An extremely rare 18th century continental tortoiseshell, cut and engraved inlaid brass and pewter weight driven quarter striking wall clock with moon phase indicationSurmounted by a cast finial and brass-bound caddy, over flared sides terminating in scroll feet, the brass inlaid sides with open back. The swag engraved arched dial with outer Latin engraving, Aspice Postremam qui cunctas aspicis horas Hodie Mihi Cras Aibi, and calendar aperture, the outer Arabic brass minute ring encircling the silvered moon phase dial, itself enclosing the silvered Roman hour dial, below a shaped blued steel hand. The weight driven movement with inverted anchor escapement and quarter striking on a bell. With an associated wall bracket, crank key and engraved pendulum. 21cms (8ins) highFootnotes:Provenance:The family collection of J. Drummond Robertson.The Latin inscription reading 'Consider the one who remains to watch all the hours' on the top half and 'Today, I will be there for tomorrow' on the bottom half.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: YY Subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside of the EU, see clause 13.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
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A mid 19th century bronzed Carriage clock with underslung English lever platform escapementWilliamson, Royal Exchange, LondonSurmounted by a gilt facetted handle on scroll uprights set on a glazed raised section over a moulded cornice, glazed sides and doors, the front corners canted and terminating in upright scrolls to a stepped plinth on gilt button feet. The 3-inch arched gilt dial signed in a polished reserve Williamson, Royal Exchange, London over the Roman chapter ring and blued steel hands all set against a richly decorated panel featuring flowers, a bird, and a butterfly within foliate scrolls and tendrils. The twin chain fusee movement with underslung jewelled English lever platform escapement benefitting from Harrison's maintaining power. Rack striking on a circular section blued steel coiled gong. Ticking, striking and repeating with two case keys and a winding key. 25cm (9.5 in) highFootnotes:Christopher Williamson was working at the Royal Exchange between 1821-1844. A giant carriage clock, with a similar aesthetic to the current carriage clock, is known to be inscribed on the back plate 'Craighead & Webb late C. Williamson, Royal Exchange, LONDON'. Craighead & Webb are listed as working in London in either 1836 or 1851 through to 1863, and it seems that in the mid-1840's they were employed in finishing one of Williamson's clocks, which for reasons unknown he was unable to finish. That he had been working on a clock upon his death could suggest that he was relatively young when he died.A similar rosewood travelling clock by Williamson, was sold in these rooms in 2004.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A rare mid 18th century Cornish ebonised table clock with tic-tac escapementWilliam Anthony, TruroThe inverted bell top case with single handle and four cone finials over shaped glazed side panels on a plinth base and block feet. The 7.75 inch arched brass dial with strike/silent subsidiary over foliate scroll spandrels, the Roman and Arabic chapter ring, matted centre with apertures for mock pendulum and date, signed on an applied arched plaque. The twin gut fusee (gut on the going train broken) movement with tic-tac escapement and rack striking on the bell, with hour pull-repeat cord to the underside. The thick plates united by five knopped pillars, the backplate centred by an engraved pagoda within foliate scrollwork 54.5cms (21ins) high. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A fine and rare late 19th century English gilt brass travel clock with compass, barometer and calendar, in the original travel case with original keyHunt & Roskell 156 New Bond Street LondonThe gilt case with stylised Greek key handle above a recessed magnetic compass with engraved 16-point silvered dial flanked by knurled finials above polished columns on proud plinths, the top, front and side panels all finely engine turned, the rear door polished and set with an aneroid barometer and mercury thermometer, the time dial with polished Roman chapter ring and Breguet style hands over subsidiary dials for day and date (lettering worn), all raised on squat button feet. The two spring barrel movement with platform escapement, the backplate engraved Hunt & Roskell 156 New Bond St London. Ticking and striking on a blued steel gong with original long handled winding key. Together with the original leather covered, silk-and-velvet lined travel case with sliding protective front panel, signed to the inner lid with a crown and Hunt & Roskell. Late Storr & Mortimer. Chronometer & Watchmakers to the Queen and Royal Family. 156 New Bond Street. 17cms (6.5 ins) highFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A rare late 19th century French brass giant gorge-cased carriage clock with repeatRetailed by Dent, London, number 1897The rippled handle over a large bevelled glass viewing panel and four further panels to a concave moulded base. The large rectangular white enamel Roman and Arabic dial with blued steel hands, signed DENT, TO THE QUEEN, 33 COCKSPUR STREET, LONDON. The substantial twin spring barrel movement with large, silvered platform escapement, half-cut bimetallic compensated balance and English lever escapement, with rack striking and repeating on a coiled blued steel gong. Ticking. 25cms (10ins) high.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A fine and rare second quarter of the 19th century gilt brass carriage timepieceJames F. Cole, No. 1 Maddox St., Regent Street, LondonThe case surmounted by a stylised facetted Greek key handle with four ribbed mushroom finials above slender Doric columns to octagonal feet, the sides, top and front panels all engine turned, the rear panel patinated and with rotating winding shutter. The 1.75-inch engine-turned silvered Roman dial with subsidiary seconds and slender blued steel moon hands reading against the finely textured centre. The going barrel movement with underslung English lever platform escapement, cut and compensated bimetallic balance, the backplate signed James F. Cole No 1 Maddox Stt Regent Street. 13cms (5ins) highFootnotes:Based on the address on the backplate, this clock was likely made between about 1829-1835. James Ferguson Cole was born around 1798 in Nether Stowey, Somerset to Catherine and James Cole, the latter of whom was a clockmaker, and known throughout the village as 'Conjuror Cole'. It also seems that the family were personally acquainted with both William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The Coles had two more children after James, Thomas (born around 1800) and Elizabeth (born around 1808). Both James Ferguson and Thomas became clockmakers, presumably being apprenticed to their father, with evidence that at least James Ferguson began his apprenticeship at 11 years old. According to some sources, James Ferguson was named after the self-taught Scottish astronomer of the same name, who published books and travelled Britain explaining the concepts of Astronomy to lay people. He also made orreries and clocks, eventually becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society. James Ferguson Cole certainly lived up to his namesake and became renowned for his mechanical skill and dexterity; he took out his first patent, for a form of pivoted detent escapement, at the age of 23. Thomas Cole would be lauded for his fine cases and dials, though does not seem to have achieved the same mechanical superiority as his brother.The Cole family moved out of Nether Stowey in 1811, eventually settling in London by 1818. Clocks are known from James Ferguson beginning around 1821, when he seems to have established his own premises, seemingly working out of Hans Place, Chelsea. There is some confusion around this address, it is possible this was the family home. Later in 1821, though, Cole moved to 10 Park Lane, Piccadilly. It does also seem that both brothers were making clocks beginning in their mid-teens, though this was likely done as part of their apprenticeship.Beginning in 1823 the brothers formed a partnership at 3 New Bond Street and began making clocks together. They were responsible for producing some of the most complicated carriage clocks available, which included standard complications such as moon