A Most Fine Tavern Clock by Nathaniel Hedge of Colchester
The 25 inch dial with gold Roman hour numerals, outer minutes chapter and Arabic five minute divisions, having 'arrowhead' hands with a counter-balanced minute hand, the trunk profusely decorated with lacquer work and with a sloping base bearing a shell and scrolling motif, the case sides florally decorated and the door with attractively shaped hinges and escutcheons, having a charming Tavern scene of a young girl distracting a young man with her affections as she robs him, handing over his money to her lurking accomplice. The substantial eight day weight driven timepiece movement with tapered plates, anchor escapement and seconds pendulum.
Nathaniel Hedge is known to have been working circa 1740-1780. Although many fine examples of his work still exist, this is the only known tavern clock by him.