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Lot Essay
It is unclear exactly when 'balloon-shaped' clocks were first produced but Richard Barder (The Georgian Bracket Clock, 1713-1830, Woodbridge, 1993, p. 147) suggests that they may have been inspired by the waisted case styles seen on French bracket clocks and were most fashionable circa 1780-1810.
Due to the shape of the slim shape of balloon clock cases, the pendulum arc had to be kept to a minimum. This was sometimes achieved by fitting the clock with a dead beat escapement (as with the present example) as this has a naturally smaller arc. Triangular pendulum bobs were also employed as their shape more easily fitted the interior swinging space. However, the present clock rather ingeniously has a regular lenticular shaped bob, but horizontally-mounted.
John Grant was a Freeman of the Clockmakers' Company in 1781. He was a prolific maker and recorded dying in 1810. His son, also John, was made a Freeman in 1817 and continued his father's business, until his death in 1867.
Due to the shape of the slim shape of balloon clock cases, the pendulum arc had to be kept to a minimum. This was sometimes achieved by fitting the clock with a dead beat escapement (as with the present example) as this has a naturally smaller arc. Triangular pendulum bobs were also employed as their shape more easily fitted the interior swinging space. However, the present clock rather ingeniously has a regular lenticular shaped bob, but horizontally-mounted.
John Grant was a Freeman of the Clockmakers' Company in 1781. He was a prolific maker and recorded dying in 1810. His son, also John, was made a Freeman in 1817 and continued his father's business, until his death in 1867.