Items for Sale

D173. A Tavern also called an”Act of Parliament) Clock by Baker of Malling circa 1775, with black chinoiserie decoration.

This is a good and relatively large example of one of these fascinating clocks which is so much a part of Britains history. They were primarily used to provide the time in the coaching inns and make certain that no one missed their transport.

The dial, some 28.5" in diameter, has a wooden gilded border and roman hour and arabic numerals. There are shaped panels with gilt decoration to either side of the top of the trunk and between these is Bakers signature.

The door, with curved top, is decorated with a summer house and two people and above this is a tree. The base of the trunk is attractively shaped and the sides have simple floral decoration. Whilst the door is of oak the rest of the case , as is usual, is of pine.

The weight driven movement has anti-clock wind and a substantial oval lead weight. The pendulum is seconds beating.

The Bakers were a prominent family of clockmakers working throughout much of Kent during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is likely that this clock was made by Thomas Baker who was working in Malling (also known as Town Malling and West Malling) from 1768. (Ref:-
Pearson M.. Kent Clocks and Clockmakers.)

When this clock was discovered it was covered by a thick and hard layer of baked on wax which, whilst it protected it, was very difficult to remove. It is probable that this occurred because it was on the wall of a coaching inn opposite a fire. Pictures of it prior to restoration were taken to show its condition at that time.

Rose, R.E. English Dial Clocks.

Baker of Malling (Kent)