This walnut veneered flat-topped longcase clock is fabulous and was made at the foot of London Bridge circa 1745 by Marmaduk Storr. 225104.
This 18th-century walnut longcase clock, crafted by the esteemed Marmaduke Storr in London, exemplifies the craftsmanship and historical importance of early English clockmaking, making it highly desirable for collectors.
Two Marmaduk Storrs are listed in Brian Loomes' Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World. Marmaduke (I), believed to be the father, was born on April 3, 1702, and was the grandson of the Summercroft Clockmaker George Canby (d1705) and the son of Marmaduke Storr, a Tanner living in Selby. Marmaduke, the first clockmaker, was trained by Stephen Horeman of London. His apprenticeship began in September 1724. It is thought to have first worked in York and then moved to the foot of London Bridge in London about 1711. He died in 1750.
Marmaduke (II) 1724-1775 was a watch and watchmaker of fine repute. He is listed as working in a shop in London at the foot of London Bridge. At the time, London Bridge was the longest inhabited bridge in Europe. It spanned the River Thames. The foot of London Bridge is the area on the south bank where the medieval London Bridge once stood. For centuries, this was a crucial crossing point of the Thames and, as a result, attracted a variety of businesses.
This cabinet showcases exceptional craftsmanship with high-quality walnut veneers and striking burl wood on the front, making it a standout piece for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
This cabinet is fully veneered in walnut. The wood selections on the front of the case are superb, featuring figured burls. The grain pattern is busy. This includes the wood used on the case's sides as well. The modern shellac finish promotes the various grain patterns and warm tones.
Four applied bracket feet elevate the case off the floor. These are mounted to the bottom of a simple base molding. This base panel is framed with a figured walnut border. A thin line of inlay, a herringbone pattern, separates this framing from the central panel. This panel is comprised of an outstanding selection of veneer, not only for its vibrant grain pattern but also for its variety of colors. A cove-shaped molding transitions the base to the waist section. Center here is a modified arched-shaped waist door. This door is trimmed with applied molding. The veneer selected for this location is outstanding. The burled panel is framed with a line of herringbone inlay. This framing follows the door's shape. The outer edge is cross-banded. In the center is a circular window fitted with glass and framed with a brass ring. This window provides a visual access to the brass-faced pendulum bob. The waist door lock is framed with a pierced brass escutcheon. The Flat-topped bonnet, probably originally with a caddy, features a broad cornice molding. The forward flat facing of this molding features a book-matched veneer pattern. Pierced frets are positioned above the door and on the upper side panels. Turned bonnet columns are applied to the arched bonnet door. These terminate in brass capitals and bases. The columns visually support the arch moldings. The bonnet door opens to access the dial.
This brass dial predates the painted dial. Due to the amount of brass used in the construction, they were expensive. This dial features a solid brass sheet with applied cast brass spandrels, a chapter ring, and decorative engravings. The spandrels are a popular form and are cast in yellow brass. Each of the four corner spandrels represents one of the four seasons. Winter is depicted in the lower left corner. Dolphin spandrels frame the applied name boss. The clock is signed in this location, Marmaduke Storr / London.” Below this is an engraved S and N with a lever in the slot. This is a Strike/No-Strike selector. The time ring displays the five-minute makers in Arabic figures. A segment minute ring separates them from the Roman-style hour numerals. This time ring is also engraved with an interior minute ring. The interior minute ring is an early feature and fell out of favor by the 1750s. Please also note the decorative fleur-de-lis between the Roman hours. A subsidiary seconds ring is in its traditional location below the XII hour. Interestingly, this applied ring features Arabic figures at five-minute intervals. The calendar display is above the VI hour numeral. The middle section of the dial is matted. This treatment helped one find the hands while reading the dial. A brass dial in the 1700s could quickly tarnish in buildings heated by coal and lit by candle or oil light. As a result, it can make reading somewhat challenging in a poorly lit room. This clock was made and used long before the discovery of electricity. Today, two-color brass dials have maintained their contrasting qualities for generations because today's environment is much cleaner. Both the decorative hour and minute hands are steel.
The movement is constructed in brass, with nicely finished cast brass plates supported by five knob-and-finned brass pillars. The gearing is brass, and the pinions are hardened steel. This weight-driven mechanism is designed to run for eight days once fully wound. The winding barrels grooved. This clock strikes each hour on a bell mounted above the works on a bell stand. The strike train is located between the plates and is actuated by a rack-and-sail mechanism. A wooden seat board supports the movement. The pendulum features a metal rod and a brass-faced lead bob.
This clock case measures 87 inches tall. The bonnet molding is 21 inches wide and 11 inches deep.
Storr made this fine clock circa 1745.
Inventory number 225104.
