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Lot 113
A French gilt brass four-glass mantel clockRichard et Cie, Paris and London, late 19th centuryThe circular eight-day two train bell striking movement with visible Brocot escapement regulated by twin capsule mercury compensated pendulum with Brocot type regulation to suspension, the backplate stamped R&C, PARIS & LONDON, 4257, circular two-piece white enamel Roman numeral dial with visible escapement to the recessed centre and blued steel moon hands set within gilt ogee moulded bezel, the frosted gilt bevel-glazed case with cavetto cornice, caddy moulded uprights and skirt base, 29.5cm (11.5ins) high. Richard and Company are recorded in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS Their history and development as founded in Paris in 1848 and setting-up a London retail outlet in 1857. By 1867 the branch was located at 24 Cannon Street and signed clocks in English. Richard et Cie were prolific makers of better quality carriage clocks as well as other types of decorative mantel clock who received an Honourable Mention in the 1889 Paris Exposition.Condition Report: Movement appears to be in fine clean working condition, the level of the mercury in one of the mercury capsules is slightly lower than the other suggesting that a little has been lost from one. The dial has two very faint hairlines to the chapter ring (each side of the VI numeral) which can only be seen on very close examination. Case is in good clean condition with only a few minor spots of discolouration and slight mellowing to the finish in places; the glasses appear free from visible damage. Clock is complete with pendulum and winding key.Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 120
A fine French gilt brass carriage clock with Aesthetic style porcelain panels and push-button repeat Unsigned, Paris, late 19th century The eight-day gong two train gong striking movement with silvered platform lever escapement and stamped with serial number 259 to lower left hand corner of the backplate, the rectangular porcelain dial panel overall painted in polychrome and gilt with asymmetric panels incorporating polychrome coastal landscape scene and two further red and black gilt landscapes, within a cream field populated with a gilt dragon and stylised foliage, the centre with gilt butterfly within Roman numeral chapter ring and with blued steel spade hands, the frosted gilt brass case a variant of the pillars design with baton centred geometric outline hinged handle over bevelled top glass, caddy top moulding and scalloped 'pagoda' cornice, the angles with bamboo three-quarter column uprights, the sides inset with additional Aesthetic style porcelain panels matching the dial with arrangement of shaped polychrome, puce, blue, iron-red and black ground landscape panels within a cream ground incorporating gilt birds and insects and a rat amongst stylised flowering foliage, on complex moulded plinth base with copper-plated milled band stepped skirt, the inside of the rear of the case stamped 200, 17cm (6.75ins) high excluding handle. Provenance: The beneficiary of the Estate of a private collector, East Midlands. The design of the porcelain panels of the current lot draw their inspiration from Japanese art in particular Satsuma pottery. The study and interpretation of Japanese decorative arts was a core element of the Aesthetic Movement which in-turn influenced Orientalist design which became highly fashionable during the latter quarter of the 19th century. Furthermore the 'pagoda' design of the case compliments the Aesthetic feel of the panels resulting in an object which is fully integrated in its visual qualities. A closely related clock is illustrated on the rear dust jacket of Roberts, Derek CARRIAGE and other Travelling CLOCKS. Condition Report: Movement is in relatively clean working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or significant replacements. The dial has a crack across the upper right hand corner (visible on closer examination) and very light rubbing to the chapter ring otherwise is in fine condition. The side panels appear free from damage or visible restoration although some light glaze crazing is apparent. The gilt detail to the porcelain panel is in very good condition withy next to no/very minimal wear. The case is in very fine condition with no apparent wear to the gilding and no visible damage to the glasses. Clock has a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 125
A fine French gilt brass carriage clock with multi-coloured relief cast chinoiserie panels and push-button repeat Gay, Lamaille and Company, Paris, late 19th centuryThe eight-day two train gong striking movement with silvered platform lever escapement and stamped with oval PATENT SURETY ROLLER to centre of the backplate over further oval G.L trademark and serial number 749 to lower left, the dial with silvered Roman numeral chapter ring inset into a rectangular panel sculpted in relief with an Arcadian oriental garden landscape incorporating figure on a bridge next to pavilion on a rocky outcrop to lower margin, the centre with a pair of swifts descending onto branches and fine stylised pierced and engraved gilt brass hands, the frosted gilt brass case a variant of the pillars design with baton centred geometric outline hinged handle over thick bevelled top glass, caddy top moulding and scalloped 'pagoda' cornice, the angles with bamboo three-quarter column uprights, the sides inset with fine figural scenes in copper, silver, grey and gilt of male archers hunting deer opposing robed figures flying kites next to a pavilion, on complex moulded plinth base with stepped skirt, the inside of the rear of the case stamped 273, 17cm (6.75ins) high excluding handle. Provenance: The beneficiary of the Estate of a private collector, East Midlands. The firm of Gay, Lamaille and Company and their patent for the 'surety roller' is discussed by Thomas R. Wotruba in his article The story behind PATENT SURETY ROLLER stamped on carriage clocks published in ANTIQUARIAN HOROLOGY June 2017 2019 (pages 239-47). Moritz describes how the Patent Surety Roller (a mechanism which prevents the strike star wheel from accidentally jumping out-of-sync whilst the clock is being transport) was invented by Moritz Immisch for which he received a brevet in 1979. The patent was subsequently secured by Messrs Gay, Lamaille and Company of Paris and London. One of the firm's founders, Emile Gay(e), is recorded as working at 20 Red Lion Square, London in 1861before going into partnership with a clockmaker named Vicarino and setting up operations at 5 rue Beranger, Paris. In around 1877-78 George Lamaille replaced Vicarino forming Gay, Lamaille and Company who through their strong connections with London supplied many of the leading English retailers such as Dent, Frodsham and Lund & Blockley during the latter years of the 19th century. The highly decorative panels of the current lot employ a series of differing techniques to gild, silver, copper and chemically patinate the finely finished relief cast panels to bring the scenes alive. The distinctly Oriental style of the panels coupled with the 'pagoda' form of the case and details such as the finely worked hands have resulted in an object which is fully integrated in its design and execution in a style that would have been at the height of fashion during the 1880's. Condition Report: Movement is in clean condition and is running, with no visible evidence of alteration or significant replacements. The strikework (including the repeat mechanism) is fully operational. The dial has some very slight rubbing to the black of the numerals otherwise appears to be in in perfect condition. The case is in similar condition exhibiting no noticeable wear to the gilding and finish to the panels or chips to the glasses.Clock has a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 132