phase and days of the week, and more advanced complications such as perpetual calendar and daily times for sunrise and sunset. They also made watches and chronometers at this time. It is unclear when the partnership dissolved, or why, with the date of dissolution being variously given as 1829, up to 1832. James Ferguson's first shop, after Thomas Cole's departure, was located at 1 Maddox Street, Regent Street, where he stayed until about 1835, then moving to 9 Motcomb Street, Belgrave Sq. Throughout this period he advertised as a chronometer and clock maker. Around 1846, he moved again, this time to 30 Granville Square. At some point, possibly around the time of his move to Belgrave Sq. or a bit after, he married Charlotte Wyatt. The couple would have four children together: James Ferguson Cole Junior, Mortimer George Cole, Ada Martha Cole, and Jessie Cole. Both James Ferguson Junior and Mortimer would become horologists. Ada was a painter, miniaturist, and lithographer who exhibited her work at the Royal Academy. She also printed lithograph portraits, most well-known being of the chronometer maker William James Frodsham. It is unclear if she was or was related to the photographer Ada Cole, who was an early campaigner for animal rights. Cole continued to make high-quality, complicated pieces, relocating first to 20 Devonshire Street and then 11 Great James Street during the 1850's, while his place of residence remained 5 Queen Square Bloomsbury.James Ferguson became quite involved with the British Horological Institute from the beginning, becoming Vice President in 1859. Through his involvement, professional watchmakers began to share information with each other, when previously they had kept the most inconsequential of workshop procedure to themselves, fearing competition from others. For decades afterwards it would be said that 'he broke the ' Conspiracy ' of secrecy' amongst watchmakers. Despite this he relinquished the post in 1862, having become sick of the continual bickering and politicking at council meetings. Another BHI member, however, suggested that it was Cole's 'peculiarity of temperament' which caused the unrest during the meetings. Regardless, in 1875, Cole was commissioned by the BHI, for the sum of £100, to write a series of articles which, taken together, would form a Treatise on Isochronism. It was said that this was partially done to prevent the still new British Horological Institute from appearing antagonistic towards Cole; his possibly forced resignation was warned as being 'no compliment to such an eminent man and also bad taste'. The reviews of the Treatise, after it was published in 1877 were mixed with some members commenting it 'was difficult to criticise [the Treatise] because it contained more language than fact' and others protesting Cole's assertion that flat watchsprings demanded on overcoil if they were to keep accurate time. Some defended the Treatise, including a watchmaker named Joyce Murray, who had been practicing for over three decades. Murray claimed that Cole's Treatise was 'the most valuable work on the subject extant'. Murray further stated that 'Had it been published 30 or 40 years ago, when we began to adjust lever watches, the saving of time and mental labour would have been enormous.' This might suggest that politics and personality clashes biased some reviewers.Cole refused to debate the merits of his Treatise with the various BHI members. He died shortly after, in January 1880, though he continued to practice his horological skills until a few years before his death. James Ferguson Jr. moved into his house, Belvedere (later Tower) House, Bexley Heath, and lived there until 1935. In his obituary, James Ferguson Cole Snr.'s, it was noted that he was one of the foremost practical horologists of his time, and in his particular field of study (springing and timing) he was without equal. Paul M. Chamberlain was well-acquainted with James Ferguson Cole Junior, and his summary of James Ferguson Cole Snr. is probably the most apt: 'Exemplary in his private life, a devoted husband and father, brilliant as artist and scientist, he was in every way fitted to rank with the illustrious men of his time.'Good, R. (2001) 'James Ferguson Cole, Maker Extraordinaire', Horological Journal, Vol. 143(5), pgs. 166-170Murray, J. (1877) 'Letters to the Editor', The Horological Journal, Vol. 19 (6), p. 84Donovan, D. (1975) 'Thomas Cole, Clockmaker 1800-1864. Part 1: The Cole Family', Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 9 (2), pgs. 186-189.Cronin, K. (2016) The Ada Cole Story. Available at: https://unboundproject.org/the-ada-cole-story/British Horological Institute (1958) 'The Rumbustious Days when the Institute was Formed', Horological Journal, Vol. 100 (9), pgs. 566-568.Royal Collection Trust (2022) Astronomy explained upon Sir Isaac Newton's principles and made easy to those who have not studied mathematics / James Ferguson. 1756. Available at: https://www.rct.uk/collection/1090094/astronomy-explained-upon-sir-isaac-newtons-principle... For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A good and rare late 19th Century French carriage clock with three Limoges panelsNumbered 671The ribbed and block handle above a bevelled rectangular escapement observation window, the moulded top supported by four reeded Corinthian columns, the back door glazed, on a stepped base, both sides mounted with Limoges panels depicting a courtier and his falcon, to the left he stands admiring the bird; to the right he gazes towards another bird in the sky, a crossbow by his side; both costumes decorated in full colours with gilt highlights and plants beside them. The black Limoges Roman dial with gilt minute band framed by Renaissance style scrolls with enamel jewelled highlights, with gilt brass stylised beetle and poker hands over a scene depicting a small castle and herald framing the subsidiary Arabic alarm dial with brass arrow pointer. The triple spring barrel movement with silvered and jewelled English lever escapement, the back plate stamped 671 and with French winding directions, striking on a blued steel gong. 20cms (7.5ins) highThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A fine and rare late 19th Century French silvered and gilt brass carriage clock set with three Limoges enamel panelsBreguet, Number 3883The two-colour case with ribbed handle above a rectangular bevelled glass escapement observation window, the cornice and base both with rippled edge, on a stepped and moulded base and applied block feet. The right-hand panel depicting a nobleman in multi-coloured, iridescent Limoges enamel, seen standing in an interior, a long sword in his hand; the left-hand panel depicting a noblewoman in elaborate multi-coloured and iridescent headdress, with lavish dress, pearl necklace and peacock fan. The Limoges Roman dial with delicate white Roman numerals enclosed by a gilt minute band, iridescent floral groups to the upper corners, fleur des lys hands set over a pair of en grisaille cherubs framing a blank shield within floral garlands and gilt scrollwork. The triple spring barrel movement with silvered and jewelled English lever escapement, with half-cut and compensated bimetallic balance, the back plate stamped 2600 in the lower left corner and the top engraved Breguet No 3883 with a silvered Arabic alarm-setting dial with blued steel pointer. Striking on a blued steel gong. 20.5cms (8ins) highThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A fine and rare late 19th Century French brass grande-sonnerie striking carriage clock set with exceptional pierced brass side panelsLe Roy et fils, Paris, number 10316The foliate cast handle raised on bamboo-style uprights over a cast cornice set on elaborate Corinthian style columns to a concave-moulded base and block feet; the left-hand side panel depicting a seated pipe player within an Art Nouveau style frame enriched by climbing flowers and leaves, all off-set by a rich blue enamel ground, the left-hand side panel showing a seated woman in early 19th century dress next to an urn, again within the framework of climbing inter-twined foliage and flowers, with a bevelled glass rear door. The recessed silvered Arabic dial with blued steel hands over an alarm-setting subsidiary, both framed within an equally fine mask of entwined flowers and leaves. The triple spring barrel movement with silvered lever platform escapement striking the hours, quarters and half-hours on a pair of blued steel coiled gongs, with three-position selection lever to the underside offering a choice of strike options or silence. Signed in engraved copperplate script at the base Le Roy et fils 20cms (8ins) high. