lot details

lot no
422

description
Edward Bilbie, Chew Stoke. A rare William & Mary thirty-hour musical longcase clock, circa 1695, the substantial three-train posted movement with four square section brass pillars riveted into the base plate and secured via brass nuts at the top plate, with verge escapement, outside countwheel bell strike and music playing every three hours via a 2.75 inch pinned cylinder on eight bells with twelve hammers, the movement raised on four steel spurs, the 9.5 inch square brass dial engraved with leafy tulip trails around a formal flowerhead and signed 'Edward Bilbie Fecit' to centre, within an applied Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised trident half hour markers and foliate cast winged cherub head pattern spandrel applied angles, now in a walnut veneered case with ogee cornice over rectangular door to hood and narrow trunk with slender door, on plinth base, 203cm high.

Edward Bilbie is thought to have learnt the clockmaking trade from Edward Webb, who died in 1694. Bilbie started casting bells in 1698 and it is highly probable that he was making clocks by this time. This clock bears a very strong resemblance to an example by Edward Webb (as discussed in Moore, A J 'The Clockmakers of Somerset 1650-1900' Appendix vii) thus may well be one of the first clocks made by Edward Bilbie. The level of decoration and attention to detail lavished on the arbors, collets and other parts of the clock indicates a great deal of pride by the maker, possibly supporting a theory that this may well be his masterpiece. The movement and dial have survived in remarkable original condition, however the case is almost certainly associated but of the period with later veneers. (See illustration on front cover)

guide price
£6,000-8,000
Sold for £7,000
convert currency

Important Information
The following includes general reports of the condition of the property for various lots in this Sale. The absence of any condition or condition report does not mean, or imply, that the lot is free from any damage or restoration. If you require a condition report, please click on the Condition Request line, below each Lot.  We are not professional restorers and do not undertake conservation, and we strongly recommend that you consult such a professional of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement, whether written or verbal made by Dreweatts, its? staff and agents, is merely a subjective, qualified opinion and is only provided on this basis. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ?AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE, AND ANY REPORT OR VERBAL OBSERVATION IS ONLY PROVIDED ON THIS BASIS.