The Largest 18c Longcase Clock by Markwick

The Oxford Clock Company have recently worked on this simply stunning and enormous walnut Grandfather clock by Markwick of London. It can only have been commissioned for a very substantial Georgian House by an architect such as Vanburg,  Paine or James Gibbs. It is certainly the largest Longcase clock we have seen in 20 years and stands over 10.5 feet (320 cms) tall.

The clock itself was made in about 1725 and apart from being exceptionally tall, runs for a month before needing rewinding and also chimes at the quarters on 6 bells. There is a "no strike" facility.

The movement has thick brass plates with anchor escapement.

As can be seen the walnut case has two large capped walnut columns at the top, a rectangular door with a breakarch all supported by a massive base with a double skirt.

James Markwick himself was the son of a London Clockmaker and finished his apprenticeship in 1692. He later went into business with his son in law Robert Markham and gained a very high regard in the London market. Latterly they established an excellent reputation in the rapidly expanding Ottoman Empire. They also worked with Borrel. Markwick was Master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and died in 1730. This clock then is from the latter part of his life.

For more information the clock can be seen in the Showroom of Hallidays, Dorchester on Thames, Near Oxford. The telephone number for Mr. Edward Reily is - +44 (0)1865 340 028 and their website is www.hallidays.com.

This is no vintage racing Bentley, more a Bugatti Royale, stunning, irreplaceable and if nothing else a talking point and probably £4,000,000 less expensive than the Royale,  even if one was available.