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A fine and rare late 19th Century French blue and white enamel decorated carriage clockMargaine, number 1885. Retailed by Emanuel, Portsea and ParisThe case surmounted by a rippled brass and enamelled handle above a large escapement observation window, the moulded cornice, uprights, side panels and base all similarly decorated in running patterns of pairs of leaves and berries, the sides with flowers within foliate scrollwork and a shaped border. The signed white enamel Roman dial framed by an enamelled mask, and with delicate blued steel moon hands. The twin spring barrel movement with jewelled Swiss lever platform escapement, the backplate stamped Emanuel Paris at the top, and 1885 with Margaine's trademark at the bottom. Rack striking and repeating on a blued steel gong with an associated early travel case with side locking and shaped handle on a chamfered top. 19cms (7 ins) highThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A good late 19th century French gorge cased repeating carriage clock with strike/silent lever in the baseCharles Frodsham, London, Number 20679The ribbed handle above a large bevelled glass escapement viewing aperture, concave uprights and four bevelled glass panels on a moulded base. The underside of the base with strike/silent lever. The white enamel Roman and Arabic dial signed across the centre Chas. Frodsham 115 New Bond Street No20679 Paris with blued steel spade hands, over a subsidiary Arabic alarm dial. The three-spring barrel movement with a jewelled Swiss lever platform escapement and a cut and compensated bimetallic balance, the back plate engraved Chas Frodsham & Co Ld Paris No 20679 and stamped 36245 in the left corner. Ticking, striking, repeating and sounding the alarm on a blued steel gong. 17 cms (6.5 ins) highFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A good third quarter of the 19th century French porcelain panelled engraved brass carriage clock by DrocourtDrocourt, No. 13033The engraved facetted handle above the oval escapement window framed by engraved leaves on a matted ground, over twin porcelain side panels depicting romantic rustic figures within applied gilt borders on a pink ground, framed by engraved panels on a matted concave base. The porcelain Roman dial showing a pastoral windmill scene within a pink and gilt border, the retailer's name rubbed (most probably Whitehead & Sons, Paris), with blued steel spade hands. The twin spring barrel movement with jewelled and silvered English lever platform escapement, the backplate stamped for Drocourt 13033. Striking and repeating on a blued steel gong. 19 cms (7 ins) highFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A fine and rare late 19th Century French porcelain-panelled Carriage clockVictor Reclus, ParisThe Anglaise Riche case with ribbed handle over rectangular inspection panel and repeat button, set to the corners with elaborate silvered and gilt caryatide columns framing the three polychrome panels depicting Classical women and putti, on a stepped base. The white Roman chapter ring with blued steel fleur de lys hands. The two-train movement with rack striking on a gong and a silvered English lever platform escapement with timing screw adjusted balance. Ticking and striking. Together with a double-ended winding key. 21cms (8 ins) highFootnotes:An identical model, also by Reclus and numbered 127, was Lot 138 of Christie's Dr. Eugene and Rose Antelis Collection of Important French Carriage Clocks, 26 November 1998. Victor Reclus was born on 30 September 1831 in Bergerac to Marie Venencie and Antoine Tonin Reclus, the latter of whom was a cutler. He moved to Paris with his partner, Virginie Louise Leroy, at some point before 1846, the year their only child, Henriette Clarisse Amélie, was born. In 1856 he opened up a horology shop on the Rue Dauphine, and that March he filed his first patent 'For a type of meter for carts'. This meter was for use with horse drawn carts, inevitably having a limited amount of commercial success. He and Virginie were also married that same year.He moved his workshop to the Rue des Lavandières-Sainte-Opportune in 1858, then the Rue du Temple in 1860. Concurrently he took out patents for, among other things, an aerial telegraphy system (Feb. 1857) and an alarm clock (Aug. 1858). At his height, he was employing a few dozen workers in his workshop in Paris. He developed a trademark for his clocks and watches (a sunburst with the initials VR) and a separate one for his barometers (an R in a lozenge shape). In addition to the Paris workshop, he seems to have had a second home in Joinville-le-Pont. He also became politically active; in September 1869 he joined his workers in petitioning for the protection from arrest for a group of striking miners in Loire. The year before he joined the Charity board of the Palissy à Joinville-le-Pont town council. It is possible he continued his political involvement; a town councillor from Joinville was elected in 1869, with the name Pierre Victor Reclus. Pierre Victor Reclus remained part of the town council until 1871. Various mentions of 'Reclus' continue to be made in the town until the turn of the century; 'Reclus' is always involved in campaigning for or supporting the rights of workers and the poor. Whether this is the same Reclus remains unknown.He entered work in two of the Universal Exhibitions, 1878 (where he won two silver medals) and 1889 (where he won a gold). Virginie died in 1884, and it was around this time that he became increasingly interested in electric horology, and electricity in general. On 1 October 1886 he took out a patent in London (Patent #12,491) for 'Improvements in Electric Clocks'. This patent involved a four-arm cam on the escape wheel receiving impulse from two springs held electrically taught, thus imparting 'constant force'. This same year, he was admitted to the Sociétés d'Horlogerie et des Chambres Syndicales, after being recommended by Paul Garnier. In the journal announcing his membership, he described his patent at length, and included diagrams. Reclus' address was listed as 114 Rue de Turenne; when he came to renew two of his patents in 1899, he was still living at this address. In 1896, his electric clock modifications were part of the International Society of Electricians exhibition. He demonstrated an electric bell ringer he had devised, whereby an electrical impulse would trigger the bell at the correct time. He offered a set of four small electric bells, which would 'chime' the quarters and 'strike' the hour. These were for domestic use. He then had a second, larger device which could be used to sound bells of 50kg and above. By this point, his name had become synonymous with electric horology in France, so much so that the 1890 Dictionary of Industry and Arts included special entries for his electric inventions.In 1897 he was on the electric lighting admissions panel for the 1900 Universal Exhibition. By 1905, he had moved back to the Dordogne region he left as a teenager and was apparently still practicing horology. He is listed in the 1920 census for the region, but no reference to him has been found after 1926.Sociétés d'Horlogerie et des Chambres Syndicales (1878) 'Annonces', Revue Chronométrique, 256 Numéro.Hope-Jones, F. (1929) 'Electrical Impulse Dial Movements', The Practical Watch and Clock Maker, Vol. 2 (1), pg. 72.Sociétés d'Horlogerie et des Chambres Syndicales (1886) 'Chambres Syndicale de l'Horlogerie de Paris', Revue Chronométrique, 356 Numéro, pg. 262.Reclus, V. (1886) 'Nouveau Système de Pendule Électrique', Revue Chronométrique, 356 Numéro, pgs. 65-72.Allison Brothers (1886) 'Patents Connected with the Manufacture of Watches and Clocks', The Horological Journal, Vol. 29 (3), pg. 45.Hope-Jones, F. (1929) 'Self-Wound Clocks', The Practical Watch and Clock Maker, Vol. 1 (11), pg. 592.Tharel, A. (1891) Dictionnaire, Encyclopédique et Biographique de l'Industrie et des Arts Industriels: SupplémentParis: Librairie des Dictionnaires.Ministre du Commerce, de l'Industrie, des Postes, et des Télègraphes (1901) 'Décret qui proclame 185 Cessions de Brevets d'Invention:156,157', Bulletin des Lois de la République Française, 12th series (63rd