A fine and rare French gilt brass singing bird automaton carriage clock Japy Freres for Henry Marc, Paris, circa 1860The eight-day twin train bell striking movement with platform lever escapement and stamped with oval trademark JAPY FRERES ET CIE, EXPOSITION, 1855 GRANDE,MED., D'HONNEUR over another H'Y MARC, PARIS and serial numbers 43 and 31199 to lower margin, the under-dial motionwork with counterweighted detent for the hourly release of the going barrel-driven musical mechanism for sounding a two-note bird call and with twin linkages at the rear for operating the two movements of the bird automaton above, the rectangular white enamel Roman numeral dial with blued steel moon hands and inscribed H'RY MARC, PARIS to lower margin, the two tier gilt brass bevel-glazed case with foliate scroll-cast hinged carrying handle to the one-piece caddy moulded upper section enclosing automaton of a bird perched within foliate next to a nest with eggs which moves from side to side and bobs up and down whilst the musical mechanism in the base in running, with cavetto skirt set onto to top of the lower tier with platform incorporating projecting rounded corners applied with artichoke finials over free-standing slender baluster corner columns with leafy caps and waists, on shaped stepped plinth base with scroll cast band and projecting rounded angles to support the columns, the right hand side with musical mechanism winding square over lever for allowing the musical mechanism to be operated at will, on four disc turned feet, 28.5cm (11.25ins) high. Provenance: The beneficiary of the Estate of a private collector, East Midlands. The firm of Japy Freres et Cie was founded by Frederick Japy in 1774 who set-up a modest workshop in Montbeliard as a watch and machine tool maker. Japy expanded his business rapidly and by 1804, the year he was awarded the Legion d Honneur by Napoleon (in recognition for his Brevets in horological machinery), he employed 300 people at his manufactory in Beaucourt. From 1806, he took five of his sons into partnership and the firm expanded adding buildings at Badevel and La Feschotte amongst others to become one of the largest makers of clocks in Europe. The business continued into the Twentieth century but during the inter-war period went into decline and is thought to have finally wound-up in around 1840. A detailed history of Japy Freres et Cie is provided in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS, Their history and development chapter VI pages 133-48. Henry Marc is also noted by noted in Allix as probably a retailer of various mantel and other small clocks and refers to a relatively early carriage clock (number 26886) supplied to Marc by Japy Freres. The current lot is rare example from a small series of Oiseaux Chantant automaton clocks produced by Japy Freres during the 1860's-70's. Charles Allix (on page 222) comments that the musical automata were probably not made at Saint-Nicholas d'Aliermont as there is no record of the manufacture of such mechanisms taking place in the area, hence it is likely that these parts of the clock were supplied from workshops either in the Franche-Comte or Switzerland. A closely comparable example was offered at Christies, South Kensington sale of The Dr. Eugene and Rose Antelis Collection of Important French Carriage Clocks Thursday 26th November 1998 (lot 101) whilst another, albeit a rarer variant with centre seconds was sold at Antiquorum, Geneva sale of Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces 11th November 2012 (lot 294) for and astonishing $50,994.Condition Report: The clock movement appears complete, original and is in clean condition. The escapement will beat but is prone to stopping suggesting a service is required; the strike train is working. The release mechanism for the singing bird automaton (positioned on the front of the frontplate) is present but is not currently operational and appears to have some solder repairs/adjustments. The singing bird mechanism will wind and run when the override/release lever in the base is engaged however it would appear that only one note and one (of the two) actions are operational. We are unable to gain access to the musical mechanism to assess its condition/originality.The dial appears free of visible faults. The section of the case housing the clock movement and dial appears to have been re-gilded whilst the upper section has not. The castings around the base (housing the music movement) are a little uneven with some flaws in the casting apparent. The winding square for the automaton mechanism is a little misaligned with in relation to its hole which coupled with the unevenness of the castings would appear a little crude for a clock of this specification however they do not appear to be indicative of obvious alteration. The bird automaton and its setting are in good condition and both actions of the bird a will operate when the linkages are moved. The section of the case which houses the automaton is in good condition however there is a small notch cut to the lower front edge, the purpose of this is unknown. All glasses to the case appear free from visible damage however there is some unevenness in the execution of the bevelling.The current lot is generally intact but has the feel of having had some restoration work done in the recent past which could account for some of the misalignment of the elements in the base of the case. The small notch cut to the lower edge of the automaton case (at the junction with top of the clock case) is a mystery but does not seem to be indicative of significant adaptation. These details may cause some to doubt the overall authenticity of the clock however we cannot see any direct evidence to support this view although we have not been able to take the base section of the case apart to investigate further.There is no winding key present with this clock. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 155
