Bill of sale for longcase clock by Holmes, 156 Strand

Original paper bill of sale for a striking longcase clock by Holmes, London c.1802. The receipt is signed by William Holmes, dated June 18th 1802 and made out to George Hyde Wollaston for £17.9.6d. Clockmakers' Museum No. 1531.1

John Holmes (1727-1797) was a maker of high quality clocks, based at 156, Strand. The survival of this clock's original dated bill of sale shows it was not sold until after his death, when the business was under the direction of his widow, Sarah Holmes, to whom his clock and watchmaking business was left. Under the terms of John Holmes’s will, their son, William, was required to assist his mother, hence the signature on the receipt. Sarah Holmes died in 1813, after which the business at 156, Strand continued until around 1816 under the direction of William Holmes, who died in 1817.