tome), pg.1643.Bergonié, J. (1896) 'Exposition de la Société Internationale des Électriciens de Paris',Archives d'électricité médicale, pg. 194.Willot, B. (2018) Victor Reclus, Inventeur et Homme de CÅ“ur. Available at: https://polmoresie.over-blog.fr/2017/09/victor-reclus-inventeur-et-homme-de-coeur.htmlThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A good mid-19th century ebonised travel clock with trip repeatArnold and Frodsham, 84 Strand London, numbered 736Surmounted by a gilt feathered serpent handle above a large escapement inspection window forming the roof of the pagoda-like top, over glazed sides and a pierced back door, above a carved feathered border over a moulded base and bracket feet. The 3.75 inch brass dial with engraved floral spandrels and engine turned minute ring, with large Roman chapter ring, engraved under XII Arnold 84 Strand and London No 736 below VI, the centre with engraved floral motifs and an engine-turned watered silk background, offsetting the blued steel quatrefoil hands, the whole dial surrounded by an engraved brass palm frond sight ring. The four pillar, twin chain fusee movement with maintaining power and a jewelled English lever platform escapement, the back plate signed in the lower left and right corners Charles Frodsham and 84 Strand London respectively. Ticking and striking with a pull repeat on the right side, together with a winding key and a case key. 27cms (10.5ins) highFootnotes:This clock would have been made between 1844-1858. Although Arnold is engraved on the dial, it is a product of the Frodsham workshop; John Roger Arnold died in 1843, and it was after his death that Charles Frodsham purchased Arnold's corner premises at 84 Strand, which Arnold had used since 1821. Frodsham continued to use the name 'Arnold', sometimes even using 'J. R. Arnold', together with his own name on all the items produced by the shop. By 1858, Frodsham stopped using Arnold's name on his products. The address of 84 Strand, originally a coffee house when constructed in 1696, would remain part of the Frodsham company until it was pulled down in 1894, as part of development for Hotel Cecil.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A mid-nineteenth century engraved brass carriage timepiece depicting Windsor and Balmoral CastlesDent, London, No. 1036The gilt brass Anglaise riche-style case with frilled eels handle over a bevelled glass inspection panel within an elaborate pattern of engraved foliate scrolls on an engine turned ground, framed by four turned finials over reeded columns to a plinth base on three turned feet, the rear door depicting the Royal Castle at Windsor, the right-hand side showing a vase of flowers, the left showing Balmoral castle, all within elaborate borders, The 2-inch gilt rectangular Roman dial with delicate fleur de lys hands within a grapevine border. The single chain fusee movement with jewelled English Lever escapement, substantial monometallic brass balance and Harrison's maintaining power, the signed and numbered back plate with integral hand-setting knob. Ticking, together with a winding key. 19 cms (7 ins) highFootnotes:The 'House of Dent' began in 1840 as 'E.I. Dent' in reference to the founder, Edward John Dent, who had previously been in a ten-year business partnership with John Arnold. In 1841, he was awarded a Royal appointment, which lasted until his death in 1853. After this point, the business was taken over by his stepchildren who ended up splitting the business into two competing firms; Frederick William Dent inherited 61 Strand and 34 & 35 Royal Exchange shops, whereas his brother, Richard Edward Dent inherited 33 Cockspur Street. In 1854, Frederick William took over the contract to build a clock for the Houses of Parliament that his stepfather had agreed to undertake in 1852; the clock eventually being installed in 1859, along with its bell, Big Ben. Richard Edward Dent died in 1856, at which point the shop was run by his widow, Marianna Frederica, who also renamed the firm 'M. F. Dent'. Frederick William Dent died in 1860, at which point the two shops in his ownership were renamed 'E. Dent & Co.' by his sister and brother-in-law, who also took over the business. Until 1858, both firms used the name 'Dent, London'; in 1858, at the coercion of 'E. Dent & Co', 'M. F. Dent' clarified on all the products they produced that they were a separate entity to 'E. Dent & Co.' and all the accomplishments of 'E. Dent & Co.' were quite separate to those of 'M. F. Dent'. In 1921 the separated firms re-joined and continued until finally closing their doors in 1976.The clock for this lot is signed 'Dent London 1036' which complicates assigning it a definitive maker. However, it has been noted that 'M. F. Dent' seem to have started numbering both their clocks and watches at 12000, whereas 'E. Dent & Co.' began numbering their clocks from 1. This would suggest the latter company was responsible for this clock. One of their carriage clocks, numbered 693, has been dated to 1845, while another numbered 1302 is dated to 1850. If their carriage clocks were numbered sequential, which is not confirmed, it would make sense for this clock to date to around 1848. Interestingly, one of the scenes engraved on the case is of Balmoral Castle. In 1857, Frederick William Dent made a turret clock for Balmoral Castle; it might be that this clock was made to highlight that achievement, though this is purely speculative.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A VERY fine and RARE late 19th century French engraved gilt brass giant carriage clock with exceptional 'jewelled' PORCELAIN panelsDrocourt, number 11652, retailed by Tiffany, Reed & Co., Paris and GenevaThe gorge case with rippled handle over a large oval bevelled glass inspection panel revealing the substantial silvered platform, the side panels depicting romantic pastoral couples in arcadian landscapes, both framed in fine bands of gilt with red 'jewelled' borders against a Royal blue ground, the rear door of bevelled glass, the main dial with exceptional gilt scroll decoration to the upper corners framing the signed Roman dial with good pierced gilt hands, the lower section showing a romantic couple fishing and playing the flute centred by the alarm-setting subsidiary dial, the top, cornice, handle, side columns and base all crisply engraved with flowers and repeat-patterns against a partially matted ground. The large movement with substantial silvered platform carrying the jewelled English lever escapement with wide balance set with 24 timing screws, rack striking the hours and half hours on a blued steel coiled gong mounted on a block stamped F.D.. Ticking, alarming, repeating and striking the half and full hours. 25cms (10ins) high. Footnotes:Tiffany, Reed & Co. was the Paris office for the New York retailer Tiffany & Co.; it opened in 1850 as a buying office, but soon it also catered for USA clients in Europe. Gideon Reed was the Paris partner of the firm, but when he retired in 1875 the European branch of the company was renamed Tiffany & Co. reflecting the international fame the company had gained.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A good late 19th century French gilt brass gorge-cased bell-striking carriage clock set with five polychrome enamel panelsNumbered 775The rippled handle over five enamel panels decorated in many colours, the top and side panels depicting pairs of lovers in Romantic rural landscapes, the rear door depicting a riverside scene, the Roman cartouche dial with blued steel hands over a still-life, all within fancy gilt borders of running flowerheads and foliage, framed by well cast gilt brass uprights on a moulded base, the twin spring barrel movement with compensated bimetallic balance, rack striking the hours on a bell. Ticking. 18cms (7ins) high. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A late 19th century French Sevres-style porcelain panelled carriage clock by DrocourtRetailed by Cooke & Kelvey, Number 9866The engraved ribbed handle over an oval bevelled glass inspection panel, the twin side panels decorated with Classically inspired figures within gilt and red 'jewelled' borders with gilt detailing, all within an engraved frame, the Roman chapter ring with gilt highlights and blued steel spade hands over a Romantic scene within conforming borders, the signed and numbered twin barrel movement with bimetallic compensated balance to a silvered lever platform escapement. 