Admiral Nelson Regency Longcase Clock - Magnificent

A MAGNIFICENT AND EXCEPTIONALLY RARE REGENCY SATINWOOD LONGCASE CLOCK By William McDowall of Pontefract, circa 1820 Featuring an extraordinary painted dial commemorating Admiral Lord Nelson, with allegorical depictions of Victory, the Four Seasons and Emma, Lady Hamilton this imposing clock has immense presence and stands at 98 inches (250cm) tall. An exceptionally fine, imposing and quite possibly unique Regency satinwood eight-day longcase clock of remarkable quality and considerable historical interest, this magnificent piece combines superb Regency tastes with an extraordinarily elaborate painted dial celebrating Britain’s greatest naval hero, Admiral Lord Nelson. The unusual combination of Nelsonian iconography, classical allegory and references to Lady Hamilton raises the intriguing possibility that this clock was originally conceived as a special commission. THE CASE The beautifully proportioned satinwood case is a particularly accomplished example of Regency cabinetmaking, displaying fine figuring, restrained architectural detailing and an elegance entirely characteristic of the period. The hood is surmounted by a graceful arched pediment, retaining its original central brass finial. The glazed hood door is flanked by finely reeded columns with brass capitals. The elongated trunk incorporates a beautifully figured, lockable satinwood door, enriched with Gothic-influenced mouldings and attractive crossbanding. Reeded quarter-columns to either side further emphasise the elegant vertical proportions of the case. The substantial base continues the decorative scheme, with carefully selected veneers and delicate boxwood inlay, the whole raised upon four impressive original feet. THE REMARKABLE NELSON COMMEMORATIVE DIAL Undoubtedly the crowning glory of this extraordinary clock is its magnificent original painted dial, a remarkable work of Regency decorative art and an unusually elaborate tribute to the memory of Admiral Lord Nelson. The dial centre is dominated by a striking depiction of Nelson as a bust, portrayed above a classical urn and accompanied by the winged goddess Victory, an evocative allegorical composition celebrating the Admiral’s heroic status and enduring national legacy. Behind Nelson flies the English naval Red Ensign, whilst an English warship, proudly displaying Nelson’s colours, appears in the distant background. Of particular historical fascination is the recumbent lion positioned beneath the date aperture, resting upon a white flag identifiable with the naval and state ensign of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. This is a most intriguing detail. Nelson’s close association with the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily, together with his celebrated service aboard HMS Foudroyant, provides a compelling historical context for the inclusion of this particular emblem. During his Mediterranean campaigns, Nelson operated in close alliance with the Neapolitan monarchy, and the flag depicted upon the dial may therefore represent a deliberate reference to this important chapter in his career. The composition is further enhanced by substantial brass winding-hole grommets and beautifully preserved original period brass hands, both of which contribute greatly to the dial’s rich and distinguished appearance. The four corner spandrels are adorned with finely executed allegorical representations of the Four Seasons featuring Emma, Lady Hamilton, introducing an additional layer of classical symbolism to an already exceptionally accomplished composition. Completing this remarkable artistic scheme is the charming pastoral scene within the arched dial, featuring Emma, Lady Hamilton, whose celebrated relationship with Nelson remains one of the most enduring and romantic associations in British naval history. The inclusion of Nelson, Victory, Lady Hamilton, the naval ensigns and the allegorical figures creates a highly unusual and wonderfully evocative decorative programme, one that elevates this clock far beyond the conventional painted-dial longcase clocks of the Regency period. Indeed, the dial deserves recognition as a significant work of decorative painting in its own right. THE MOVEMENT The clock retains its fine quality eight-day movement, constructed with four knopped pillars, anchor escapement and rack striking. The movement strikes the full hours upon a beautifully resonant bell, producing a pleasing and characterful tone entirely appropriate to a clock of this stature. The original date function is fully operational. Importantly, the movement has recently undergone a comprehensive overhaul, having been completely dismantled, meticulously cleaned, inspected, reassembled and fitted with new lines. It is consequently offered in excellent working order and is accompanied by Clockwise’s comprehensive three-year movement guarantee, providing considerable reassurance to its next custodian. THE MAKER — WILLIAM McDOWALL OF PONTEFRACT William McDowall (1786–1842) is recorded as a clock and watchmaker working in Pontefract, Wales. Born in Yorkshire in 1786, McDowall belonged to the generation of provincial English clockmakers active during the late Georgian and Regency periods. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND RARITY The exceptional nature of this clock lies in the remarkable marriage of its imposing Regency case and its highly individual Nelsonian commemorative dial. Although patriotic and naval subjects were occasionally incorporated into painted clock dials of the late Georgian period, an artistic composition of this complexity is decidedly unusual. The symbolism appears too carefully considered to be merely incidental, suggesting that the dial may have been conceived with a particular patron or commemorative purpose in mind as a special commission.Whilst its precise original patronage remains unrecorded, the clock is unquestionably an exceptional survival, and it is entirely possible that no directly comparable example exists. SUMMARY A magnificent and exceptionally unusual Regency longcase clock of outstanding decorative appeal, historical fascination and commanding presence. At once an important decorative object, a celebration of British naval history and a remarkable testament to the artistry of early nineteenth-century English clockmaking, this is a clock that would undoubtedly form a centrepiece within even the most discerning collection. Clockwise specialises in exceptional antique longcase and bracket clocks, combining specialist horological knowledge with an unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity and personal service. With an international clientele spanning the worlds of business, film, sport, royalty and the aristocracy, alongside a loyal following of private collectors and traditional enthusiasts, Clockwise has established an enviable reputation for excellence, discretion and outstanding after-sales care. Further detailed photographs will be available upon the clock’s arrival at our showroom.