London'. It incorporates an upper subsidiary seconds dial below XII and a lower curved date aperture above VI.

Evidence for this section
  • “Arched hand-painted dial shows architectural and landscape scenes in the arch and spandrels.”
  • “Dial is signed 'Thomson London' beneath the central arbor, with an upper subsidiary seconds dial and a lower curved date aperture.”
  • “Two winding arbors are visible on the dial face.”

Movement Reports and Condition Disclosures

The seller reports that the clock runs on two weights wound using an accompanying key, asserting that the clock runs precisely on time with working second and date indications. However, the movement plates, pendulum, weights, and escapement are not depicted in the provided documentation.

Regarding physical condition, the seller notes an invisible small restoration to the hood ('Heeft kleine restauratie aan de kap niet zichtbaar') and claims no defects or shortcomings exist. Internal originality, mechanical matching, and structural state beyond the visible hood remain unverified.

Evidence for this section
  • “De klok heeft 2 gewichten welke met de aanwezige orginele sleutel opgedraaid word”
  • “De klok werkt en loopt precies op tijd”
  • “Met datum en secondewijzer welke perfect werken”
  • “Heeft kleine restauratie aan de kap niet zichtbaar.”
  • “Klok heeft geen mankementen en geen gebreken”

Open research questions

  • Which historical London clockmaker corresponds to the 'Thomson London' signature on the dial?
  • What specific repair was executed as the non-visible restoration on the hood?
  • What is the condition and construction of the movement, pendulum, weights, and lower trunk, which are not depicted in the listing photography?
  • Are the movement and dial original to the case, or do they represent a later marriage?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thomson Mahogany Longcase Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThomson“Longcase clock - Thomson - Antique”
Case materialMahogany“Mahogany - 1800-1850”
Estimated period1800-1850“1800-1850”
Reported dimensions2.10 m height x 40 cm width x 35 cm depth“Afmetingen hoog 2,10 m Breed 40 cm diep 35 cm”
WeightsTwo weights wound with key“De klok heeft 2 gewichten welke met de aanwezige orginele sleutel opgedraaid word”
Seller-reported condition notesMinor non-visible restoration to the hood; seller claims no defects“Heeft kleine restauratie aan de kap niet zichtbaar.”
Pickup locationRoosendaal, Netherlands (pickup only, not shipped)“Klok ophalen in Nederland Plaats Roosendaal Klok word niet verstuurd.”

Visible details

  • Hood features three turned finials and flanking barley-twist columns on the door frame.
  • Arched hand-painted dial shows architectural and landscape scenes in the arch and spandrels.
  • Dial is signed 'Thomson London' beneath the central arbor, with an upper subsidiary seconds dial and a lower curved date aperture.
  • Two winding arbors are visible on the dial face.

Research qualifications

  • The internal movement, weights, pendulum, and lower trunk are not shown in the provided photograph.
  • Seller notes an invisible minor restoration on the hood ('kleine restauratie aan de kap niet zichtbaar').
  • Origin and maker attribution rely on dial inscription and seller claims; working order is source-reported.

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

Consulted source

Longcase clock - Thomson - Antique - Mahogany - 1800-1850 - Second- and date indicator dials - auction online Catawiki

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f065e059da

Terms in this record

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

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