An Edwardian inlaid mahogany quarter chiming bracket clock Unsigned, circa 1900 The substantial four pillar triple chain fusee movement with half-deadbeat escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum, chiming a choice of two tunes on four or all eight of the bells within the graduated nest and striking the hour on a coiled gong, the six inch circular silvered brass Roman numeral dial with rosette engraved centre, CHIME/SILENT and 4 BELLS/8 BELLS selection switches to upper margin and blued steel hands set behind a hinged bevel-glazed circular bezel with canted fillet insert to interior, the case with tall domed caddy superstructure inlaid with neo-classical style symmetrical scrolling foliage over husk swag decorated upstand flanked by reeded plinths capped with brass vase finials to the corners, the front panel with wreath-border to the dial aperture beneath fan decorated upper quadrants and with further symmetrical foliate scrolls to lower section flanked by fluted canted angles, the sides with arched foliate scroll pierced sound frets and the rear with rectangular door incorporating further fretwork panel, on moulded line panel bordered skirt base centred with a rosette to front, 55cm (21.5ins) high. Condition Report: Movement is in fine original condition with no visible alterations or significant replacements. Although mechanism is fully working it is somewhat dirty/neglected hence a clean and overhaul is required. The dial is in good original condition albeit a little tarnished/discoloured. The case also is in fine original condition with faults limited to a very small loss in the right hand side fret, minor bumps, scuffs and other slight blemishes commensurate with age. Clock is complete with pendulum, winder and case key. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 156
A George III oak eight-day longcase clock with moonphaseGeorge Baddely, Newport, circa 1785The five pillar rack and bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by seconds pendulum, the 13 inch single sheet silvered brass break-arch Roman numeral dial with subsidiary seconds and calendar dials to centre and Arabic five minutes to outer track, with scroll pierced blued steel hands and rococo scroll engraved decoration to spandrels beneath arch with rolling moonphase calibrated for the age of the moon and signed GEORGE BADDELY NEWPORT to the upper margin over conforming rocaille engraved lunettes, in a case with dentil moulded open-arch break-arch pediment over hinged glazed dial aperture flanked by free-standing fluted Corinthian columns and the sides with half-round Roman Doric columns applied to bargeboards at the rear, the trunk with ogee throat mounding over shaped-top caddy-moulded door flanked by Corinthian quarter-columns, on shaped raised panel fronted plinth base with canted angles and ogee bracket feet, 219cm (86ins) high. George Baddely is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working in Newport, Shropshire, in 1784.Condition Report: The movement appears complete and all original and is in working order although a precautionary clean and overhaul is advised. The pendulum is missing its suspension spring. The dial has overall light discoloration and tarnishing giving an overall attractive mellow hue to the finish otherwise is in good original condition. The movement rests on a replacement seatboard which in-turn sits on cheek uprights of case which shoe evidence of being restored to their current height therefore we can offer no assurances that the movement and dial are original to the case however they do appear perfectly suited to each other.The case is in good condition and of fine colour with significant faults limited to a horizontal shrinkage crack to the panel fronting the plinth and a loose rear foot; both of these could be easily rectified by a competent cabinet maker/restorer. Faults are otherwise limited to minor historic bumps, scuffs, shrinkage and wear commensurate with age and use which generally add to the 'character' of the object.Clock has pendulum, two weights, a case key but no winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 162
A George III mahogany eight-day longcase clock with moonphase Thomas Willshire, Bristol, circa 1780The four pillar rack striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by seconds pendulum, the 12 inch brass break-arch dial with recessed subsidiary seconds dial and calendar aperture to the matted centre decorated with bright-cut insects and floral motifs within applied Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes to outer track and signed Tho's Willshire, Bris=tol to lower margin, with scroll pierced steel hands and gilt twin bird and urn cast spandrels to angles beneath arch with rolling moonphase incorporating arched silvered scale for the lunar month and HIGH WATER AT BRISTOL KEY to the upper margin over landscape engraved lunettes beneath, the case with moulded dentil break-arch cornice and conforming veneered frieze over wavy-edged hinged glazed dial aperture flanked by free-standing spiral twist turned Corinthian hood columns with gilt caps and bases, the sides with shaped side windows and scroll-outline bargeboards at the rear, the trunk with elaborately shaped flame figured caddy moulded door flanked by Corinthian quarter columns with gilt caps and bases, on conforming raised panel fronted plinth base with ogee bracket feet, 225cm (88.5ins) high. Thomas Willshire is recorded in Moore, A.J. THE CLOCKMAKERS OF BRISTOL 1650-1900 as being in business with Henry Link until 1777 when the partnership was dissolved and took apprentice, William Alexander, in 1785.The current lot is an archetypical example of the fully developed Bristol style of longcase clock made during the last quarter of the 18th century. Such clocks were made with wealthy Bristol merchants in mind with the moonphase being annotated with high-water times in order to assist ship-owners with the scheduling of arrivals and departures through the Bristol Channel which is essentially unpassable during low tide. Condition Report: Movement is very dirty/neglected hence will require a full overhaul before putting to use. The strike train has been converted to sound on a gong mounted on the case backboard (would have originally sounded on a bell) reconversion back to bell strike would not prove problematic to a skilled clock restorer. The escapewheel and pallets are service replacements and there is some variance in the collet shapes to the strike train suggesting that some re-pinioning may have taken place at some point otherwise movement appears fundamentally original and is in sound condition. The dial is complete and fundamentally original with the probable exception of the hands but is in very dirty/neglected condition. The movement rests on an old seatboard onto uprights of the case which show evidence of adjustment to their levels. The right hand side has a packing piece approx. 8mm thick whilst the right hand side is cut at the correct level. Due to the clock having evidence of adjustment to the levels of the 'cheeks' we cannot provide any assurance that the movement and dial are original to the case however the case is a 'textbook' example for this type of movement.The case would have originally had a swan neck pediment and box superstructure above the current break-arch top which have been removed. The frieze would have also had fretwork which also appears to have been replaced by plain veneer. Case otherwise is in sound unrestored condition with faults limited to some shrinkage, bumps, scuffs and other faults commensurate with age.Clock has pendulum, weights, winder but no case key. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 165
