Very Fine Marquetry Longcase Clock – Richard Baker of London

A very fine quality marquetry 8-day longcase clock by the renowned Richard Baker of London, which dates from the late 17th Century. A good quality 10 ¼” square brass dial with count wheel striking movement (on the outside of the back plate) and 5 knopped pillars with anchor escapement. The walnut veneer case features bird and flower marquetry of the highest quality, with excellent colour and patination, barley twist columns to the hood and lenticle to the trunk door. The dial with finely matted centre, an English Rose engraving to the very centre and date aperture below, seconds subsidiary dial below XII and the makers name “Richard Baker Londini” engraved below the silvered chapter ring. A highly attractive and outstanding piece from the golden age of clock making. Richard Baker: Apprenticed through the Blacksmiths` Company to John Chatfield before changing to Richard Browne in 1683. He gained his Freedom of the Clockmakers` Company by redemption by order of the Lord Mayor in 1685. He is described as a `Great Clockmaker` and took on many apprentices including Peter Garon in 1687. He was in fact fined by the Clockmaker’s Company for having too many apprentices. Comparative Literature: Brian Loomes – The Early Clockmakers of Great Britain Serviced and guaranteed for 3 years. Height: 79 ½” or 202cm Circa. 1690