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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Longcase regulator clock

Victorian mahogany longcase regulator clock by G J Wagstaff

Partially verified

This Victorian-era longcase regulator clock is attributed to the London-based maker G J Wagstaff. Standing approximately 195.5 cm in height, the clock is housed in a moulded mahogany case featuring an arched door and circular side windows. The timepiece comprises an eleven-inch silvered dial with Arabic numerals, a single hand for minute divisions, a subsidiary seconds dial, and a quadrant curved aperture. Internally, the clock contains an eight-day movement with a dead-beat escapement and six pillars supporting shaped plates. Additional mechanical features include Harrison’s maintaining power, a single brass weight suspended on a five-spoke wheel, and an ebonised rod pendulum equipped with a silvered regulation screw. The object originated from the David Morris Collection and exhibits signs of age, including general wear and cosmetic repairs to the wooden housing.

A Victorian mahogany longcase regulator clock by G J Wagstaff, shown in its entirety.
A Victorian mahogany longcase regulator clock by G J Wagstaff, shown in its entirety. — Sworders (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Longcase regulator clock
Maker / attribution
G J Wagstaff
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
521
Source-reported date
Victorian
Source-reported place
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

The clock is enclosed within a moulded mahogany longcase, designed with an arched door configuration. The dimensions are specified as 46 cm in width, 24 cm in depth, and 195.5 cm in height.

The exterior of the case includes circular windows positioned on the sides. The auction description notes that the mahogany case currently shows signs of age, characterized by general knocks, wear, and some cosmetic repairs.

Evidence for this section
  • “within a moulded long case with an arched door and circular windows to the sides”
  • “46cm wide 24cm deep 195.5cm high”
  • “General knocks & wera to the case. Some splits and cosmetic repairs.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The 11-inch silvered dial features Arabic numerals and is designed with a single hand to indicate the minute divisions. Additional dial features include a subsidiary seconds dial and a quadrant curved dial aperture.

The clock is powered by an eight-day movement equipped with a dead-beat escapement and Harrison’s maintaining power. The internal assembly consists of a substantial six-pillar structure with shaped plates.

Evidence for this section
  • “11-inch silvered dial with Arabic numerals and a single hand indicating the minute divisions, with a subsidiary seconds dial, quadrant curved dial aperture”
  • “enclosing an eight-day movement, with Harrison’s maintaining power, substantial six-pillar movement, shaped plates and dead-beat escapement”

Pendulum and Weight

The timekeeping mechanism incorporates an ebonised rod pendulum, which is adjusted by a silvered regulation screw. The energy source is a single brass weight.

This weight is suspended from a five-spoke wheel within the movement assembly, supporting the operation of the eight-day movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “and an ebonised rod pendulum, with silvered regulation screw”
  • “the single brass weight on a five-spoke wheel”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production date within the Victorian period for this regulator?
  • Are there records of other regulator clocks produced by G J Wagstaff in London?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Victorian mahogany longcase regulator clock by G J Wagstaff
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerG J Wagstaff“by G J Wagstaff”
Height195.5 cm“195.5cm high”
Dial diameter11-inch“11-inch silvered dial”
Movement typeEight-day with Harrison’s maintaining power“enclosing an eight-day movement, with Harrison’s maintaining power”
EscapementDead-beat escapement“dead-beat escapement”
ProvenanceThe David Morris Collection“Provenance: The David Morris Collection.”

Visible details

  • Silvered dial with engraved Arabic numerals
  • Single-hand time display with subsidiary seconds
  • Moulded mahogany longcase with arched door
  • Quadrant aperture visible on the dial

Research qualifications

  • Functional state is reported as appearing to tick but not guaranteed as complete working order
  • Specific maintenance history of the eight-day movement is unverified

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

Consulted source

A Victorian mahogany longcase regulator clock,

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 97c8f8bd76

Terms in this record

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

Other longcase regulator clock records