Lot Essay
Gray (1676-1764) and Vulliamy (1712-1797) were in partnership from c.1743-1762. The dial of the present clock is typical of their work and closely related examples may be seen in D. Roberts, British Longcase Clocks, Atglen, 1990, p.38 and T. Robinson, The Longcase Clock, Woodbridge, 1981, p. 276. Both these clocks have walnut cases. A mahogany-cased example with triangular pediment and almost identical dial and movement was sold in the Vitale Collection, Christie's London, 26 November 1996, lot 257. With its double-footed plinth and raised plinth panel the present case does reference casework by the partnership and also by Justin Vulliamy when working alone. Intriguingly, a similar case (with full triangular pediment) may be seen on a late (Benjamin Lewis) Vulliamy regulator of circa 1850 sold Christie's London 11 December 2002, lot 46. The case shows every sign of having been purpose-made for this clock and it is therefore feasible that it is a late Vulliamy replacement.