A remarkable, rare and extremely complex astronomical musical longcase clock featuring world tim...

A remarkable, rare and extremely complex astronomical musical longcase clock featuring world time and calendar
John Andrew, Sumerton
The mahogany case surmounted by swan neck pediment and urn finial over freestanding reeded brass-capped Corinthian columns, the inside edge of the dial frame with serpentine outline, over a reeded throat moulding and long trunk door centred by a large neo-classical inlaid urn in an oval, framed by boxwood and ebony line inlay to a matching base on a narrow moulded plinth.

The dial measuring 16ins wide by 23.5ins high (40cms by 60cms) and hand painted with four dials; the upper decorated in colours and enclosed by a cloudy sky against which rotate three gilt planets, the inner ring depicting the signs of the Zodiac with their names and three further shaped patinated arms. The main 24-hour time dial marked 1-12 twice for the hours, and 0-60 for the five-minute markers. The hour hand painted on to a twelve-pointed star, each arm offering a world time zone to include Azores, Petersburg, Ormus, Bengal, Nankin, Botany Bay, Zealand, Society Islands, California, Cape Horn and Antigua. Further set with a day-of-the-week dial and tune selection to include 'Psalm; Song; Dance; March; Air; and Minuet'. The lower corners decorated in colours with the standing figures of Lord Nelson (pointing to a sheet of battle plans) and another historical figure, signed in a shaped reserve between Jno. Andrew, Somerton.

The substantial weight driven movement with thick plates, the going train with anchor escapement, the strike acting on a bell mounted to the backplate, the tunes played on eight bells and hammers, the astronomical gearing all mounted above the main body of the movement on a single arbor. 2.56m (8ft 5ins) high.
Footnotes:
Footnote: An almost identical clock by Andrews is in the Brighton and Hove Museum (in a non-original case).


John Andrew, the maker of this striking astronomical clock and the one housed in the Brighton Museum, remains something of an enigma. While a family of clockmakers was active in Pilton throughout the 19th century and earlier mentions appear in the Somerton registers, nothing definite is known about his origins. It is plausible, however, that he was related to the John Andrew of Wincanton who installed a new town clock in 1741—perhaps his father or a close relative—suggesting a continuity of clockmaking skill within the family.
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TP
TP For auctions held in Scotland: Lots will be moved to an offsite storage location (Constantine, Constantine House, North Caldeen Road, Coatbridge ML5 4EF, Scotland, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please refer to the catalogue for further information.

For all other auctions: Lots will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.

The case is in unrestored condition but structurally sound. There is some historic woodworm damage to the cheeks which has been repaired, and the clock has always been housed in this case. The top of the hood retains an old finial which would have originally been gilded. There are a few chips to the top mouldings, some cracks in the veneers as expected with age, but the capitals and columns are all securely attached. The glass looks to be original to the clock and is in good condition with no chips or scratches. There is some damage above the fret mouldings inside the case, though this is not visible when the clock is on display. The trunk has some scratches and a large crack in the plinth on the left-hand panel. The front door is generally good with a few scratches around the keyhole — the lock looks to be original. There is an internal repair to the bottom section of the trunk, which looks honest and sound.

The dial has been restored to a good standard with the original ground preserved. There are a few minor surface scratches, but generally it's very clean.

The movement is in unrestored condition but complete and functional when power is applied. The pin barrel was replaced in the 19th century and now plays quarter striking with Westminster chimes. The rest of the wheelwork appears to be original. There is some surface rust throughout. The suspension spring on the pendulum is broken. We would recommend a full overhaul for reliable use.