A Shield Dial Tavern Clock signed William Smith, London. 226073.
This impressive Tavern wall clock form is commonly known today as an Act of Parliament clock. In 1797, this title arose from a five-shilling tax on all clocks. Prime Minister William Pitt introduced the tax to raise funds for the war against the French. It was highly unpopular among clockmakers and owners and was repealed after nine months. The tax nearly destroyed the clock trade overnight. The market for clocks shrank dramatically, and sales of clocks and watches fell considerably. Owners began hiding or discarding their clocks. To attract patrons, tavern owners displayed large dial clocks, hoping the public would enter to check the time and then stay to patronize their establishments. Interestingly, these clocks existed before the tax but became more popular afterward.
Tavern clocks in the UK, often called 'Ultimate wall clocks', are now rare. Most surviving clocks are either in poor condition or fully restored. Remarkably, this example has survived given the delicate japanning process. Japanning involves applying gesso, a type of plaster, to the wooden surface. This gesso is decorated with intricate designs and coated with layers of varnish to create a glossy, durable finish. Their survival in original condition shows their rarity, especially since they were often placed in conditions that did not preserve this decoration.
The case is designed to hang on a wall. It features a large shield dial measuring about 35 inches tall and 31 inches wide, with an arched top. This dial clock is in good, tastefully restored condition. The dial has large gilt Roman-style hour numerals inside the closed minute ring. Arabic numerals mark the five-minute intervals. The spandrel areas are decorated with floral themes. The fine, elaborate signature William Smith / London is at the bottom of the shield. The wooden dial surround has an ogee molding. The miter joints have additional gilt designs. The dial is visible from across the room. The dial and wooden bezel slightly overhang the base and sit above a concave trunk molding. They are secured to the case with four tapered wooden pegs.
This wooden case clock is painted black. The trunk is decorated with lacquerwork, known in the trade as Chinoiserie, Japanning, or lacquerwork. The effect is achieved by applying gesso to specific cabinet areas, adding depth to the designs. Most decoration is gilt and includes traditional Chinese and Japanese scenes, banding, and florals. This example features intricate birds, florals, buildings, people, and geometric designs. The access door has applied molding around its perimeter and opens to reach the drive weight and pendulum for time adjustment. The cushion-shaped base features several molding profiles.
This dial clock is in good condition. The case is designed to hang on a wall and features a large shield dial about 35 inches tall and 31 inches wide, with an arched top. The dial has large gilt Roman-style hour numerals inside the closed minute ring. Arabic numerals mark the five-minute intervals. The spandrel areas are decorated with floral themes. The fine, elaborate signature William Smith / London is at the bottom of the shield. The wooden dial surround has an ogee molding, and the miter joints have additional gilt designs. The dial is visible from across the room. The dial and wooden bezel slightly overhang the base and sit above a concave trunk molding. They are secured to the case with four tapered wooden pegs.
Heart-tipped brass hands display the time. The minute hand is counterbalanced.
The clock's time-only movement, constructed in brass, is a testament to its quality and reliability. Four turned pillars secure the two tapered plates. The five-wheel time-only train winds counter-clockwise. It features a recoil escapement and is powered by weight. It is designed to run for eight days on a full wind.
This clock was made circa 1765.
The case has the following dimensions: 63 inches in length, 31 inches in width, and 9 inches in depth.
Do you own a public business or have an office where potential clients gather? If so, this clock is not just a timepiece but a conversation starter and a piece of art. Clocks like this were designed to tell time and be beautiful furniture. We have installed many clocks in public rooms and offices over the years. Owners are often amazed by the comments they receive and consider them 'icebreakers.' We agree and have many clocks on the walls of our shop.
It is inventory number 226073.
