Small Mahogany Regulator - Hampston Prince & Cattles of York

A very attractive mahogany longcase regulator. The case with arched top surmounted by a small cresting, has canted and brass inlaid corners and an opening front door with a round glazed aperture for the round dial. The trunk with full length opening door with fine quality flame mahogany veneers and surrounded by a strong moulding. The panelled base also with fine quality flame veneers. The inside of the trunk door has a printed equation table with various inscriptions marked on it in pen, the earliest from about 1826. The eight-day movement is of fine quality with six nicely shaped pillars, maintaining power and a Graham deadbeat escapement. The wheels run within screwed end caps. The clock employs a wood rod pendulum with a massive brass bob with a calibrated rating nut below, which is a large silvered calibrated sphere which can be screwed up or down for further fine adjustment. The dial has a cutout below the centre arbor for the hours, a large minute chapter ring and a smaller seconds ring below 12 o’clock. It is signed for the maker ‘Hampston, Prince & Cattles, York.’ Hampston, Prince & Cattles are recorded as working in York between 1777 and 1810. John Hampston was born in 1739. He was a clockmaker, silversmith, jeweller and goldsmith. He died 26th January 1805. The dates for John Prince are a little unclear but it is believed he was born in 1748 and died in 1835. He was apprenticed in 1778 to Thomas Willans of York, surgeon, instrument maker and cutler. Robert Cattle was born in 1767. He was a watchmaker and a silversmith, Sheriff of York 1816 and Lord Mayor in 1841. He died on the 14th October 1842. The company, Hampston, Prince & Cattles, were also jewellers and goldsmiths. Further details can be found in “Yorkshire Clockmakers” by Brian Loomes. Serviced and guaranteed for 3 years. Provenance: Private collection U.K.