A George III oak eight-day longcase clockThe dial signed for Thomas Brown, Chester, late 18th centuryThe four pillar rack and bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by seconds pendulum, the 12 inch square brass dial with starburst decorated subsidiary seconds dial and arched calendar aperture to the foliate engraved dial centre signed Tho's. Brown, CHESTER to lower margin, within applied Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes to outer track, with scroll pierced steel hands and rococo cast spandrels to angles, in a case with cavetto moulded cornice over free-standing columns flanking hinged glazed dial aperture to hood, the trunk with rectangular cossbanded caddy moulded door over plinth base with moulded skirt, 189cm (74.5ins) high. Thomas Brown is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working in Chester 1766-84 then Stockport 1795-1801.Condition Report: The movement is in relatively clean working condition and appears essentially all-original with evidence of alteration or significant replacements. The dial has been polished hence has lost silvering to the dial centre and chapter ring retaining original hands and spandrels.The movement has an old seatboard which in turn rests on cheek uprights in the case which have been applied with thin packing strips (circa 10mm) to centre the movement in the case dial aperture. The presence of these slips suggests that the movement and dial are not original to the case however they are well suited both in period and style.The case is generally in sound condition and of nice colour with the only major fault being the box of the base having lost around two inches in height. Otherwise faults are limited to shrinkage, bumps and scuffs etc. commensurate with age and use.Clock has pendulum (no suspension spring), weights, winder but no case key. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 166
Y A rare North Italian padouk wood 'night and day' table timepiece with silent-pull quarter-repeatUnsigned, mid 18th centuryThe rectangular back-wound movement with four baluster turned pillars pinned through the backplate, with spring barrel and verge escapement regulated by short pendulum cranked to clear the winding square to the four-wheel going train and the silent-pull quarter-repeating train of early Knibb type sounding the hours and quarters on demand only via twin hammers, the frontplate with motionwork behind iron falseplate fitted with three radial arms for mounting the dial around the separate disc centre now fixed and pierced with an fleur-de-lys shaped pointer within pierced Roman numeral chapters to the 8.75 inch square dial plate, the front with matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised sword-hilt half hour markers and five minutes to outer track, with pierced steel hands and fine foliate scroll cast gilt brass spandrels to angles, the gilt brass mounted padouk case with hinged carrying handle to the domed caddy flanked by pedestals surmounted with urn finials to the front over crisp cornice mouldings and foliate scroll cast and pierced mount to frieze, the square hinged glazed dial aperture applied with urn-cast mounts to upper rail, the sides with conforming frieze mounts over blind panels, the rear finished flush with simple door cut with a circular aperture now blanked-off with fabric covered panel, on cavetto moulded skirt base dressed with rosewood to lower edge, 52cm (20.5ins) high excluding handle. Although unsigned the present clock, in particular the case, can be compared to a hour-striking clock with alarm in a 'mulberry' (lampblack stained burr field maple) veneered case by Antonia Fenici of Modena illustrated in Brusa, Giuseppe La misura del tempo, L'antico splendore dell'orlogora italiana dal XV al XVIII secolo on page 546. The Fenici clock shares strong similarities with the case of the current lot in particular both have the same handle casting and double-skirt arrangement at the base. Another related clock, this time a silent-pull quarter repeating timepiece with alarm, was offered at Hampel Auctions, Munich in their auction of CLOCKS AND WATCHES held on Wednesday 7th December 2016 (lot 975). This second comparable is notable in having strong detail similarities in the movement including the back cock casting and pillars as well as the same pattern of spandrel ornaments to the dial. The design of 'silent-pull' repeat mechanism used in the current lot is of the earliest type which is believed to have been invented in around 1676 by Edward Barlow and/or Daniel Quare which, in practice, seems to have been first put to use by Joseph Knibb (see Dawson, Percy G., Drover, C.B. and Parkes, D.W. Early English Clocks pages 343-4). This mechanism will sound the last hour and quarter on two bells on demand only and is thought to have been devised for night-time use in the bedroom; whilst striking clocks with quarter repeat facility were generally intended to be utilised downstairs during the day and upstairs at night. The invention of pull-quarter repeat mechanisms rendered nigh clocks obsolete hence few were made in England after the mid 1670's however in Italy it seems that they persisted for longer. In addition to having a silent-pull quarter repeat mechanism the present timepiece was originally constructed with a dial which enabled time to be read both during the day and at night. This took the form of a rotating hour disc pierced with an arrow to serve as the hour hand reading against a fixed chapter Roman numerals pierced in the dial plate. It is possible that the current minute hand is original hence would allow the time to be read in tandem with the hour pointer during the day and by the hour pointer against the pierced chapter ring at night facilitated by lighting the clock from the rear by placing a light source beyond the circular aperture to the back door.What is particularly unusual with the current timepiece is that it is also provided with a silent-pull quarter-repeat mechanism which essentially acts as an alternative to a 'night dial' hence would seem to render the provision of latter redundant. The only logical reason why both systems for the telling of time at night were provided was to enable the clock to be used either within easy access or out of reach of an individual sleeping in a larger bed chamber of an Italian Palazzo. Although the dial has been modified with the provision of a silvered chapter ring and fixing the central disc to allow the hour to be indicated via the traditional arrangement of an hour hand, all of the original elements appear to survive hence it would seem that the clock could be restored back to its original configuration without having to resort to conjectural reconstruction.
