A gilt-mounted kingwood longcase clock, French/English, early 18th century with 19th Century movement and dial

12-inch painted dial signed Henry, Berkeley Square, with seconds dial, strike/silent lever at XII, the five pillar movement with deadbeat escapement and wood rod pendulum, rack striking on a bell, the cartouche-shaped case with bombé trunk door, crossbanded and applied with gilt-bronze mounts throughout 

Chatsworth Inventory, 1844, p. 98 in the Bachelors' Passage;
Chatsworth Inventory, 1859, p. 81 in the same place 1 Eight day clock in Ormolu and Inlaid frame;
Illustrated in a black and white photograph of the Tapestry Gallery, circa 1920;
Francis Thompson, A History of Chatsworth, London, 1949, p. 130, pl. 62;
The Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth - The House, London, 2002, p. 184

Dial is dirty and a little rubbed, chips to paint around the edge and winding holes. Movement is clean, complete and looks as though it would run. Case has alteration to seatboard, backboard mostly replaced, many old losses, cracks and scuffs throughout, loose joints, lifting veneers, ebonised plinth base is replaced. With pendulum but no winder or case keys.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Stephen Henry, who improved this clock, is recorded as having premises at 5 Berkeley Square, London between 1823 and 1840 and also at 3 Berkeley Square between 1835 and 1840.
The clock may have been in the collection since its creation but the early inventories are not precise enough to identify it. It was certainly at Chatsworth in the mid-19th Century and had by that time been remodelled, conveniently in Berkeley Square which stood at the foot of the gardens of Devonshire House.

Provenance:

Possibly William Cavendish, 2nd Duke of Devonshire (1673-1729);
First identified in the collection at Chatsworth in 1844.