Matthew Dutton, London No. 292

A very fine George III mahogany longcase clock. Circa 1801

Case

Elegant mahogany break arch case with fine mouldings and a bolection moulded hood door flanked by stop fluted, reeded and canted corners. Surmounted by a four sided concave pedestal with brass ball and flame finial. The break arch trunk door with flame veneers matching the raised panel to the base with double plinth.

Dial

12 inch break arch brass dial with subsidiary calendar dial to the arch flanked by pierced foliate spandrels. Silvered chapter dial with large seconds dial signed Mattw. Dutton, London. Blued steel hands.

Movement

The substantial eight day movement with thick plates signed M Dutton and numbered 292 on the backplate, five baluster pillars, anchor escapement and large backcock for the iron-rod pendulum with T-bar suspension and heavy lenticular brass-faced bob. Striking the hours on bell.

Height

7ft 4 ins (225 cm)

It is rare to see a signed backplate.

Matthew & Thomas Dutton were the sons of William Dutton who was a business partner with Thomas Mudge in circa 1765.  Together they employed the skills attained in the Tompion and Graham era to great effect. They were patronised by the wealthiest members of the aristocracy as it was generally acknowledged that their designs, the quality of their work and their elegant cases surpassed all others.  Matthew & Thomas Dutton continued the family tradition, working from No.148 Fleet Street.

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance