Thomas Mudge, London

Thomas Mudge, London.

A fine George III mahogany longcase clock. Circa 1765.

Case

Figured mahogany break arch case with fine mouldings and a bolection moulded hood door flanked by stop fluted, reeded and canted corners. Surmounted by a wasted pedestal and 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 strike/silent dial to the arch flanked by double screwed pierced foliate spandrels. Silvered chapter ring and finely matted centre with large subsidiary seconds dial and oval plaque signed Thomas Mudge, London.

Movement

Substantial eight day movement with thick plates, five baluster pillars, anchor escapement with long steel crutch and large backcock for the iron-rod pendulum with T-bar suspension and heavy lenticular brass-faced bob. Striking the hours on a bell.

Height. 7ft 4 ins (225 cm)

Thomas Mudge was one of the greatest clock and watchmakers of his day, he invented the lever escapement - the greatest single improvement ever applied to watches and used in nearly all modern wristwatches.

A perfectionist to whom nothing but the best was good enough he was appointed Royal Watchmaker to George III and supplied clocks and watches to the King of the Spain.  Mudge took the cases for clocks in a new direction, the pillarless longcases of refined and classical proportions set a new post Graham, true Georgian style.

This clock is one of the first of that style.

Price

£45000.00

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance