Clocks

John Juler

In August 2011, two long-case clocks made by Julers of North Walsham were advertised for sale on the Internet. One was made by John Juler (1713–1798), advertised by The Clock-Work Shop for ₤8250, described as:

C. 1780,  8-day moon-phase long-case clock by John Juler (1713–1798). Five pillar bell strike movement, 12 in painted dial with gesso gilt corners, and silvered calendar, Roman/Arabic numerals and blued steel hands, height 92½ in.

The second (left) is more elaborate: attributed to John Juler (Junior) (1750–1825);  it  was advertised by Allan Smith Antique Clocks for ₤5985, and described as:

Late 18th C moon-phase long-case clock, John Juler, N Walsham, inscribed on the face typical of the region/period. Dial: gilt gesso borders enclosing gilt scrolling corner spandrels, very well executed moon phases to arch with delicately painted seascape and landscape between moons.  Roman hour numerals with minutes numbered, subsidiary seconds and date dials; blued cut steel hands. Movement 8 day five pillar with hourly striking . . .

Late 18th century long-case clock made by John Juler of North Walsham

A third clock (right) attributed to John Juler (Junior) came to light in a clock shop in Florida, USA, in 2021. It has a similar oak case, although the finials are probably a later addition. The dial is clearly engraved ‘John Juler, North Walsham’; its provenance is not traced.

It strikes a single bell to mark the hours. It has a loud and clear tone with a nice vibrato as the sound dies out.  The clock also has two features that are not common on such an early piece. It has a day of the month wheel and a lever to silence the bell when desired.

[photos reproduced by permission of Clay Witt, Merritt Island, Florida, USA]