Beschreibung:

An extremely rare and impressive early 19th century year duration striking longcase clockHardeman & Son, Bridge The remarkable case with shaped cresting mounted by three ball and spire finials on reeded uprights, the arched cresting supported on tapering reeded brass-mounted free-standing Corinthian columns over a broken arched trunk door with flame veneer and moulded edge flanked by matching quarter columns over a base with applied moulded panel, further set on a separate double-apron with moulded bracket. The 16inch one-piece silvered dial with month subsidiary in the arch framed by engraved foliage, the corners similarly decorated so as to frame the minute band and Roman chapters, signed across the centre with blued steel hands (the minute counterpoised). The extremely substantial movement with plates measuring 28cms x 23.5cms (11ins x 9.25ins) united by six very heavy knopped pillars; the going train of six wheels and high count pinions, terminating in an anchor escapement to a pendulum with light brass flat strip rod and light brass bob; the strike train with outside countwheel mounted on the backplate and striking every hour on the bell. The squar-section lead weights weighing 49kgs(108lbs) and 46kgs (101lbs). 2.72m (8ft 11ins) high. FootnotesSamuel Hardeman was likely born in Kent, to Stephen and Sarah Hardeman, the former of whom was a musical instrument maker. He had one sibling, a brother named Stephen. It is not known where Samuel served his apprenticeship, but he appears to have spent all of his working life in Canterbury. At some point he married Ann, and they had two children, Edwin (Samuel) and William. Both Edwin and William would become horologists. The family seems to have been quite prosperous, as Samuel owned several properties in Canterbury, including, his shop with living quarters above. Whether this largess was gained through inheritance (his father leaving the entirety of his estate to Samuel and his brother, after Sarah's death) or horological renown is unknown. It also appears that Samuel was a grocer, and owned a shop in this capacity, though whether this was inherited or simply a side interest is not clear. On Samuel's death in 1843, he left instructions that all his stock in trade as a grocer was to be left to Ann. He also indicated that Ann, Edwin, and a John Paren were to have full use of the building he lived in, presumably for the continuation of business. It is quite interesting to note that William Hardeman, is emphatically banned from using the premises in any capacity, especially as a clock and watch maker. It seems there was a falling out between father and son at some point, possibly over a debt owed by William to Samuel of £80, which is detailed in Samuel's will. This might also explain why the business was referred to as 'Hardeman and Son' despite both sons being horologists. Edwin Samuel Hardeman was advertising as a watchmaker in 1847, working out of 2 St. George's Street. He married Sarah, and they had two children: Sarah and Charlotte Elizabeth. Edwin died relatively soon after his father, in 1857, of a sudden illness. He left instructions that all the property and stock, presumably much of the property that he inherited, should be sold and the money to go to his wife and grown children. No mention is made of his mother or brother. William Hardeman was advertising as a watch and clock maker in 1855, working out of Bridge, Canterbury. By 1882, a William Henry Hardeman was advertising, also as a clock and watchmaker, and also working out of Bridge. It is possible that this is the same William Hardeman who was Edwin's brother, but it is also possible that this was William's son. There is no mention of any horological William Hardeman after 1903. It is interesting to note that a Canterbury resident was interviewed in 1946 by the Antiquarian Horological Society, regarding 'Hardeman and Son'. The only horological Hardeman she knew in the area was 'elderly Billy Hardeman who was a watch an