An eight-day chiming mahogany longcase clock converted for use at sea, the case made circa 1770 and the movement circa 1900.

The substantial triple chain fusee movement has rectangular brass plates which are united by screwed pillars with flanges at either end. The wheelwork has four curved crossings and employs a rack striking system for both the quarters and the hours. The lever platform escapement is horizontally mounted within slots in the plates and is protected by a brass cover. The hours are struck on a coiled gong which is mounted to the seatboard via a block and post. The quarters are sounded on a nest of eight bells.

The twelve-inch brass break arch dial plate is contemporary to the movement and is signed in the centre John Shelton, London with surrounding foliate scrolls and a subsidiary seconds dial below twelve o’clock. The corners are adorned with mask and foliate spandrels and dolphin spandrels enclose the strike/silent subsidiary dial to the arch. The silvered chapter ring and blued steel hands appear to be contemporary to the case; the chapter ring has been engraved ‘Made about 1770, by J.Shelton Restored and adapted for use at sea by Percy Webster, Great Portland Street, London 1900.’
There is a lever to the side of the dial at three o’clock to change between eight and four-bell chimes.

The case is of the best London quality with pagoda topped hood which has a central pierced wood sound fret which is flanked by two ball and spire finials over freestanding fluted columns with brass capitals. The trunk has recessed quarter columns and break arch moulded door over a rectangular base with raised moulded panel and moulded skirted plinth. The trunk and base both have boxwood fan inlays to the corners. Percy Webster’s handwritten instructions are pasted to the inside of the trunk door.