Walnut Longcase Clock by James Drury of London

Case:- The wonderfully figured walnut veneered case with caddy to the break arch hood, this being mounted by large brass ball finials with sound frets below and following the arch to the glazed door with tapering walnut pillars and brass Doric capitals and bases. The trunk with cross banded break arch door having matched cross banded base and standing on staggered double plinth. Movement:- A fine early 18th century striking eight day longcase clock. The two train weight driven movement with anchor escapement and seconds pendulum sounding the hours upon a single bell via the rack and snail striking system. Made by the accomplished clockmaker James Drury, who was a distinguished member of the Clockmakers Company in 1728. Dial:- An attractive break arch brass dial with matted centre and applied silvered engraved chapters. The main chapter ring with Roman numerals and Arabic five minute divisions having chamfered aperture to the silvered calendar and large plain cartouche below ‘XII’ signed, James Drury London. Unusually to the arch is an engraved silvered chapter ring and steel hand for regulating the clock via a cam to the back of the dial, having chamfered star cut into the dial plate reminiscent of work by Daniel Quare, with applied brass spandrels and finished by a pair of finely cut blued steel hands. Serviced and guaranteed for 3 years. Provenance: Private collection – U.K.