Lot 175
A burr walnut cased eight-day longcase clockThe movement and dial by George Burgess, London, circa 1697, the case laterThe five finned and latched pillar inside countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by seconds pendulum and 11 inch square brass dial incorporating subsidiary seconds dial, ringed winding holes and 'triple-crown' foliate scroll border engraved calendar aperture to the matted centre, within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised sword-hilt half hour markers, Arabic five minutes to outer track and signed Geo: Burgess, London to lower margin, with scroll pierced blued steel hands and winged cherub mask and scroll cast spandrels to angles with foliate engraved infill to margins between, now in a burr walnut veneered case executed with selected figured veneers and cross-grain mouldings, the hood with shallow dome caddy upstand over ogee cornice and scroll-pierced frieze fret to entablature, the hood door with Solomonic twist turned three-quarter columns flanking the glazed dial aperture and the sides incorporating rectangular openings with conforming quarter columns set against bargeboards at the rear, the trunk with convex throat mouldings and 41 inch rectangular door veneered with four pairs of book-matched burr panels and centred with a lenticle within half-round moulded border, the sides with twin triple-line strung panels within crossbanded borders, on conforming quarter-veneered plinth base further crossbanded and with ogee top moulding over bun feet, 208cm (82ins) high. A George Burgis is recorded in Loomes, Brian Clockmakers of Britain 1286-1700 as the son of a plumber from Thetford in Norfolk who was apprenticed through the Blacksmiths' Company to John Higginson in 1683. Loomes notes that he appears not have gained his freedom and cites christening of children (with wife Mary) at St. Giles Cripplegate in 1721 and 1728. His will was proved on 15th July 1739 in which he was described as a watchmaker of the Parish of St. Martin in the Fields.The engraved 'triple crown' motif to calendar aperture is believed to represent the unification of the British Isles under William III and is thought to coincide with the signing of the Clockmaker's Oath of Allegiance to the Crown in 1697. Condition Report: Movement appears to be in good original condition with no obvious replacements, alterations or repairs including the escapement which may well be original with the possible exception of the pallets. Although the mechanism appears to be in working order it is due a service hence will require one before putting into long-term service. The dial is in good condition although the hands appear to be well-made replacement s and the chapter ring has some patchy discolouration/tarnishing to the silvering. As catalogued the case is later -most likely made during the latter quarter of the 20th century. It is well executed with cross-grain mouldings and is of good proportions, faults are limited to some shrinkage cracking to the mouldings (mainly to hood), two small chips to the hood top moulding (to each corner) and a small repair to the top left corner of the throat moulding. Otherwise case is in fine condition although may benefit from some further polishing/finishing work to deepen the colour of the walnut veneers.Clock is complete with pendulum, two weights, pendulum and case key. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 177
A George I/II burr walnut eight-day longcase clock with moonphaseUnsigned, probably West Country, second quarter of the 18th centuryThe four finned pillar inside countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by seconds pendulum, the 12 inch brass break-arch dial with subsidiary seconds dial and leafy border engraved calendar aperture to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with fleur-de-lys half hour markers and Arabic five minutes to outer track, with pierced blued steel hands and crested mask centred foliate scroll cast spandrels to angles, the arch with rolling moonphase incorporating herring border and silvered scale calibrated for the lunar month to upper margin over landscape opposing armillary engraved lunettes beneath, the case with ogee cornice and blind fretwork decorated upper quadrants over break-arch glazed door flanked by integral three-quarter columns with gilt brass caps and bases, the sides with rectangular windows, the trunk with shaped arch top quarter veneered caddy moulded door with chevron strung crossbanded, on conforming truncated plinth base with ogee top moulding and moulded double skirt, 211cm (83ins) high. Provenance: Bears an old label inscribed in ink "This clock was the property of Hannah Moore of 'Cowslip Green' Wrington, Somerset, & was purchased at a sale of her furniture, supposed date of clock, 1700."Hannah Moore was a prolific poet, playwright and writer on religion and morality. Born in Stapleton, South Gloucestershire in 1745 she was the daughter of a schoolmaster who after breaking-off her six year engagement to William Turner after he kept postponing the wedding in 1773 focussed on her writing. Her poetry gained the acclaim David Garrick and Dr. Samuel Johnson proclaimed her the most powerful of English women poets after reading her work 'Bas Bleu' (Blue Stocking) in 1784. Latterly she turned towards writing moral treatises criticising fashionable society for its selfishness and immorality as well as becoming a strong voice in the anti-slavery movement exemplified by her 1788 poem 'Slavery'. By 1785 she had moved, along with her sister Martha to thatched cottage at Cowslip Green, Wrington, North Somerset before moving again to a nearby larger house in 1801. When Hannah Moore died in 1833 she left the bulk of her estate of £27,500 (equivalent to about £2m today) to various religious and medical causes.Condition Report: Movement is basically complete and appears all-original with the exception of the escapewheel and pallets which appear to be old service replacements. A spare hole to the upper front edge of the frontplate suggests that the bellstand was once fitted to the frontplate rather than the backplate. The mechanism is generally in dirty/neglected condition hence will require a clean and overhaul prior putting to use. The upper left hand corner of the frontplate (viewed from the rear) has a break across the corner around what appears to be a disused dial foot hole, it is most likely that this was done during the fitting of the dial with the maker choosing to fit the dial foot a little lower down rather than effect what would be an unsound repair.The dial is somewhat dirty/discoloured with some patchy discolouration and light wear to the finishes otherwise is in sound original condition.The movement retains on what appears to be its original seatboard (albeit with strengthening repairs to underside) which rests on the original uprights (cheeks) of the case with no evidence of alteration or other movement being fitted hence it is our opinion that the movement and dial are original to the case.The case is generally in sound condition with the only major fault being the base which has lost perhaps around 4-5 inches in height out of the box. The hood is lacking its rear quarter column from the right hand side, the corresponding column to the left side is also missing along with its 'bargeboard' strip behind. The trunk has slight bowing to the sides as well and a slight warping to the door but not to extent where it is unsightly or problematic with regards to fit and closing. The finish to the case is somewhat muddy hence would benefit from the attention of a cabinet maker/finisher. Faults are otherwise limited to minor bumps, scuffs, shrinkage etc. commensurate with age and use.Clock has pendulum, weights, case key and winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 183
