18th Century Musical and Spherical Moon Phase Mantel Clock

Inventory Number: C1809007

Overall height with plinth: 65 1/2 in. (166cm). 

Made circa 1735, signed Roger Dunster on dial and movement. 

The plinth was made later to match the clock. The inverted bell top ebonized case embellished with gilt ornaments, brass ogee bracket feet, paneled plinth with fluted pilasters to the corners. 

Movement

A triple fusee chain movement with verge escapement, brass rod pendulum with engraved bob.

Cylinder Chime Mechanism 

A pinned cylinder can play one of 12 tunes on the hour and half-hour with 25 hammers on 12 bells.

Time Strike 

Strike the hour on a larger bell at the side. 

On the half-hour, the hammer will strike the forthcoming hour. (This is a typical Dutch time striking way.)

About the clockmaker

Roger Dunster (1695-1747) was an important and renowned watch and clockmaker, active in between London and Amsterdam. He specialized in making high-quality and decorated watches and clocks. 

In 1722 Roger Dunster became partners with Christopher Clarke in Amsterdam signing their clocks Clarke and Dunster. 

When Clarke returned to London in around 1730, the partnership came to an end. Roger Dunster continued his business using his own name. In 1744 he bought a house on Vijgendam in Amsterdam. After his death in 1747, Abraham Bruyekeur took over the business.