George II Period Oak longcase clock with brass dial and lunar dial,
by John Lupton, Altrincham

Case: The fine and slim oak case is in set off by inlaid compass star patterns in the trunk door and base panel. The domed hood carries a band of fretwork over the arch, pierced to maximize the sound of the hourly striking. Each major panel, hood door, trunk, trunk door and base, are outlined with walnut cross banding. The lower section of the backboard is restored.

Dial: Lupton's 12 inch brass dial is very nicely decorated, with a matted and engraved center and Grecian urn spandrels. The chapter ring has foliate half-hour markers and diamond half-quarter markers in the outer band. The applied arch, a separate structure that is original to the dial, carries the lunar mechanism which is an engraved and silvered penny moon passing behind a circular aperture, with an indicator hand for the day of the lunar month. Calendar date and seconds are also shown in the center of the dial. Hands are blued steel.

Movement: The brass and steel movement is of eight days duration, with four boldly ringed pillars. Escapement is anchor recoil and the weights are lead. Striking is inside countwheel. The front plate of the movement shows the circular compass marks from Lupton's original layout for placement of the components.

Maker: John Lupton of Altrincham, Cheshire-- a village now absorbed by the Greater Manchester area-- is listed by Baillie at 1765, the later years of his practice. This clock has case, dial and movement characteristics of the 1725-1735 period.

Circa 1725-1735
7 Feet 1 inch high

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