18cms (7ins) high. Footnotes:Cooke & Kelvey was founded in 1858 by Robert Thomas Cooke and Charles Kelvey in Kolkata, India, trading and making jewellery, silverware and clocks. Employing local silversmiths, the company became extremely successful and moved to Calcutta and were officially appointed by succeeding governors.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A third quarter of the 19th century French engraved brass repeating carriage clock with alarmDrocourt, numbered 9625The engraved handle above the large oval bevelled glass escapement window with delicate floral engraving along the moulded top, uprights and base. The rectangular white enamel Roman dial with blued steel Breguet style hands over the Arabic alarm dial. The triple spring barrel movement with jewelled and silvered English lever platform escapement and half-cut bimetallic balance with timing screws, the backplate stamped for Drocourt and numbered 9625. Ticking, striking, repeating and sounding the alarm on a gong, together with two winding keys. 17 cms (6.5 ins) highFootnotes:The inside of the front plate is stamped with three sets of numbers 17849, 9625 and 103. The back of the dial plate is also stamped 9625. The gong block is stamped with the initials F.D.. F.D. was a prolific gong manufacturer whose gongs were used in many 19th century French movements. Unfortunately, it is not known who F.D. was.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A fine and very rare late 18th century French gilt brass Capucine-type travelling clock with original padded felt-lined leather travelling caseVegeaa, RouenThe rectangular case surmounted by a shaped handle above the bell and hammer, framed by turned urn finials on an engraved latticework and flowerhead ground, a shallow arched sunburst-cresting to the front concealing the bell from view over a long latticework dial plate, the cast bezel with hinged lock over a shaped glazed aperture to reveal the pendulum bob, the sides and rear door all glazed, mounted on turned button feet. The 4 inch white enamel dial with Arabic five minutes surrounding the minute track, Roman hours and concentric date dials, signed in the centre Vegeaa A ROUEN, with fine pierced and engraved gilt hands, blued steel date hand and off-set winding squares. The twin spring barrel movement with four plain turned pillars, anchor escapement and silk suspended pendulum, the count wheel set on the back plate and with star-shaped crossings. Contained within the original padded felt-lined travelling case, with top handle and large side turnbuckle catches over a moulded front to accommodate and protect the dial. The clock ticking and striking, 24.5cms (9.5ins) highThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
An exceptionally rare and very fine early 18th century French ormolu travelling clock with choice of balance or pendulum controlLe Bon, ParisThe tete de poupee style gilt bronze case surmounted by a bud finial on a pierced panel backed in red silk to allow for the sound of the bell to escape, over the finely modelled head of Helios wearing his crown, the waisted sides cast with lozenges and centred by a pair of male and female Classical profile busts, on a gadrooned base and button feet; the rear panel is plain brass, and has a door hinged at the top and locking catches, the lower part of the back engraved with a subsidiary dial titled Carosse and Repos (Carriage and Rest). The one-piece 4 inch white enamel dial with outer Arabic five-minute numerals encircling a minute band, bold Roman numerals and an inner track for quarters, with good, blued steel hands, protected by a curved glass within a cast bezel and set above the applied signature plaque LEBON. The twin spring barrel movement with large plates filling the rear of the case, signed across the centre in a gentle upward curve to echo the travel of the pendulum Le Bon AParis, mounted above a subsidiary pair of plates supporting the chain fusee to the going train which terminates in a verge escapement set below a pierced and engraved bridge cock supporting the large brass sprung balance with impulse pin to its edge. The clock can be switched to a pendulum-driven clock by selecting Repos - this brings into play a series of connected pivoted levers that lower the silk-suspended pendulum with open crutch which ingeniously engages with the impulse pin on the periphery of the balance wheel. The strike dictated via solid engraved numbered countwheel acting on the bell above. Ticking and striking. 27.5cms (10.75ins) high.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A good early 19th century ormolu-mounted marble and slate mantel timepiece with Royal provenance. First sold to the Duke of Clarence, later King William IV, on 19th January 1808.Vulliamy, London, Number 405The case surmounted by a gilt urn on a plinth over the reeded drum, set on a pair of carved scrolls set on a double stepped slate plinth with ormolu beaded border and recessed panels to the front and sides, the whole raised on turned toupie feet. The drum flanked by a pair of recumbent lions, each facing outward and holding a gilt ball. The 3.5 inch restored white enamel Roman dial with pierced and engraved gilt fancy hands, each numeral picked out in gold and with a dotted gilt minute border framing the whole. Set within a beaded concave bezel. The single wire fusee movement with four slender tapered pillars, suspension spring regulation and half deadbeat escapement, the back plate engraved Vulliamy London No 405. Protected by a turned brass push-on cover. Ticking with a winding key and matching numbered pendulum. With sincere thanks to Roger Smith for his help in researching the early history of this clock. 29 cms (11 ins) highFootnotes:Provenance:From the late Sir Ernest and Lady Caroline Oppenheimer Collection and hence by descent.The firm of Vulliamy & Son were the most fashionable clockmakers in late Georgian London. Their shop at 74 (later 68) Pall Mall was situated close to St James's Palace, and although Benjamin Vulliamy (1747-1811) did not become head of the firm until 1797, he had been Clockmaker to King George III since 1772. His grandfather Benjamin Gray had been Watchmaker to George II, while his father, the Swiss immigrant Justin Vulliamy, was clockmaker to Queen Charlotte until his death in 1797 (for an example of his work, see lot 110 in this sale). The official warrant as Royal Clockmaker later passed to Benjamin's son, Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy (1780-1854). [1] In the 1780s, Benjamin Vulliamy decided to challenge the dominance of imported Parisian clocks in the homes of wealthy Britons by making clocks that were not only of the highest quality but also in the latest taste. His first range of ornamental clocks appealed to the fashion for neo-classicism, with white marble cases, sometimes in the form of a broken column, flanked by Classical Greek figures made of Derby biscuit porcelain. [2] However, by the late 1790s Vulliamy's customers were tiring of the restrained elegance of these sculptural clocks and demanding the richer 'Empire' style that was becoming fashionable in France. This encouraged Vulliamy to produce a new range of clocks in a variety of coloured marble cases ornamented with pairs of 'Roman' lions (or sometimes sphinxes), and vase or eagle surmounts, cast in ormolu or bronze. Although inspired by French originals, the overall design of these clocks was created by Vulliamy himself, who then organised their production through a network of independent suppliers and outworkers based mainly in London. However, he also maintained some contact with Continental Europe in spite of the long years of war which followed the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Among his foreign contacts was the leading French bronzier Jean-Baptiste-Maximilien Delafontaine (1750-1820), former syndic of the Corporation des Fondeurs-Doreurs-Graveurs in Paris, who stayed with the Vulliamy family in London during the Revolutionary summer of 1789. He subsequently returned to Paris, where he lived in the faubourg St Honoré. Delafontaine kept in touch with Vulliamy, and a few years later sent him two pairs of lions which were subsequently used as patterns for Vulliamy's first lion clocks. These lions, which were in (approximate) mirror-pairs, were described by Vulliamy as 'after the antique', and may have been inspired by the famous Medici lions in Florence, though the lions on the clocks are