Page 34 - joa-october-rev

The heavily carved front
trunk of this clock consists
of the lower door, when
opened, reveals two iron
weights, one for the time
mechanism and one for the
hourly chime of the clock
and cables and cable pulleys.
It also houses the pendu-
lum, pendulum bob, and
the time adjustment screw.
The base has a heavily
carved side and front top
border and a heavily carved
front below the border.
The heavily hand-carved
case is constructed of bog
oak. Bog oak is most
frequently found in the
United Kingdom and is not
a specific wood species but
oak that has been buried in a Above, more heavy carving of a
peat bog for up to thousands horse in the center of the trunk.
of years. The low oxygen At right, finely carved fluted
levels of the bog protect columns continue the theme
Fluted columns and hand painted dial with a floral design wood from rotting, and the on each side of the trunk.
on four corners of the metal face. peat itself provides condi-
tions where minerals react with the wood over time, giving
it a distinct deep brown color.
The name R. Thomas Carnarvon was lettered on the face plate The prolific carvings on the clock are late 18th century
along with the clock hour numbers and minute marks. On each side of Georgian style carvings with two face carvings on either side
the upper door are fluted columns. of the clock face door, fluted wooden columns, and lion
The maker of the clock was Robert Thomas of Carnarvon, Wales. carving on the front of the lower door, which further
Robert apprenticed with his father, Maurice, making distinctive clocks research could reveal the identity of whom Robert Thomas
from the 1770s to the early 1800s. It is my opinion that this clock was made this clock for.
carved in the mid-1770s. I have research data that states Maurice I have found two other
Thomas was a clockmaker on Boot Street in Carnarvon, Wales examples of Robert Thomas
between 1770 and 1794, plus an entry stating his son Robert worked of Carnarvon marked clocks
with his father. that are fully functional with
clock chimes and calendar
day working. They averaged
about $3,150. My R.
Thomas clock does not have
a working calendar or
chimes – although all the
parts seem to be there. It is
my estimation the clock
should be valued at around
$2,500+ as is.
Whether worth a million
or ten dollars, I love this
old piece of late 18th
century Welsh history. I
never thought I would own
a nearly 250-year-old
clock that still ran and kept
accurate time. Heavily carved base
As an Appraiser I hear “If
this thing could only talk” all the time, and I have grown to block it out
of my mind whenever I hear it, but I believe I shall say it when I ask
another appraiser to render his or her opinion on it.

David Moore is part of the school’s “Ask The Experts” appraising
team, and is an honors graduate and “Certified Asheford Institute
of Antiques Appraiser.” Moore currently owns D L Moore CAA
The lower door houses two iron weights, and was owner of Waterman Antiques, President of the Indiana
the pendulum, pendulum bob and Archaeological Society and is a published author, with over 50 years
The front trunk is heavily carved. time adjustment screw. experience in the research and study of antiques and collectibles.

Journal of Antiques & Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to provide our readers with professional appraisers to help you learn more about
and value your finds. We welcome your questions and photos. Send your information to editorial.journalofantiques@gmail.com or mail to Journal of Antiques &
Collectibles, PO Box 950, Sturbridge, MA 01566 attn: Appraisers Corner. To learn more about becoming a “certified” antiques appraiser, visit www.asheford.com.
32 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles