Justin Vulliamy, London

Clockmaker: Vulliamy, London

A fine George III figured walnut longcase clock Circa 1765

Case

The elegantly proportioned case veneered with richly figured walnut of excellent colour and patination. Standing on a double-plinth, the case rises to an original caddy top flanked by two ball finials.

Dial

The 12 inch square dial with rococo corner spandrels has an applied silvered chapter ring. The centre is finely matted with a large subsidiary seconds dial. The original blued steel hands are finely pierced and above VI is an aperture to view the day of the month. The makers’ signature Just:Vulliamy, London – is engraved on a silvered cartouche and applied to the matted centre.

Movement

The high quality five pillar movement has 8-day duration with rack strike and sounding the hours on a bell. The clock is complete with a pair of brass cased weights and steel rod pendulum with large bob and calibrated rating nut.

Justin Vulliamy arrived in London from Switzerland c1730. He married Benjamin Gray's daughter and in 1743 he joined his father-in-law in partnership in Gray's already well-established business in St James's Street before moving to Pall Mall in 1752. Gray was appointed Clockmaker to George II in 1744. The partnership developed a great reputation as innovative makers of fine clocks and watches. The Royal association was maintained by the Vulliamy family until the mid-nineteenth century.

Height: 90 in (228.5 cm)