lying down rather than standing. While the two pairs supplied by Delafontaine were of related design, they were in two sizes, the smaller being available by 1798 while the larger model first appeared in 1801. It is the larger model that features on clock No. 405 in the current sale. [3]Thanks to the survival of the relevant Clock Book in the collection of the British Horological Institute, there is detailed information on the craftsmen and suppliers employed by Vulliamy to make this clock and what they were paid. [4] The largest individual payment was £6-18s to Mr Day for the marble case, while Jackson received £5-10s for the timepiece movement with Vulliamy's characteristic half-deadbeat escapement. Basic casts of the two lions (from Delafontaine's models) were supplied by the brassfounder Barnett for a modest £1-2s-6d, but Houle charged £5 for chasing them. Seagrave was paid a total of £3 for gilding various elements, while several other craftsmen received smaller sums. [5] The clock was finished by 19 January 1808 when it was sold to the Duke of Clarence, younger son of George III and later King William IV, for 42 guineas (£44-2s), including a stand and glass shade. However, it was soon returned by the duke and sold again (at the same price) to R. Pole Carew Esq. on 30 March 1809. [6] The buyer was presumably Reginald Pole Carew (1753-1835), then Member of Parliament for Fowey in Cornwall, who had inherited an estate at Antony in Cornwall, near Plymouth. Following the death of his first wife, he had married again in May 1808, to Caroline, daughter of Lord Lyttelton, and it is possible that the purchase of the clock was part of a refurbishment of his large country house at Antony. [7]It should be noted that the records of sale for this clock in both 1808 and 1809 describe it as having a black marble case with gilt ornaments but bronze lions, rather than black and white marble and gilt lions as now seen. That might suggest later alterations, but an earlier clock of this pattern, No. 389, is also described as having a black case, although it is black and white like No. 405. On the other hand, its lions are bronzed in conformity with the description, and there is consequently no reference to gilding in its Clock Book entry. The fact that the corresponding entry for No. 405 shows a significant payment for gilding to Seagrave confirms that any changes from the original specification for No. 405 were carried out during manufacture and not subsequently. [8] Notes1. For a brief history of the Vulliamy watch and clock makers, see entry in The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (2004).2. A full account of the production of these sculptural clocks is A. P. Ledger and Roger Smith, Benjamin Vulliamy and the Derby Porcelain Manufactory, 1784–1795(Derby: Museums and Art Gallery, 2007).3. For a detailed account of the design and production of Vulliamy's lion clocks, see Roger Smith, 'Vulliamy Lions: their designers and modellers', Furniture History, vol. LVI (2020), pp. 69-82.4. British Horological Institute, Vulliamy Records, Clock Book vol. 1 (1797-1809).5. Day, Jackson and Houle are listed in the Vulliamy Watch Day Books as Mr Day, statuary etc, Brewers Row, Westminster; Mr Jackson, clock maker, 11 Chapel Row, Spa Fields; Arthur Hoole (sic), 1 Middle New Street, Fetter Lane. (The National Archives, C104/58/2, extracts published in Francis Wadsworth, 'Some early 19th Century Workmen', Antiquarian Horology, Summer 1991, pp. 401-12.) 6. The National Archives, C104/58/2, Day Book 32, 19 January 1808; Day Book 33, 30 March 1809.7. Antony house is now in the care of the National Trust. For brief biographical details of Reginald Pole Carew MP, see his Member Biography in The History of Parliament (online).8. No. 389 was sold by Bonhams 11 J... This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A very early 19th century brass-banded mahogany single pad top bracket clock with wall bracketJames Amos Scott, Tottenham Court RoadThe brass handle set on a brass-bound pad over a moulded edge and four ball finials, the sides with geometric pierced brass sound frets, the front and back doors both glazed, on a moulded plinth and ogee bracket feet. The one piece 7.75 inch arched silvered dial with engraved Roman chapter ring, strike/silent subsidiary and date dial above VI, signed across the centre Scott Tottenham Court Road, with pierced, blued steel arrow hands. The twin gut fusee movement with five knopped pillars and anchor escapement, the signed backplate with running swag and leaf border. Ticking and striking with wall bracket and some paperwork. The frontplate of the movement is stamped Thwaites and numbered 2829. The clock 48 cms (18.5 ins) high, 69 cms (27 ins) high with bracketFootnotes:The note accompanying this lot relates that the clock, Thwaites 2829, was supplied to James Amos Scott in 1802, according to the Managing Director of Thwaites and Reed in 1963.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A rare third quarter of the 19th century inlaid walnut spring driven wall regulator with mercury pendulumThwaites and Reed, Clerkenwell. The frontplate numbered 13737. The arched case with full length glazed door with applied carved architectural details to the canted corners, the sides also glazed to reveal the back board and base, inlaid with floral groups in woods of different colours, mounted internally with a silvered beat scale, the 6.75-inch one-piece silvered dial with outer minute track framing gothic-style Roman numerals and fancy half-hour markers, the signed centre further engraved with an extensive symmetrical pattern of interlaced scrolls, with blued steel fleur-de-lys hands. The substantial movement with arched plates united by four knopped pillars, Harrison's maintaining power to the chain fusee and deadbeat escapement to a 47cms pendulum with T-bar suspension from the backboard over a circular-section rod terminating in an intricately engraved brass and steel stirrup framing the jar of mercury, with fine adjustment and blued steel pointer reading against the beat scale. 57cms (22.5ins) high.Footnotes:The number to the frontplate dates this clock to circa 1867, see Rose, E.D. (1978) English Dial Clocks. Suffolk: Antique Collectors' Club.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A rare mid 19th century Scottish mahogany miniature longcase timepieceWalter Baird, GlasgowBased on a full-sized floor-standing clock, but a fraction of the size, with drum shaped hood on a pair of carved supports to a convex throat moulding and tapering reeded trunk raised on a panelled base and gadrooned ball feet. The 6-inch signed silvered Roman dial with minute track and gilt brass Breguet-style hands. The chain fusee movement with rounded rectangular plates united by four turned pillars, with large platform mounted on the backplate with heavy brass balance to a jewelled English lever escapement. 91cms (3ft) high. Footnotes:William Baird is listed as working in Glasgow circa 1848.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A second half of the 18th century ebonised table clockJohn Fletcher, London The bell top with handle over a swag mount and four cone finials, the moulded top above circular and shaped side frets backed by red silk, to a plinth base with repeating mount along the front, on low ogee bracket feet. The seven-inch arched brass dial with strike/silent over a silvered chapter ring, scroll spandrels and matted centre with decorated date aperture and shaped recessed signature plaque. Twin chain fusee movement with knife edge verge escapement and rack strike on the bell, with trip repeat for the hour. 51cms (20ins) high. Footnotes:A handwritten note in the case suggests that this was the John Fletcher apprenticed in 1727, who became a member of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in 1744.This clock is featured in Dzik, S. (2019) Engraving on English Table Clocks: Art on a Canvas of Brass 1660-1800, Wild Boar Publications, pg. 366 (F12-1).For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A 19th century French Grand Sonnerie striking Carriage clock in the original numbered travel caseGoldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, Paris, numbered 5632The case surmounted by a rippled handle over a full width bevelled glass observation window framed by an intricately moulded cornice over concave section pillars, four bevelled glass sides and a moulded base engraved with the initials L.M.A.. Set to the underside with a three-position selection lever to dictate the striking, offering a choice of Hours and Quarters/Silence/Quarters only. The white enamel Roman dial signed Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, with blued steel spade hands, all framed by a matte mask and angled sight ring. The twin spring barrel movement with silvered and jewelled Swiss lever platform escapement and cut and compensated bimetallic balance with timing screws, the back plate stamped G.S. & C. o Paris 5632. Ticking, striking and repeating, with a double ended winding key and brown leather travelling case with purple velvet interior, with matching number 5632 embossed on the underside. 19 cms (7 ins) highFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
