Fewller, Liverpool. Circa 1770. Fine George III longcase with moon-phases and premium flame mahogany case.
Liverpool clocks from this era are generally acknowledged to be the very best of quality, this one is no exception. The case proportions are excellent, long trunk door etc, typical of the best clocks around 1760/70. The verre-eglomise (painted glass) panels in the hood are a nod to the ‘Chippendale’ style and appear to retain their original decoration, quite rare to find this now. The flame mahogany is superb, detailed patterning and multi-coloured which suggests the case has not been over-restored.
The dial is in traditional style with silvered main chapter ring and subsidiary seconds. The centre is finely matted with foliate engraving decoration around the date aperture and winder holes. I have estimated 1770 as the date although may be a few years earlier on account of this style. The arch contains a moon-phase indicator, something almost always found on the poshest Liverpool clocks. This consists of a disk with painted moon-faces and starry/ cloudy skies which slowly rotated from the movement to show the moon’s age.
Fewller (sometimes Feweller or Fewler) is listed as working in Liverpool between 1761 and 1781.
This clock in my opinion is totally original (dial/ movement/ case) and also has been very well maintained. There are some minor knocks and marks to the case as usually found but excellent colour and polish. Slight shrinkage crack to the base. The dial is very good, the silvering has some small areas of discoloration but presents very well. I would be happy to re-silver if required but not really necessary at the moment. The movement is clean and in very good condition.
This is a big clock! With finials around 102 inches, without you could save around 7 inches. Nevertheless a hugely impressive piece if you have the required ceiling height.