John Nottle of Holdsworthy Devon

Circa 1760

Height 77 inches

Status : for sale

Across West Devon and East Cornwall a number of makers produced simple 30 hour cottage clocks for the local population.  Brass dials with robust 'birdcage' or posted frame movements where the order of the day - mostly housed in  primitive pine cases that were sometimes given a wash over of a simple varnish or paint to protect the wood or occasionally as here a painted and grained effect to look like a more expensive wood then protected with 'scumble glaze'.   Most have suffered the ravages of time and damp climate and are long gone.  However this example is possibly the most complete clock of its type I have seen and therefore very rare.  The clock is in remarkable condition and we have been able to retain almost all of the original finish to the case.  The dial and movement  are of course original to the case

The 30 hour movement is chain driven and of posted or 'birdcage'  construction as it is sometimes called with no alterations and is mounted to the original seat-board

The 10 in.  brass dial has silvered chapter ring over a uniquely engraved centre and well cast gilded spandrels

The engraving to the centre of the dial is in my experience unique - two ships on a stylised sea of water - it is a highly skilled hand but not of the usual engravers that served the clockmaking community - John is listed as a gunsmith in some directories so would be well versed in the skill of engraving so probably his own hand at work here.

To purchase this clock please contact us

John Nottle of Holdsworthy is listed in directories as a gunsmith and clockmaker.  He took another noteworthy Devon clockmaker - John Oatway as his apprentice in 1760 for a premium of £10.  Young Oatway's parents must have held John in high regard to come up with this sum in1760