An ebonised table timepiece with silent pull quarter repeatThe dial bearing a signature for Henry Rycroft, Liverpool, late 17th century The five finned pillar single fusee movement with verge escapement regulated by short bob pendulum and silent pull quarter repeat on two bells, the asymmetrical scrolling tulip bloom engraved backplate with pendulum holdfast hood, herringbone border and foliate scroll pierced and engraved backcock apron, the 7 inch square brass dial with single winding hole and high-position calendar aperture to the matted centre within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised sword hilt half hour markers, Arabic five minutes within the outer track and engraved Henry Rycroft, Liverpoole fecit to lower margin, with scroll pierced sculpted steel hands and the angles applied with winged cherub head cast spandrels, the case with hinged looped cast brass carrying handle to the caddy surmount and two-tier top mouldings over glazed front door applied with mitred bolection mouldings to frame, the sides with short lozenge over long rectangular scroll-pierced sound frets and the rear with rectangular glazed door set within the frame of the case, on stepped ogee moulded base with block feet, 30.5cm (12ins) high excluding handle. Provenance: The beneficiaries of the estate of a private collector, Wiltshire. The current lot is designed to sound the hours and quarters on two bells only on demand. This form of quarter repeat mechanism is thought to have been devised for timepieces destined for night-time use in the bedroom; whilst striking clocks with quarter repeat facility were generally intended to be utilised downstairs during the day and upstairs at night. As a consequence silent-pull quarter repeating timepieces are rarer as the original owner would have to be very wealthy indeed to afford a timepiece reserved exclusively for use in the bed chamber. The design of the repeat mechanism used in the current lot is closely related to the system used by Joseph Knibb as described and illustrated in Allix, Charles and Harvey, Laurence HOBSON'S CHOICE pages 36-7. Condition Report: Movement is in clean working condition and is presented in its original configuration however the escapement is almost certainly a reconversion to verge from and earlier anchor/recoil conversion -hence the contrate, escapewheel, pallets, backcock and apron are replacements. The reconversion work has been well executed with evidence of any previous recoil escapement being carefully addressed. The repeat-work is complete and appears fundamentally original. The backplate is in in good clean condition with visible faults limited to a small casting fault below the backcock apron. The frontplate has spare holes from repositioning of the bell-stand; the motionwork is complete although the wheel driving the calendar ring is a replacement. The dial is in clean condition. The plate has a casting crack to the lower right hand corner which has been stabilised by riveting a strengthening plate to the rear. The chapter ring is almost certainly a replacement hence we cannot offer any assurance that the engraved signature is that of the maker of the clock. Indeed the presence of linkages for the quarter-repeat hammers and perhaps the style of the engraving to the backplate suggest that the movement may have Dutch origins. The hands may be original although the hour has been repaired at its root. The spandrels appear to be modern casting hence are most likely replacements.The case carcass is mainly constructed from what appears to be ebonised poplar (or similar timber) with oak reserved for the caddy. The exterior is ebonised onto fruitwood veneers. The use of poplar-type timber for the carcass is also indicative of possible Dutch origins for the clock as English examples invariably utilised oak. The baseboard of the case has been replaced -almost certainly due to the original being cut to create room for a larger pendulum required for use with an earlier anchor/recoil escapement conversion. The seatboard is also a replacement (for the same reason) made from ebonised mahogany. The case otherwise is in fine condition having been cosmetically restored. The side frets are well executed restorations but are undamaged, faults are generally very much limited . Timepiece has a winder but no case key(s). Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 186
Y A fine and rare small William III ebony table timepiece with silent pull quarter repeatSamuel Watson, London, circa 1695 The five finned pillar single fusee movement with verge escapement regulated by short bob pendulum and silent pull quarter repeat on two bells, the symmetrical foliate scroll engraved backplate signed Samuel Watson, LONDON to a central shaped cartouche beneath conforming rectangular panel backcock apron, the 5.25 inch square brass dial with single winding hole and curved false bob aperture backed with scroll engraved infill to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised sword hilt half hour markers and outer track unusually divided and numbered 0 to 60 twice with the motionwork geared so that the minute hand completes a revolution every two hours, the lower edge with repeat signature Sam. Watson, London, with scroll pierced sculpted steel hands and the angles applied with small winged cherub head cast spandrels, the case with hinged foliate scroll cast gilt carrying handle and fine vase centred foliate decorated repousse mount to the caddy surmount with ball finials to corners above moulded cornice and foliate scroll pierced lozenge sound fret to the upper rail of the front door and the uprights with scroll decorated cast brass escutcheon mounts, the sides with short over long rectangular scroll-pierced sound frets with the latter being glazed and with open panels to centres, the rear with rectangular glazed door set within the frame of the case, on moulded shallow skirt base with block feet, 28cm (11ins) high