Lot Essay
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
T. Robinson, The Longcase Clock, Woodbridge, 1981.
The grand case design of the present clock seems more usually to have been reserved for Quare's month clocks. A closely related example (Quare No. 40) was sold, Christie's, London, 13 December 2000, lot 102; another (Quare No. 145) is illustrated in Robinson, (p.214, fig.). Both of these clocks have arched dials with calendar rings; a similarly cased month going Quare with square dial was sold, Christie's, London, 11 December 2002, lot 74.
Daniel Quare (c.1649-1724) was one of the most illustrious clockmakers of England's golden age of horology. He was first admitted as a Brother of the Company 3 April 1671 and became its Master in 1708.
George I offered Quare the post of King's Watchmaker; however, being a Quaker he was unable to swear the necessary Oath of Allegiance. Even so, the King allowed him free access to the Palace at any time. In 1718 Quare took his former apprentice, Stephen Horseman, into partnership and towards the end of his life he retired to Croydon.
Horseman continued Quare's numbering system and continued to sign his work 'Quare and Horseman' even after the former's death in 1724. He proved not to be as good a businessman, however, and was declared bankrupt in 1730.
See also lot 81
T. Robinson, The Longcase Clock, Woodbridge, 1981.
The grand case design of the present clock seems more usually to have been reserved for Quare's month clocks. A closely related example (Quare No. 40) was sold, Christie's, London, 13 December 2000, lot 102; another (Quare No. 145) is illustrated in Robinson, (p.214, fig.). Both of these clocks have arched dials with calendar rings; a similarly cased month going Quare with square dial was sold, Christie's, London, 11 December 2002, lot 74.
Daniel Quare (c.1649-1724) was one of the most illustrious clockmakers of England's golden age of horology. He was first admitted as a Brother of the Company 3 April 1671 and became its Master in 1708.
George I offered Quare the post of King's Watchmaker; however, being a Quaker he was unable to swear the necessary Oath of Allegiance. Even so, the King allowed him free access to the Palace at any time. In 1718 Quare took his former apprentice, Stephen Horseman, into partnership and towards the end of his life he retired to Croydon.
Horseman continued Quare's numbering system and continued to sign his work 'Quare and Horseman' even after the former's death in 1724. He proved not to be as good a businessman, however, and was declared bankrupt in 1730.
See also lot 81