Wall clock
Dent
Category
Horology
Date
1850
Materials
Mahogany, glass, mercury, brass, steel
Measurements
1474 mm (H)305 mm (W)
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Cragside, Northumberland
NT 1227962
Caption
Lord Armstrong appears to have been a stickler for time keeping, the following diary extract was written by Thomas Sopworth (1st October 1867), a close friend of Armstrong; ‘AtCragside where, with what is jocosely called “awful” punctuality— assembled at breakfast at 8 o’clock. This extreme exactings as to time is quite in accordance with Sir William’s general arrangements and it conduces much to order in a house.’ Dent & Co., the makers of this clock, were founded in 1814 and soon became world renowned clock makers. One of their most famous creations, “Big Ben”, stands looking over the Thames at the Houses of Parliament, London.
Summary
Regulator wall clock by Dent, London, in mahogany and glazed case. Number 1087 circa 1850. Single train, four pillar movement with dead beat escapement, having divided lift Harrison's maintaining power. The movement was probably manufactured to the unfinished state by Jacob of Paris, and was then imported to London for finishing and casing by Dents. Circular, silvered brass regulator dial with Arabic five minute figures and blued steel hands. The second dial is signed 'Dent, London, Clockmaker to the Queen,1087'. Well glazed mahogany case showing mercury compensation pendulum, weight and thermometer. Heavy carved scrolled bracket finial under.
Provenance
Armstrong collection. Transferred by the Treasury to The National Trust in 1977 via the National Land Fund, aided by 3rd Baron Armstrong of Bamburgh and Cragside (1919 - 1987).
Marks and inscriptions
Dent, London, Clockmaker to the Queen,1087 (signed on second dial)
Makers and roles
Dent , horologist