An impressive mid 19th century walnut centre seconds, quarter chiming table clock, with pull repeatJames Murray, Royal Exchange London, Number 1393The shaped cresting with carved vines over a low arch supported on brass-mounted Corinthian columns, with fretted side panels on a stepped base heightened by carved latticework. The 7.75 inch silvered Roman dial with engraved acanthus vines and subsidiary Chime/Silent, signed to the centre James Murray, Royal Exchange, London, with blued steel club hands, and delicate counter-balanced centre seconds hand. The substantial triple chain fusee movement signed and numbered James Murray Royal Exchange London 1393 with deadbeat escapement and striking the hours on a bell and chiming the quarters on a run of eight graduated bells. Ticking, chiming, striking, and pull repeating, with a case key and a winding key. 61cms (24ins) highFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A late 18th century mahogany musical table clock playing six tunes on 12 hammers and 12 bellsRobert Sampson, Westminster The broken arched case with caddy top and five matching ball finials over side handles and fish scale frets flanked by twin reeded quarter columns on a moulded plinth base raised on brass ogee feet, the rear of the base bearing a lacquered brass plaque with Cyrillic lettering 'NKID' and the number 7544. The 8 inch arched engraved gilt brass dial plate framing the (restored) signed Roman and Arabic dial with matching hands below twin subsidiaries for strike/silent and choice of tune comprising 'song; march; air; song; dance and air' the upper corners further decorated with engraved martial and agricultural motifs. The substantial triple gut fusee movement with substantial plates and knopped pillars, the verge escapement playing a choice of six tunes on the hour. The backplate with repeat-pattern border framing the symmetrical pattern of scrolls centred by a basket of fruit over the initials RS. Ticking and playing music, but strike train with broken gut line. Together with a later crank winding key. 62cms (24ins) high Footnotes:The Cyrillic letters 'NKID' are an acronym for the 'People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs' of the Soviet Union, similar to the United Kingdom Foreign Office.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A late 17th century walnut marquetry inlaid longcase clockWilliam Clarke, LondonThe overhanging cornice on an inlaid entablature raised on (later) spiral columns, shallow convex throat moulding over a long door with three large panels of bird and flower inlay centred by an oval lenticle, on an inlaid base. The 12 inch square brass dial with winged cherubs head spandrels framing the wide silvered Roman and Arabic chapter ring with fancy half hour markers, matted centre, ringed winding squares and chamfered date aperture. The weight driven movement with anchor escapement and inside countwheel strike on a bell. Case possibly associated. 2.06m (6ft 9ins) high.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TPTP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A rare early 17th century German gilt and engraved brass table clockThe case surmounted by the cast figure of a knight holding a spear on a steep concave top, each of the four sides of which is engraved with a winged cherubs head or a flower, on an open fret of pierced strapwork with a serpentine flat base, over four tapering columns set on each of the two removable side panels which are decorated with further strapwork, foliage and masks, the rear cover with two winding apertures set within a pattern of ribbands, foliage, swags, and - most unusually - incorporating a pair of hanging fish. The front panel with another pair of winged cherub's heads to the upper corners over swags of fruit and mythical term mounts, with pierced central aperture, all on a shallow spreading base. The 2.5 inch silvered Roman and Arabic dial with alarm-setting subsidiary and pair of gilt brass hands. The steel movement with tapering uprights, a pair of chain fusees, verge escapement and count wheel striking on a pair of bells mounted in the top section. 28cms (11ins) highFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A good late 18th century mahogany quarter chiming longcase clockJames Allen, LondonThe pagoda top with ball and spire finials sitting on ribbed mouldings, the centre with shaped apron over silk backed sound frets mounted on brass stop-fluted Doric columns over a long door with flame veneer flanked by matching quarter columns on a doubled stepped plinth with applied moulded panel. The 12 inch arched brass dial with strike/silent over a Roman and Arabic chapter ring and scroll spandrels framing the matted centre with recessed seconds and applied arched signature riband. The movement with heavy plates united by five large knopped pillars, the going train with anchor escapement, the original pendulum with brass strip and lenticular bob suspended from a substantial back cock on the backplate, striking the hours on a bell and chiming the quarters on eight bells and hammers. Together with three brass-cased weights 2.55m (8ft 5ins) high. Footnotes:James Allan, also spelt Allen, was born in Forres, Scotland likely around 1739. He seems to have been initially apprenticed to a blacksmith in Forres, and after completing his apprenticeship he moved to London. By chance, he shared a house with a sextant maker, and apparently Allan would assist the sextant maker in the evenings. Allan must have preferred instrument making to blacksmithing, as by 1786 he was making Borda circles, likely with Jesse Ramsden, whom he appears to have remained close to throughout his life. In 1790, he was listed as working at 76 New Gravel Lane, before moving to 12 Blewit's Buildings, Fetter Lane around 1800, where he would remain for the rest of his career. In 1809, he is listed in the trade directories at this address as a 'divider of mathematical instruments'. In 1816, he published his own method for making highly accurate screws and was subsequently awarded a silver medal for his screw making, by the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce. This same organisation gave him several awards throughout the years: two gold medals, one for his self-correcting dividing engine (1810) and another for a theodolite of his own manufacture (1815), as well as another silver medal for a new Reflecting Repeating circle (1811). On 3 February 1820, he received another award, of £100, this time from the Board of Longitude for his 'Self-Correcting Dividing Engine' used for the manufacturing of theodolites, sextants, etc. This engine is now in the Science Museum in London. It seems that shortly after this he moved back to Forres, where he died a year later, on 7 September 1821, his obituary being published in the Inverness Courier. James Allan would later be mentioned by Thomas Reid, in his Treatise on Clock and Watch Making: Theoretical and Practical, as a late watchmaker of London and a 'master in the art of dividing mathematical and astronomical instruments'.One of his sons, also James, served an apprenticeship to the well-known instrument maker Charles Fairbone, then worked in Ramsden's shop between 1813-1816, before transferring to Matthew Berge's shop located at 196 Piccadilly. In 1819, he and Nathaniel Worthington, a former apprentice to both Berge and Allan (Snr.) inherited the business on Berge's death, setting up the partnership of Worthington and Allan. Interestingly, James Allan, of 196 Piccadilly, was enrolled at the London Mechanics Institute between June 1825 to March 1826. The partnership between Worthington and Allan continued until 1835, after which point Worthington