Longcase Clock by Edward Bilbie

CHEWSTOKE, BRISTOL

A George III mahogany 30-hour longcase clock by Edward Bilbie of Chew Stoke. The 30-hour ornate posted movement with 11" square brass dial with calendar aperture and foliate trail engraved centre within an applied Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes and signed 'Edward Bilbie, Chewstoke'. The angles with foliate scroll cast spandrels.

The case with swan-neck pediment and plain pilasters with ornate cast brass capitals to the hood above shaped-top trunk door. The plinth having fluted canted angles and integral bracket feet.

This clock was made by the third member of the highly regarded Bilbie clock making dynasty to bear the name Edward. He is thought to have been brought-up and taught clockmaking by his uncle, Thomas Bilbie. Edward III set up business as a clockmaker and bell founder in Chew Stoke around 1745 and worked until his death in 1786. This clock is very typical of his later work with fine engraved decoration to the dial centre, however the high-style Bristol mahogany case is unusual suggesting that the clock was ordered by a discerning client.

Height: 80 1/2 inches (204.5 cm)
Price: SOLD