Lot 619: A good late 18th Century oak-cased 8-day brass dial longcase clock with 'Halifax' moon phase J. Stancliffe (John and/or Joseph), Barkisland, circa 1770-80 sold with two weights, pendulum, key and winder

J. Stancliffe (John and/or Joseph), Barkisland, circa 1770-80
Having a 12-inch square dial, the silvered chapter ring, engraved J. Stancliffe BARKISLAND", with Roman hours and Arabic minutes framing an engraved matted centre with axe-head rolling moon over engraved foliage and silvered terrestrial calendar, all within foliate scroll spandrels, the movement with anchor escapement, rack-striking on a bell, the case having a flat hood with dentil cornice over faux verre eglomise frieze, the turned columns with brass capitals, the yoke-topped trunk door between quadrant columns on a canted base with apron, 202cm, (79.5") high, (sold with two weights, pendulum, key and winder)

John Stancliffe was working circa 1730 onwards until his death in 1780. Brian Loomes (www.brianloomes.com) records "...a clock made by John Stancliffe of Barkisland (near Halifax) at a time when Thomas Lister the Elder was his apprentice, which puts it between 1730 and 1737".

John's son Joseph was born in 1740, baptised in Ripponden, and apprenticed to William Finch, watchmaker, circa 1753. After this he worked with his father, and at this time their output was signed "Stancliffe Barkisland". After John's death in 1780 the full signature Joseph Stancliffe Barkisland appears to have been used.

Internet resource: www.allansmithantiqueclocks.co.uk

Where a clock by this maker with broken-arched dial and rolling moon is illustrated, and where stated: "Most of his output were simple brass dial 30 hour clocks so this 8 day, moonphase example was very much the 'deluxe' version of his work".