An 18th century oak longcase clock, Samuel Roberts, Llanfair Caereinion

An 18th century oak longcase clock, Samuel Roberts of Llanfair Caereinion, the hood with dentil cornice above a blind fretwork frieze, the trunk with shaped and cross-banded door between fluted quarter-column pilasters, the base box with cross-banded panel front, the brass dial signed 'Sam; Roberts Llan-vair', with Roman numerals to the chapter ring and Arabic numerals to the minute track, a calendar aperture inscribed '365' below, the 30-hour movement striking on a bell, with pendulum and weight, 52cm wide x 193cm high.

Provenance: Originally bought and installed at a farmhouse in Meifod, close to Llanfair, thence by descent through the same family to the vendor.

Footnote: 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.

Condition Report

Hood: several dentils missing from cornice. Losses to blind fretwork frieze moulding. Fine splits to sides. General cosmetic signs of age.
Dial: Fair, with minor. Signs of age. Size 12" (300mm).
Movement: possible later elements. Strike is one hour ahead of hand position. Does run for around 30 seconds so needs setting up properly and will benefit from a service to re-commission.
Case: Small loss to cross banding on door. Door hinges a little loose. Dints to base box moulding. Split across base box front panel. Possibly lacking plinth foot. General cosmetic marks consistent with age and use.

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.