A fine George III Period mahogany longcase
clock
with an early painted dial,
by Thomas Bullock, Bath
Clocks from Bath in Avon are very nicely proportioned and much influenced by Bristol styles, the two cities being only 13 miles apart. This clock by Thomas Bullock (practiced 1765-1795) is an excellent example.
Case: Made from solid and veneered mahogany over pine
secondary wood, the case stands just 7 feet 9 inches high overall.
The door and base panel are veneered in fine flame mahogany. The hood
uses the complex geometric fretwork often found in Georgian clocks from
this part of the country, surmounted by a band of open dentil moulding.
There are repairs to the outer corners of the band of fretwork. Hood
columns are fluted, with brass Corinthian capitals, and match the fluted,
canted corners of the case. Feet are simple brackets in form with some
repairs. The brass finial is a replacement.
Dial: The twelve inch wide painted dial is of a very
early form, probably well within the first five years or so of painted
dial popularity. Spandrel corner decoration is of old English roses with
gilded borders. The dial is mounted without a falseplate, 
again an early
touch, but is probably from the manufactory of Osborne and Wilson (1772-1777).
A calendar opening with squared ends is also an early feature, generally
pre-1780. The arch carries the strike-silent lever, a feature retained
from earlier brass dials. Hands are blued steel.
Movement: Thomas Bullock's four-pillar movement is eight days' duration with rack striking on a single bell, anchor recoil escapement, and calendar and strike-silent mechanisms. Weights are lead.
Maker: Thomas Bullock of Bath was born into a family of clockmakers in the Bath area and worked from approximately 1765 to his death in 1795. He produced longcase and bracket clocks, and there are also watches recorded with his name. William Bullock, also of Bath and also a well-known maker in the area, appears to have no family connection with Thomas.
7'9" high
Circa 1775
No. 1609