An 18th century longcase clock, Samual Roberts, Llanfair Caereinion
The hood with cavetto cornice and turned full columns flanking the door, the trunk with shaped door above a plain base box, a gummed paper label inscribed in ink 'John Lloyd the maker No.59 - 1781', the brass dial signed 'Sam. Roberts Llanfair', Roman numerals to the chapter ring within moulded figural spandrels, the 30-hour movement striking on a bell, with pendulum and weight.

Samuel Roberts is a well documented clock maker of Llanfair Caereinion in the Montgomeryshire region, now Powys, active between 1750 and the 1780s. Records indicate that he crafted some six hundred pieces, roughly twenty per year, earning him an average of £35 per year. To serve the local community, Roberts established a 'clock club' with customers paying by installments and entering a lottery for each clock as it was completed. Some of the cases were made by Roberts' neighbour, the joiner John Lloyd who, unusually for the period, attached paper labels. The present lot is thus labelled.

Two further Samuel Roberts clocks were sold in these rooms: 1 September 2021, lot 368 which sold for £2,600 (+fees); and 12 December 2018, lot 527 which sold for £2,800 (+fees).

Condition Report
Hood: Cornice re-attached.  Glass good.  General signs of age and use.
Case: Small losses to moulding at top of base box.  Base box sides re-attached.  Scuffing to plinth facia.
Dial: Good.
Movement: Intact.  Running and striking.
Ancillaries: Pendulum and weight.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.