Thomas Mudge & William Dutton
A rare George II clock in later mahogany case, square brass dial ornamented with cherup and engrave border, silvered chapter ring, two openwork blue steel hands. Dial and movement signed Mudge & Dutton, 148 Fleet St. London, Anno Domini 1759, GR 11. No. 125. England, mid 18th century. H. 41 cm. W. 31,5 cm. D. 17 cm.
William Dutton served his apprenticeship under the famous George Graham in 1738 and finished his apprenticeship in 1746 when he became a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. In circa 1750 he became a partner to the famous Thomas Mudge, another apprentice of George Graham, at 148 Fleet Street, London. This address was used by the Dutton family for several generations. William and Thomas Mudge were two of the developers of the Lever Escapement which is the forerunner of the escapement to be found in almost all the watches and in most small travelling watches today. Their production was manly watches and made one for Queen Charlotte, wife of George III. But also some long case clocks by Mudge & Dutton of which one is in The Ilbert Collection of Clocks & Watches today in the British Museum.
No guarantee of the function of the clock work. Condition report on request.
Furniture, varia & carpets, 26 February 2014