Early 18th Century Irish Mahogany Bracket Clock

View Similar Items

18th Century Mahogany Verge Bracket Clock

Early 18th Century Francis Gregg English Bracket Clock

A Fine 18th Century Mahogany Bell Top Bracket Clock

Fine 18th Century Irish Mahogany Long Case Clock

Flame Mahogany 18th Century Georgian Bracket Clock by T Coxworthy

A LATE 18th CENTURY MAHOGANY AND ORMOLU MOUNTED BRACKET CLOCK

18th Century Dutch Musical Bracket Clock

Early 19th century Regency English Mahogany Bracket Clock

Early 20th Century Westminster Chime Mahogany Bracket Clock

18th Century Irish, George III Mahogany and Brass Longcase Clock

18th Century George III Figured Mahogany Three Pad Stricking Bracket Clock

18th Century Thomas Moss, London, Fusee Bracket Clock in Mahogany Case

1 of 10

Early 18th Century Irish Mahogany Bracket Clock

About the Item

A superb rare Irish bracket clock by Johnson of Gallway, circa 1730. It is hard to know where to start with this stunning piece of Irish history. A beautiful brass and silvered arch dial has a lunar calendar, phase of the moon and is housed in a finely crafted mahogany case, the clock movement having exceptional mechanical features. Here we have a double fusee, striking hours on a bell with its' original verge escapement. This Johnson clock has a pull repeat facility, recording quarter hours on a descending scale of five bells. Simply wonderful! The case would be one of the earliest mahogany examples, the mahogany likely to be from the island of San Domingo, which is typically heavy with a tight dark grain and an exquisite patina that improved with age, was resistant to woodworm and rot. It is interesting to note that up to the early part of the 18th century walnut had been the wood of choice amongst Britain and Ireland's cabinet makers, but severe frosts in France during the winter of 1709 destroyed much of France's walnut. Mahogany then became the first choice and one of the first types of mahogany to be imported into Ireland was Swietenia Mahogani, from San Domingo. The engraved backplate is edged with typical herring bone or chevron design, swirling foliate C scrolls and the makers name and city is cartouched with herring bone or chevron designs also. Following many enquiries, this is the only known Galway bracket clock of the 18th century (others may be in private hands) Johnson was very well placed in Galway society and was elevated to the position of Sheriff of Galway in 1728. Fantastic to know this about Johnson. Examples of his longcase clocks have been seen but no one I have spoken to in the clock Community in Ireland have ever seen one of his bracket clocks or indeed one from Galway. This Johnson bracket or table clock is certainly a fabulous piece of Irish craftsmanship and history, an ideal piece to hand on down through the generations. Any Irish clock with so many functions and in such superb condition would be an absolute treat for the enthusiast. Bracket clocks of Irish make are significantly rare due to their high cost of construction and the limited number of clients available to patronise the clockmakers of the day. Combine this with natural attrition over the centuries and the result is that the Irish Bracket clock is indeed a rare commodity. Seldom does an example come to light showing no sign of modification, alteration or improvement as is the case with this piece. To give you a sense of this clocks place in history, bear in mind that George Washington was born on February 22nd 1732 in and around the same time that this beautiful clock was handcrafted in Galway, in the West of Ireland. If you are interested in this clock and its' history intrigues you, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Creator:
Johnson of Gallway (Clockmaker)
Dimensions:
Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)Width: 11 in (27.94 cm)Depth: 8 in (20.32 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Mahogany
Place of Origin:
Ireland, Republic of
Period:
Early 18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1730
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Dublin, IE
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU279938060013