excluding handle. Samuel Watson was an important clockmaker and mathematician who is recorded in Loomes, Brian Clockmakers of Britain 1286-1700 as initially working in Coventry from around 1680 where he was Sheriff in 1686 before moving to Long Acre ('nest door to the Bagnio in the Parish), London, in around 1691; he was admitted to the Clockmakers' Company as a free Brother in 1692. He was supposedly 'Mathematician ordinary' to Charles II for whom he made an astronomical clock in 1682 followed by another clock which he did not finish until after the King's death. This clock was eventually sold to Queen Mary on its completion in 1690 and is preserved at Windsor Castle albeit in a later case. He also made two further complex astronomical clocks for Isaac Newton and invented five minute repeating for watches. In November 1712 Samuel Watson approached the Clockmaker's Company with an instrument to 'discover the houre of the day at sea and several other useful mathematical matters' but to no avail. The current lot is designed to sound the hours and quarters on two bells only on demand. This form of quarter repeat mechanism is thought to have been devised for timepieces destined for night-time use in the bedroom; whilst striking clocks with quarter repeat facility were generally intended to be utilised downstairs during the day and upstairs at night. As a consequence silent-pull quarter repeating timepieces are rarer as the original owner would have to be very wealthy indeed to afford a timepiece reserved exclusively for use in the bed chamber. The design of the repeat mechanism used in the current lot is closely related to the system used by Joseph Knibb as described and illustrated in Allix, Charles and Harvey, Laurence HOBSON'S CHOICE pages 36-7. The present timepiece belongs to a small series of small table clocks with dials marked for 0-60 twice to minute track as described in Jagger, Cedric ROYAL CLOCKS The British Monarchy and its Timekeepers on page 44 and includes an almost identical example sold in these rooms on 4th September 2012 (lot 220). The reasoning behind the gearing of the motionwork for the minute hand to complete one revolution every two hours is unknown however it is known that Samuel Watson experimented with the development of unusual dial configurations as exemplified by his astronomical clock in the Royal collection and a longcase clock movement and dial configured with concentric lunar calendar functions which was sold at Bonhams, New Bond Street, London sale of Fine Clocks 15th December 2009 (lot 112) for £2,880.The current lot presents as a particularly attractive small timepiece made during the 'Golden Age' of English clockmaking by one of the most interesting and enigmatic makers of the period.Condition Report: Movement is currently presented in its original configuration and is in relatively clean working condition although a precautionary clean and overhaul is advised. The escapement appears to be a re-conversion back to verge with short bob pendulum hence the contrate and escape wheels together with respective potances are restorations. The centre wheel and second wheel also appear to have been re-pinioned. The reconversion work has been executed well with practically no visible evidence in the plates. The repeat work appears to be all-original and unaltered with the exception of the second wheel (driving the fly) which may have been re-pinioned. The frontplate has a few filled holes to the region upper right of the centre (opposite side the repeat work), the purpose of these holes is not obvious and certainly do not suggest that any significant alterations have been done to the movement. The fusee employs a chain rather than a gut line, the rear pivot for the barrel has a pronounced bush visible on the backplate.The dial is in good clean condition with the only noticeable faults being two pairs of threaded holes either side of the false bob aperture backing plate suggesting that the plate may have originally been secured with alternative fixings. The engraving chapter ring is a little rubbed hence 'London' script of the signature is now a little faint. The hands appear original however the minute has been solder repaired.The movement seatboard appears original however the rear edge has been cut away to allow space for a larger pendulum bob from when the clock was converted to anchor escapement. The inside of the lower rail of the rear door has been shaved as has the section of the case below to allow clearance. The baseboard of the case also now has corresponding filled slot towards the rear edge. Case otherwise is in good original condition with the only significant faults being losses to both frets to the left hand side. The veneers show some movement and shrinkage cracking (commensurate with age) and feet are later ebonised replacements. Case retains original locks, hinges and movement securing bolts.Timepiece is complete with a case key and a winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 78
An ebonised clock bracket20th century in the late 17th century/early 18th century styleWith complex mouldings to the rectangular table over inverted domed caddy terminating with a further small convex moulded pendant, the platform 26.5cm (10.5ins) by 15cm (6ins).Condition Report: Bracket is in fine condition with no significant cracks, chips or splits to the veneers or mouldings , faults are very much limited to minor bumps and bruises. The finish may benefit from further polishing.Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 80
A steel and brass precision lathe attachment or cutting frame for generating eccentric curves or elipsesUnsigned, probably English, second half of the 19th centuryThe upper section with divided screw adjusting slide incorporating lockable socket applied to the top over the first fine screw axis pivot offset adjustment within the upper section of the frame above sliding central division for amplification/reduction for the range the throw of the mechanism movement engaging via sliding dovetail-slot linkages with the second fine screw axis offset adjustment incorporating tapered slot locking screw and applied directly to the arbor of the large brass sixty-tooth driving wheel within the lower part of the frame annotated with ascending numbers for every five teeth to rim, the base with steel square post for bench or lathe mounting, 28cm (11ins) wide; in fitted mahogany box with caddy-moulded lid, 36cm (14ins) wide. Although the exact purpose of the current lot is yet to be identified the adjustments appear to allow setting of the mechanism to define one of an endless series of eccentric curves for a single rotation. The fairly substantial and precise construction would suggest that the present mechanism suggests that it was designed for workshop use, perhaps for ornamental engine-turning of the generation/cutting of cam profiles.
