Thomas Trout (Bond Street) London. Tall case clock. RR-74.

Thomas Trout is listed in Brian Loomes Clockmakers and Watchmakers of the World as working circa 1700. 

This case has typical proportions for a clock made during this early period of clockmaking. Clocks of this period tend to be narrow in their proportions and constructed on a smaller scale compared to examples made 100 years later. This example stands approximately 7 feet 7 inches or 91 inches tall and is 19.75 inches wide at the broadest molding. This case represents one of the first forms designed with a 12-inch square dial and was made circa 1700.

The case is constructed in oak and is decoratively veneered in richly figured walnut. This elaborate inlaid decoration is called Marquetry and was all the rage in London. Separate pieces of veneer, often colored, are laid out in decorative patterns. This example features numerous floral patterns, including roses, carnations, and tulips. Long chain patterns are also included in this design and provide borders. All of these are displayed on the forward-facing surfaces of the case. Please note the uneven surface of this design caused by the shifting of the oak substructure and the shrinkage of the veneer. This is a telltale sign that this case has age and is not a reproduction. 

The fine example stands flat on the floor on an applied molding attached to the base. The waist door is quite large and fills the waist section. It is trimmed with applied molding and also features a circular cutout fitted with glass. This window feature is called a “Lenticle.” Its purpose is to allow one to view the motion of the pendulum bob without having to open the door of the clock. It also informs the admirer that this clock is fitted with a long pendulum which was new technology for the day. The sides of this case are decoratively finished. They are paneled as was the tradition of many London cabinetmakers. The bonnet features a blind fret pattern that is backed in sand-colored silk. Two brass finials are fitted to the plinths located on the front corners. The top of the hood is fitted with an inverted bell molding that is also decorated with inlay. Glass side lights are positioned on each side of the hood. 

The twelve-inch square dial is brass and features applied decorations in the form of spandrels, time ring, and seconds ring. The engraved chapter ring frames the matted center on the dial. This center section is textured in an attempt to make the finely formed steel hands more visible when viewing the dial. The month calendar, framed with decorative engraving forming a cartouche, and the subsidiary seconds dial are located here. The winding arbors and the seconds hole are decorated with ring turnings. The applied time ring is engraved with an interior minute ring, Roman hour numerals, a separate minute ring located outside the hours, and five-minute markers, which are in an Arabic form. The time ring, along with the seconds ring and calendar, are silvered. Four heavily cast brass spandrels are applied to the corners of the dial. They are in the form of twin cherubs holding a Maltese cross. This clock is signed on the time ring by the Maker, along with his working location. 

The weight-driven movement is constructed in brass and is designed to run eight days on a full wind and to strike each hour on a bell mounted above the movement. The strike train features a countwheel in its design. The count wheel is attached to the main barrel of the strike train. Both winding barrels are grooved. Four ring-turned pillars support the plates. The escapement is a recoil design and features a seconds length pendulum. Overall, this movement is of excellent quality. The fact that it survives today in excellent working order is proof of this. 

This clock was made circa 1700.

It is inventory number RR-74.