18th Century Longcase Clock with Date and Moonphases, 1785

Antique grandfather clock with date, moon phase and central second hand

Liverpool
Mahogany
around 1785

Dimensions: H x W x D: 246 x 53 x 26 cm

:
Antique Lancashire longcase clock from the late 18th century with a particularly interesting dial.

The wide lower part of the case is fitted with a mirrored veneered panel. The curved door at the top is flanked by quarter columns.
Below the head we see fine openwork in front of red fabric and a dentil frieze above.
The fluted columns found on the middle section are repeated on the sides of the clock head, here with gilded bases and capitals. The decorated swan neck finial and the glass panels with gold painting are absolutely typical of the area around Liverpool. The turned finials are removable, reducing the height to around 230 cm.

The arch-shaped dial with silver-plated dial ring and the cartouche-like clockmaker's signature set against a chessboard-like hatched background is also typical of the region.
with their C-sweeps, the corner appliques still reflect the taste of the mid-18th century.
At the top of the arch we see the painted moon phase disk and the silver-plated ring for the moon age. The engravings "Time Shew's The Way Of Lifes Decay" and "Time Is Valuable" remind us of the transience of life and remind us to use time wisely.

The functions of the clock are unusual. In addition to the openworked steel hands for the time, we also see a golden date hand and a straight seconds hand with a counterweight. Both the central seconds and the type of date display are very rare in watches of this time and region - a small seconds display with a sub-dial below the XII is much more common.
The small dial cut-outs above the signature and in the middle between the winding holes are also quite unique. The current month and day of the week can be read here.

The movement is a weight-driven 8-day movement with lever escapement and hour strike on a bell. It was made by John Clifton, who ran his workshop in Fazackerly Street in Liverpool from 1777-1794.

Condition:
Both the movement and the case are in absolutely authentic condition. The case has been gently cleaned and the surface has been refreshed to preserve the patina. The movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned and overhauled.

Interesting facts about Lancashire longcase clocks can be found in the reference book:
Derek Roberts - Die englische Standuhr p. 241-243

The breakdown of the signature can be found in the Watchmakers Directory:
Brian Loomes - Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World p. 159