Note: The silvered dail engraved  'John Rainsford - Leicester Square - London'.

The inspiration for this unusual and rare clock case relates to two designs, one published by Thomas Johnson in 'Collection of Designs' and the other one published by the Society of Upholsterers in 'Genteel Household Furniture in the Present Taste'.

The latter design was supplied by Thomas Johnson to John Wheale who published the book by various artists including Chippendale, Lock and Johnson under the pseudonym 'Society of Upholsterers'.

Johnson undertook much freelance work as a carver and designer and it is thought that he collaborated with Thomas Chippendale on some of the designs for the Director as well as working for him as a carver. This would also explain the many crossovers and similarities between the two men's work.

The clockmaker John John Rainsford was active between the years 1722 until 1757. The last two years his workshop was run by his wife and widow Cornelia following the death of her husband in 1755.