16th Sep, 2026 12:00
London | Ancient & Modern
37
A GEORGE III MAHOGANY TABLE CLOCK, JOSEPH PROCTOR, LONDON, CIRCA 1775
the four pillar eight-day double fusée movement later converted to an anchor escapement and with later pendulum, striking the hours on a bell, with scroll foliate engraved backplate and fixing brackets, the break arch 6 3/4in dial with Rococo spandrels, with a date aperture and a recessed shaped panel signed 'Josh.Procter / London' to the matted centre, a strike/silent dial to the arch, the bell-top case with brass carrying handle and fretwork panels to the door and sides, with case key, 50.5cm high with handle raised
By 1775 London was the pre-eminent global centre for clockmaking, following the formation of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in 1631, its trade sustained by a dense network of specialists. Although little is known of Joseph Proctor, see another table clock similarly signed by him on the same unusually shaped panel sold Sotheby’s, London, 4 April 2001, lot 292.
The present clock tells us a lot about the nature of clockmaking at the time. The use of mahogany for the bell-top case is telling, and had by the 1770s displaced ebonised fruitwood. Similarly the inclusion of the brass carrying handle is a mark of its highly functional nature, carried from room to room. It also bears a great number of beautiful, hand finished details; a synthesis of many master technicians, testament to the depth and quality of production in London at this time.
the four pillar eight-day double fusée movement later converted to an anchor escapement and with later pendulum, striking the hours on a bell, with scroll foliate engraved backplate and fixing brackets, the break arch 6 3/4in dial with Rococo spandrels, with a date aperture and a recessed shaped panel signed 'Josh.Procter / London' to the matted centre, a strike/silent dial to the arch, the bell-top case with brass carrying handle and fretwork panels to the door and sides, with case key, 50.5cm high with handle raised
By 1775 London was the pre-eminent global centre for clockmaking, following the formation of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in 1631, its trade sustained by a dense network of specialists. Although little is known of Joseph Proctor, see another table clock similarly signed by him on the same unusually shaped panel sold Sotheby’s, London, 4 April 2001, lot 292.
The present clock tells us a lot about the nature of clockmaking at the time. The use of mahogany for the bell-top case is telling, and had by the 1770s displaced ebonised fruitwood. Similarly the inclusion of the brass carrying handle is a mark of its highly functional nature, carried from room to room. It also bears a great number of beautiful, hand finished details; a synthesis of many master technicians, testament to the depth and quality of production in London at this time.
Auction: London | Ancient & Modern, 16th Sep, 2026
London is a city which has had a greater impact on culture around the world than almost any other, and it has never been more important than now to shine a light on its remarkable citizens and history. From Magna Carta to the television London has, again and again, been the source from which progress has radiated. The present sale takes us from a medieval spur found under Cannon Street station, to a medal minted to commemorate the Millennium, from prints and paintings, to clocks and pistols. This sale is a sensational opportunity to acquire a small piece of this incomparable place. Olympia is a proudly London-based auction house and we are thrilled to be offering the inaugural instalment of this sale.
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PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 13th September: 12pm to 4pm
Monday 14th September: 10am to 8.00pm (Drinks from 5pm)
Tuesday 15th September: 10am to 5pm
