George III Longcase Clock by Phillip Avenell, Farnham

George III Longcase Clock

George III oak Longcase clock standing on a double stepped base with long trunk door and brass escutcheon. Integral hood pillars with brass capitals supporting the glazed hood door surmounted by a break arch pediment with three original gilt wood ball and spire finials.

Brass dial with silvered engraved centre, Roman numerals, strike / silent dial in the arch, seconds dial below the XII and calendar aperture above the VI signed ‘Phillip Avenell, Farnham’.

Original ‘blued’ steel hands, pendulum bob and lead weights.

Eight day movement of fine quality striking and repeating the hours on a large bell. The repeating work on this movement has been adapted by the maker with original small lead weight housed within the case. C.1775

‘Watchmakers and clockmakers of the world’ by Brian Loomes lists Phillip Avenell as working in London c.1765 then in Farnham from c.1775. Clockmaking was the favoured profession of the Avenell family spanning over one hundred and fifty years, beginning with Edward Avenell born c.1698 although originally from Farnham he worked in London from 1706-1749.

John Avenell followed on from his father also working in London from c.1735-1756.

Phillip carried on from his father John, working in London c.1765 but he is later as moving away from London and working from 1775 onwards in Farnham.

There is also a George Avenell listed as working in Surrey, as well as William who worked in Alresford (Hants). William Avenell working in Portsmouth and another William Avenell working in Farnham c.1795. also a William working in Gravesend (Kent) from 1730-1770.