Thomas Moss Frodsham. Moon Phases, Centre Calendar. C 1780

A superb George III brass dial longcase clock with moon-phases and rarer centre date. The arch engraved with "On Time's uncertain Date Eternal Hours depend". Very elegant oak and mahogany case with ‘verre-eglomise’ panels in Chippendale fashion.

Complete and fully working (all functions), the movement has been properly cleaned and serviced, tested and regulated.

These ‘end of era’ later 1700s brass dial longcase clocks have always been amongst my favourites and this a particularly nice example. The Chippendale influence is common at this time in clocks from Liverpool/ Manchester and (as this one) Cheshire. Whereas city clocks were often larger and wider by this time, this one retains a narrower waist giving a very elegant look. In combination with the impressive ‘verre-eglomise’ decorated pediment it makes for a very attractive case.

Thomas Moss is listed as working in Frodsham from around 1740 and died 1784. Stylistically this clock appears to be from the latter part of this period, I would estimate 1775 to 1780. The brass dial has traditional separate chapter ring which is silvered and includes the inner calibration for centre calendar, generally a more ‘up-market’ and rarer feature. The dial centre is finely engraved with typical Georgian foliate patterns and also the maker's name and calibration for seconds. The arch contains moon-phase in typical format for this time consisting of hand-painted moon faces and intermediate scenes. The calibration for the moon’s age (1 to 29½) is engraved on the outer edge of the moon disk and silvered.

The movement is typical for the period, very well made and of 2-train, 8-day format. Rack strike controls the hours which are sounded on a bell.

The clock is complete with brass-faced pendulum, lead weights, winder and trunk door key (working lock).The hood retains its original lock by way of wooden lever and metal catch on the hood door.

Overall height is 91 inches including the centre finial.

Condition is generally very good. The case has excellent colour, the contrast between the oak and mahogany hasn’t faded as many do. There are numerous small marks and signs of age as you usually find on cases of this age but nothing major. One of the verre-eglomise panels has some damage/ cracks/ repairs to the top section. While this could be replaced it would be a shame as the gilt decoration appears to be original and the other panel is intact.