A Germanic iron framed weight-driven rack striking chamber clock with trip hour-repeat Unsigned, second half of the 18th century The posted movement with substantial square section uprights and two-tier top plate enclosing verge escapement regulated by front swinging short bob pendulum, the strike train with large diameter snail fitted to the hour pipe and rack placed at the rear gathered by a pawl fitted to the second wheel arbor and sounding on a bell mounted on the top plate, the 7.5 inch square painted iron dial plate with circular cream Roman numeral centre and scroll pierced brass hands within Arabic five minute outer track and plain green painted spandrel areas beneath symmetrical foliate scroll strapwork pierced fret, the sides with iron-red painted doors, the rear with conforming fixed panel fitted with pull-repeat ring, hanging hoop and spurs, on threaded iron feet, 30.5cm (12ins) high. The current lot is reminiscent of an early Dutch 'Twentse Stoelklok' movement and dial (see Edwards, Ernest L. WEIGHT DRIVEN DUTCH CLOCKS & THEIR JAPANESE CONNECTIONS page 89) however its heavy iron frame, front swinging pendulum, pierced iron crest and configuration as a 'hook and spike' wall clock would suggest Germanic origins. The provision of rack striking is a rare feature which is configured in a similar manner as seen on some English thirty hour posted longcase clock movements (see Darken, Jeff and Hooper, John English 30 Hour Clocks pages 150-152 for an example by William Townly of Bourton which uses a similar system) which was clearly intended to allow the clock to repeat the last hour at will - hence the provision of a hoop lever for a pull cord at the rear. IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS: Movements, dials and cases: movements and dials are described as relating to the cases in which they are housed in one of the following three ways: the case.... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial started life in the current case. in a case... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are in a case of correct period and type (and may well be original to the movement and dial), however there is evidence to suggest that they may not have started out life together. now in a case... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are no longer in the original case as it is not of correct period and/or type. Pendulums, weights, winding and case keys: unless specifically indicated otherwise in the catalogue description it can be assumed that all clocks with cases are sold with the requisite pendulum and correct number of weights (where appropriate), however we cannot guarantee that they are original to the clock. This excludes lantern clocks or loose movements which are more often than not offered without pendulums or weights. We do not indicate in the catalogue description whether winding or case keys are present with any specific clock. As many clocks are consigned without keys please check with the department to establish whether they are present or not prior to bidding. Condition: due to the mechanical nature of clocks and the fact that most are of great age we cannot offer any guarantee as to whether they are in working order or free from major faults or restoration. Although we endeavour to catalogue items in a fair and informed manner, omission of any comments or observations regarding the condition or originality of a clock in the description does not necessarily indicate that it is free from significant faults, restoration or is in working condition. We would strongly advise any prospective purchaser to view the item in person or request a condition report and/or further images prior to bidding. Measurements: dial measurements are given in inches, other dimensions such as height are given in centimetres and inches. The measurement given for the height of a longcase clock excludes any removable finials in order to provide an approximate minimum ceiling height in which the clock can be accommodated.

Please note: We have been reliably informed that this clock was almost certainly made in the village of Pesariis in the Fruili region of the Dolomites hence is Italian rather than Germanic.