glazed case mid 19th century longcase regulator (c. 1850 England)

Derek Roberts English Precision Pendulum Clocks pages 241 to 253

D262. This regulator would have been the pride and joy of the clockmaker John Bateman of 82 St John Street, Smithfield London when it was on display in his premises
and probably explains why it was made to such a high standard. The case, for instance, which has a panelled base, is veneered in beautifully figured mahogany and the sides are glazed to reveal everything as fully as possible.

The movement, which matches the quality of the case, has very substantial plates measuring 6" X 9.75" and is held in place by two large steel and brass bolts. The wheelwork all has six crossings and the unusually large escape wheel, nearly 2.5" in diameter, has jewelled pallets. The mercurial pendulum is beautifully finished with the top part of the assembly being attractively shaped and fully engraved as are the support and top cover for the mercury jar. An attractive refinement seldom seen is the screw assembly above the suspension which enables the pendulum to be centred in the case. Beat regulation is also provided. The weight pulley is most attractively shaped and is fully engraved, as is the pleasingly shaped top of the weight. A bone or ivory beat-plate rests on a shaped mahogany base. The dial layout, typical of the best regulators, has seconds and hour rings kept as large as possible and a centre sweep minute hand. Below it is a decorative mahogany fret. There are curved cut-outs to either side of the seat-board to give access to the pendulum suspension and a door at the very top of the case assists in reaching the movement.

Height 6' 2". (188 cms.)

Interestingly, although John Batemans dates are not recorded, he took on as an apprentice in 1865 James Elliott, who founded the famous clock-making firm Elliott Clocks who traded from 105 Hatton Garden and 156 Cheapside.

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