FS39: Two Day Fine Art Sale

Robert Sutton, Stafford, A Moonphase Longcase Clock

Auction Lot FS39/741

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Robert Sutton, Stafford, A Moonphase Longcase Clock (FS39/741) offered in our Two Day Fine Art Sale starting on 10th July 2018 at our salerooms in Exeter, Devon.

Lot Description

Robert Sutton, Stafford, a moonphase longcase clock the eight-day duration movement striking the hours on a bell with a wood rod to the pendulum, the thirteen-inch break-arch brass dial engraved to the solid centre with the maker's name Sutton, Stafford and with cast brass female-head corner spandrels, the chapter ring engraved with black Roman numerals, large Arabic five minute numerals, with decorative blued steel hands and a sweep seconds hand, the arch showing the date and phases of the moon to a finely painted disc showing two moons, with a landscape picture to one side and a seascape to the other unusually depicting a sailing and steam ship, a feature seen on another Staffordshire moon disc, the mahogany case with finely fluted free standing pillars to the trunk and hood, a shaped top to the door, with three shells inlaid to the frieze above the door and further shell inlay to the four corners of the base and to the plinth below the trunk pillars, the swan-neck pediment to the hood fronted with three panels of blind fretwork, with side blocks, a ball-and-spire brass finial and brass paterae, the case standing on cabriole bracket feet, height 236cm * Biography Robert Sutton is recorded as working from circa 1769 when he took John Chambley as an apprentice followed by William Gilbert in 1779. Various watches were recorded stolen from his premises in 1774 and 1781. He is known as a maker of fine longcases, with one in particular being an exceptional musical example with the dial showing the saint's days, holy days and the Gods of the four seasons along with an annual calendar. Another example, with a wooden movement showing the influence of the great John Harrison who had previously worked in the area, is on display at the Collection, Art & Archaeology in Leicestershire where it is stated: Although influenced by Harrison, Sutton remains an outstanding craftsman and innovator in his own right. Reference: Joseph McKenna, Clockmakers & Watchmakers of Central England, Mayfield Books, 2002. The rear of the moon disc and the frontplate of the movement are both signed, one scratched, the other punched, by the clockmaker Thomas Pear of Stafford who is recorded as working at 4, Marston Road, Stafford, from before 1880 until at least 1896 and beyond. This mark would indicate that he carried out some repairs/restorations on this clock.