A truly rare and exceptional George III period black lacquer Tavern Clock by Henry Overall, Ramsey. This has an access door to the right side and a shallow concave moulded foot. The shield dial is well proportioned and the broad moulded surround projects on either side of the trunk, typical of clocks of this period. It retains giltwood finials flanking the arched top. The decoration on the trunk door depicts four figures, one seated atop a barrel, trees, flowers etc. The trunk sides are filled with floral sprays. The base is decorated with a pagoda, an arch, a figure and a duck beside a pond, trees, etc. The dial is decorated with leafy scrolls in the corners. The brass hands have heart tips with long counterpoise to the minute. The chapter rings are in a contrasting off- white with both Arabic and Roman numerals in black. The movement with tapered plates, anchor escapement and four pillars , steel pendulum rod with brass faced bob and what may well be the original, large lead weight, circa 1770. Price :£25,000-00p. H:58.5”, 149 cms, W:31”, 79 cms, D:8.5” 21. Lit: English Dial Clocks by Ronald E Rose, See front cover, Plate 1,Plate 28, Page 70, for illustrations of very similar clocks. G.H.Baillie, "Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World" Lists Henry Overall of Romsey as Ca. 1780 and known for a Longcase Clock in Lacquer as well as a watch. Act of Parliament Clocks/Tavern Clocks: An "Act of Parliament clock" is a type of large clock originally hung in inns and taverns in the United Kingdom, beginning in the mid-18th century. Such clocks were plain in design, the faces were around two to five feet in diameter, and they were hung on the wall. They are also commonly called Tavern Clocks. The term "Act of Parliament clock" came about long after these clocks were already in existence. In 1797, a tax against clocks of five shillings was introduced in the Kingdom of Great Britain by the Prime Minister William Pitt. The tax was very unpopular among clockmakers and was repealed after nine months. The large clocks in inns were later popularly (though incorrectly) said to have been developed as a response to this tax. In this instance, as the clock predates the Act of Parliament by some 25 years it is correct to call it a Tavern Clock.