Overton Clocks of Chesterfield

Description

This particularly handsome longcase standing 76” to the top of the hood is a good example of a “penny moon” clock. The round hole in the dial revealing the rotating lunar calendar and finely engraved moon face. The dial also features a date aperture and nameplate with William Porthhouse, Penrith. The finely blued hands finishes the finely matted centre beautifully. William Porthouse is generally considered to be amongst the most eminent of Cumbrian clockmakers and made many fine clocks. He married Mary Nicholson in1725, and three of their 10 children, John, William and George all joined the family business.
They operated from Little Dockray which is one of the ancient townships of Penrith. For 25 years from 1740 to 1765 he was in charge of the clock in St Andrew’s Church, Penrith and in 1763 he supervised the hanging of new bells. In 1778 he supplied new chimes to Cockermouth Church and it was reported at that time in The Cumberland Chronicle that “It would not be doing justice to the merit of Mr Porthouse, were we not to remark, that the above is esteemed a most excellent piece of mechanism and is as small a compass as any thing of the kind in England” He is mentioned in Brian Loomes’ ‘Watchmakers & Clockmakers of The World Vol 2’ 2nd edition, The Longcase Clock by Tom Robinson (p293), and The Clockmakers of Cumberland by John Penfold. In his “British Clocks Illustrated” (p125), Brian Loomes describes an 8 day movement dating from 1750 which bears a plaque at the top of the dial centre engraved with the name of the first owners, William & Margaret Fawcett. A lovely rare “penny moon” longcase clock of a lovely height and presence..
With over twenty years experience in restoring and conserving clocks and working on some of the finest and complicated clocks for a select group of the best antique clock dealers in the country.
As well as this, Overton Clocks has now decided to offer our customers the opportunity to purchase fine antique clocks that have been personally selected for their unique or special features. Each clock has been expertly restored to the highest of standards by myself. Overton clocks ensures peace of mind in your investment, by personally offering three years warranty on all of our timepieces.
I am a master clockmaker, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and a member of the British watch and clockmakers guild. Overton Clocks is a traditional clock shop based in the heart of Chesterfield on two floors hosting a showroom and in-house fully equipped workshop.
For case studies and examples of our work, please see our website (overtonclock.co.uk) or find us on Facebook ( overtonclocks) for regular updates