John Holloway, Christian Malford

Signed John Holloway, Christian Malford this early clock is unlisted and very rare; this one could also be unique. The single handed thirty hour unusual five pillar high quality movement strikes the hours on a bell. There is a calendar feature. The clock dates to around 1700, possibly earlier. The contemporary period lacquer case is predominantly black with gold decoration featuring images of oriental characters and scenes, flowers and geometric designs. It is of extraordinarily good, slender, proportions and very decorative. There are side windows in the hood to view the movement. John Holloway was the eldest son of a clockmaker of the same name and was born in Market Lavington around 1630. He married Mary Longcroft (his second cousin) in 1759 at Devizes. The couple bore several children between 1662 and 1680, all of which were baptised at Market Lavington where it is presumed the family lived up until around 1680. John Holloway became free at Devizes in 1684 before moving to Newbury sometime after 1685; he later returned to Market Lavington where he died 1708/9.

The clock is 82″ tall and has a 10″ square dial.

Price £ TBA