Lot 93
A French lacquered brass petit-sonnerie striking carriage clockRichard et Cie, Paris, for retail by Dent, London, late 19th centuryThe eight-day two train movement with silvered platform lever escapement, ting-tang sounding the quarters on graduated pair of gongs and striking the hour on the larger of the two, the backplate stamped with R.C. Caduceus trademark over serial number 222 to the lower left hand corner, the rectangular white Roman numeral enamel dial with blued steel spade hands and inscribed DENT, 61 STRAND, LONDON to lower margin, the bevel-glazed corniche case with oval top glass, caddy moulded corner uprights and skirt base, (original numbered winding key present), 14cm (5.5ins) high excluding handle. Richard and Company are recorded in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS Their history and development as being the London branch of the French firm Richard et Cie (founded in Paris in 1848) which was set up in 1857. By 1867 the branch was located at 24 Cannon Street and signed clocks in English. Richard et Cie were prolific makers of better quality carriage clocks as well as other types of decorative mantel clock who received an Honourable Mention in the 1889 Paris Exposition.Condition Report: Movement is in clean condition with no obvious evidence of alteration, repairs or significant replacements and is fully operational. The dial is free from visible faults although the retail signature is slightly rubbed and a very light chip to the upper right corner (concealed behind the frame) can just about be seen from an oblique angle. The case glasses appear free from visible chips, the base casting has small fault to the lower left hand corner top moulding otherwise appears free form faults although the finish is a little flat/tarnished overall.Clock has original numbered winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 94
A French frosted gilt brass carriage clock with push-button repeatUnsigned, Paris, late 19th centuryThe eight-day two-train gong striking movement with slivered platform lever escapement and stamped with serial number 7937 to the lower left corner of the backplate, the circular white enamel Roman numeral dial with blued steel spade hands inset into a rectangular engine-turned silvered mask engraved and highlighted in gilt with symmetrical floral scroll infill, the bevel glazed frosted gilt case a variant of the pillars design with milled banded decoration to the hinged carrying handle over bold convex top moulding and conforming decoration to the three-quarter column corner uprights, on substantial caddy moulded skirt base, 16.5cm (6.5ins) high; with a later faux red leather covered outer travelling case. Provenance: The beneficiary of the Estate of a private collector, East Midlands.Condition Report: Movement is in clean condition with no obvious evidence of alteration, repairs or significant replacements and is fully operational. The dial is free from visible faults although the silvering to the mask is tarnished. The case is in fine condition with only very minimal wear/discolouration to the gilt finish (mainly to the handle and top panel) and no visible chips to the glasses. The outer travelling case is non-original 20th century replacement and has some wear/scuffing.Clock has a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 97
A fine and unusual silvered and engraved gilt brass calendar carriage clock with visible escapement to dialJapy Freres, Paris, circa 1860The eight-day two train bell striking movement with vertical lever escapement planted with the recessed centre of the dial regulated by sprung bimetallic balance pivoted beneath a yoke-shaped bridge, the bachplate with regulation square and a pair of push-buttons for calendar adjustment over stamped oval trademark JAPY FRERES ET CIE, EXPOSITION, 1855 GRANDE,MED., D'HONNEUR to centre and serial number 100 to lower margin, the dial with escapement to the recessed silvered panel-backed centre within slender white Roman numeral enamel chapter ring and with blued steel moon hands set within a rectangular gilt brass mask finely engraved with extensive foliate scrolls onto a matted ground, the silvered brass corniche type bevel-glazed case with hinged carrying handle over oval top glass enclosing twin enamel subsidiary calendar dials for day-of-the-week and date-of-the-month within conforming gilt foliate scroll engraved infill, with cavetto cornice and caddy moulded angles over conforming skirt base, 14.5cm (5.75ins) high. Provenance: The beneficiary of the Estate of a private collector, East Midlands. The firm of Japy Freres et Cie was founded by Frederick Japy in 1774 who set-up a modest workshop in Montbeliard as a watch and machine tool maker. Japy expanded his business rapidly and by 1804, the year he was awarded the Legion d Honneur by Napoleon (in recognition for his Brevets in horological machinery), he employed 300 people at his manufactory in Beaucourt. From 1806, he took five of his sons into partnership and the firm expanded adding buildings at Badevel and La Feschotte amongst others to become one of the largest makers of clocks in Europe. The business continued into the Twentieth century but during the inter-war period went into decline and is thought to have finally wound-up in around 1840. A detailed history of Japy Freres et Cie is provided in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS, Their history and development chapter VI pages 133-48. The visible vertically-planted escapement positioned to the centre of the dial of the current lot is an unusual configuration no doubt devised to allow the space above the movement to be utilised for calendar work. The design and positioning of the escapement appears to be very scarce and unique to Japy Freres, and can be directly compared to another clock (this time mounted with equinoctial sundial to the top) by them illustrated in Roberts, Derek CARRIAGE and other Travelling CLOCKS pages 235 (Fig 14.4). From the description this other example bears the same oval trademark as the current lot and is numbered 203 which suggests that this type of escapement was only used on a few examples for a relatively short period of time around 1860. Condition Report: The movement appears complete and original with no obvious evidence of alterations, significant repairs or replacements. The escapement will currently not beat and on close examination the balance wheel appears a little misaligned hence there is probably a fault with the balance staff or pivot. The strike train is operational however the hour hand catches against the escapement assembly hence is likely to become out of sync, the bellstand has been repaired and the bell itself is loose. The day-of-t he week function advances correctly however the date-of-the-month presently does not. Movement therefore requires attention although generally it appears to have survived in original condition. The enamel chapter ring as hairline cracks near the I and II numerals and both hands have been repaired otherwise dial is in good condition with fine quality engraving to the mask. Case is generally in fine condition with no visible chips to the corner glasses except for a very slight chip to the upper right corner of the rear glass and only slight edge wear to the plated finish. There is some light historic scuffing/scratching around the rear door knob probably from attempts to lever open with a key or something similar.Clock does not have a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 91
A mixture of silver and silver plated items, including an Art Nouveau silver basket surround, three silver napkin rings, a silver caddy soon and five silver spoons, (330g), with five silver handle butter knives, and a cased set of six silver handle butter knives, and a cased set of six silver handle fish knife and forks (one fork missing), with various pieces of silver plated flatware, (qty)
Lot 327
A 19th century Chinese famille rose caddy of hexagonal form with cylindrical neck and pewter cover standing on six bracket feet, the side panels painted in polychrome enamels with Immortals amongst stylised clouds and various garden landscapes, late Qing period, 15 cm high to/w a pair of carved soapstone attendant figures, 16 cm high (3)
Lot 258
A Regency tortoiseshell tea caddy of sarcophagus form. Profusely inlaid to the front and top with mother of pearl to depict stylized flowers and a single bird. With two lidded compartments and raised on ivory ball feet, 19cm wide. Crack near the escutcheon. Repair near the hinge. Some chipping to the corners. Repairs to the covers. No key.
Lot 201
A Georgian tortoiseshell tea caddy, height 13cmCONDITION: The lid has detached from the back hinged panel, which has also detached from one of the hinges. The velvet lining is torn and coming loose. The interior zinc lining is extremely worn and three of the corner suppors are missing and one is loose. Tortoiseshell is generally a bit worn and slightly warped in areas. Split to bottom of the right hand panel and losses to corners, particularly the back left corner where a large piece is missing.
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