M C Taylor Clocks

Description

An exceptionally good looking and superior Longcase clock by one of the period's most eminent English makers. Circa 1770.

The 8 day duration and very substantial 5 pillar movement. Having Anchor Recoil escapement and rack striking the hours on a top-mounted bell of fine pitch and resonance. Driven by its original and high quality, brass-cased London weights.

Behind a 12" wide, break-arch brass dial with Rococo, cast brass spandrels to the corners and the arch. The arch bears a silvered Strike/Silent selection chapter ring and has a finely matted centre. The main silvered chapter ring has large outer, Arabic 5's, a divided minute track and inner, Roman hour numerals. The centre is also finely matted with a recessed and silvered subsidiary seconds dial to the upper portion with finely executed Arabic 5's and an outer, divided seconds track. Above the lower square chamfered calendar date aperture is the silvered and shaped maker's applied signature plate reading "FRANCIS PERIGAL. Royal Exchange. LONDON". The 4 blued steel, shaped and cut hands are exactly correct in style.

Contained in a first quality, London mahogany, break-arch case. The break-arch hood has a full-size glazed and locking door that is flanked by tapered, fluted and part-reeded pillars with brass capitals. There are conforming quarter pillars to the rear and the sides have high, glazed apertures. The Cavetto shaped throat sits over the full-length, locking, break-arch, well-figured trunk door that projects out and has finely edged moulding. This is flanked by large fluted and part-reeded quarter pillars with cast brass capitals that sit upon block pedestals. The base also has a Cavetto shape top moulding and a well-figured and projecting out panel with edge moulding and concave corners. The double plinth has a shaped bottom incorporating feet with low blocks.

Francis Perigal was a most eminent London Clockmaker of his day. He was Master of the Clockmaker's Company in 1756. His clocks were of the finest quality and usually understated and rarely fancy. This example is one of the finest that I have seen and the weight of the case and movement are a testament to its quality. Aesthetically, the proportions, colour and choice of veneers are stunning and an example such as this is worth waiting years for. Certain clocks are valuable because of their pedigree and condition, this is such a clock.