assumed full control, until his death in 1851. Whether Allan died in 1835, or the partners simply had a falling out, remains unknown.Another son, John, seems to have worked with his father between 1790-1794, before he established himself as a marine instrument maker in Baltimore, having left the UK in 1807. His adverts boasted that all the instruments were made using his father's improved dividing engine.Reid, T (1832) Treatise on Clock and Watch Making: Theoretical and Practical. Philadelphia: Carey & Lea.McConnell, A. (2016) Jesse Ramsden (1735–1800): London's Leading Scientific Instrument Maker. Abingdon-on-Thames: Routledge.de Clercq, P. R. (1985) 'Nineteenth-Century Scientific Instruments and their Makers: Papers presented' Fourth Scientific Instrument Symposium. October 1984.The British Antique Dealers' Association (2022). Worthington & Allan-London. Available at: https://www.bada.org/object/worthington-allan-london-outstanding-flat-wall-bow-front-mahogany-stick-barometer-circa-1820Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser. Friday 25 February 1820Inverness Courier.Thursday 13 September 1821Grace's Guide (2020) James Allan (London). Available at: https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/James_Allan_(London)#cite_note-3 This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TPTP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A rare mid-19th century French carriage clock with chaff cutter escapementPaul Garnier, Paris number 2976The early multi-piece case with facetted handle over a bevelled glazed inspection panel (the repeat button passing through the glass), moulded uprights and a plinth base, the solid rear door with hinged shutter opening to reveal the winding and setting squares. The Roman white enamel dial with minute track and numerals picked out in light and dark blue, the centre signed Paul Garnier Hger de la Marine Paris, above blued steel trefoil hands and a subsidiary Arabic alarm dial with blued steel setting hand. The three-spring barrel movement with Garnier's own chaff-cutter escapement with three-arm monometallic balance, and extremely delicate arbors throughout, rack striking the hours and half-hours on a bell. The back plate signed Paul Garnier Paris, and numbered on the backplate under the bell, the rear door, shutter and base also repeat numbered. Ticking, striking, sounding the alarm and repeating. Together with a double-ended winding key. 18cms (7ins) highFootnotes:Paul Garnier (né Jean-Paul) was born in 1801 in Épinal, France, moving first to Luxeuil to carry out a watchmaking apprenticeship, and then to Paris in 1820 to join Lépine's workshops, before finally establishing his own business in 1825. In the 1827 Exhibition he exhibited an astronomical clock and some mantel regulators, which won him a silver medal. He would win silver medals again at both the 1834 and 1839 Exhibitions, before winning a gold medal in 1844. Around this time, he seems to have written to the formidable Antide Janvier, asking for permission to use the title 'Elève de Janvier', as Garnier, at some point, attended the free Horological school Janvier established in 1802. Janvier readily assents to this request, and Garnier used the title on his carriage clocks until about 1835, and in his written correspondences until at least 1844. Around 1835, Garnier makes use of the title 'Horloger (or Her) du Roi', which in turn is supplanted by 'Her De La Marine' after the 1848 revolution and the deposition of the monarchy.From 1830 Garnier began to make affordable, semi-massed produced carriage clocks (pendules de voyage) and could be said to have established the Parisian carriage clock industry. He was able to do this by combining a basic, easily made design with his patented 1830 escapement. This escapement, alternatively called the 'chaff-cutter', 'Gautier', or 'chopper', could be machine made, drastically reducing the time and cost of making. It is a type of frictional rest escapement, comprising of pallets in the form of a single roller (a circle with about 4/9ths of its circumference cut off at an angle and the sides ground) made of either jewel or hardened steel, the latter being more common with repaired rollers. The escape wheel is in fact two separate wheels mounted on the same arbor a specific distance apart. The wheel teeth are bevelled along the edge that interacts with the roller.The combination of basic shape and cost saving escapement meant that pendules de voyage, having previously been economically unattainable to the vast majority of people, were reduced in cost to the price of a standard mantle clock.Despite being affordable, these clocks were not poorly made, exhibiting very fine diameter pivots (even by French clock standards) and usually having rack striking, which was a desirable feature, being much easier to set than count wheel striking. The clocks would also only strike the half hour and the hour, which saved on cost compared with the more common repeaters. In the early clocks, engine turned dials, one-piece cases, and barrel stopwork were all very common. With clocks made between 1830-1840, it was common to fit a coloured-paper covered block of wood into the base of the hollow casting.In addition to carriage clocks, in 1847 Garnier presented a novel master clock and slave clock system, and at least one chronometer has been assigned to him. He also pursed scientific instrument making, his obituary eventually being published in the Society for Civil Engineers bulletin in 1869.His son, also Paul Garnier, was born in 1834 and continued the business after his father's death. Additionally, he submitted drawings and models of his father's design for a free-sprung chronometer escapement to the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers and the Revue Chronométrique. Before his death in 1916, he donated his family's collection of watches and clocks (the former including examples from the 16th century) to the Musée des Arts et Métiers.R. A. E. (1890) 'A Few Words About M. Paul Garnier's Collection', The Horological Journal, Vol. 33 (3), pgs. 33-34.Arnott, P. (2011) 'Constant Force Chronometer No. 1 Attributed to Paul Garnier', Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 33 (1), pgs. 58-65.Weld C. R. (1868) 'Parliamentary Reports on the Paris Universal Exhibition, 1867', The Horological Journal, Vol. 11 (4), pgs. 43-50.British Horological Institute (1877) 'Entirely Detached Gravity Escapements', The Horological Journal, Vol. 20 (1), pgs. 4-6.Allix, C. (1993) 'Paul Garnier Revisited', Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 20 (5), pgs. 411-425.Boquillon, M. (1863) 'Horology at the International Exhibition, London, 1862', The Horological Journal, Vol. 5 (8), pgs. 90-93.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A good mid 19th century rosewood four glass library clock with deadbeat escapementTupman, Londonsquare topped case with facetted handle on foliate uprights over bevelled side panels to an ogee base on moulded plinth and brass button feet, the 3.25inch rectangular signed silvered Roman dial with minute band enclosed by foliate scrolls on a hatchwork ground and blued steel Breguet-style hands within an angled sight ring, a strike/silent lever above XII. The twin chain fusee movement with maintaining power to the deadbeat escapement, rack striking on a gong mounted on a separate upright stand in the back of the case, the polished backplate signed Tupman, Old Bond Street, LONDON. Ticking and striking, together with a winding key and two case keys. 26cms (10.25ins) high.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: YY Subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside of the EU, see clause 13.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A late 17th century walnut inlaid longcase clock of one month durationJohn Cotsworth, Londonthe hood with stepped and domed ebonised caddy over an inlaid frieze supported on spirally twisted columns to the front over a decorated throat moulding and long door fully inlaid with a lavish design of flowers and foliage issuing from a classical urn, on a matching base. The 11-inch square brass dial with wide winged cherubs head spandrels between engraved foliage framing the Roman and Arabic chapter ring, the matted centre with central rose engraving, ringed winding squares and decorated date aperture. The movement of one month duration with six substantial knopped and finned pillars, the small outside countwheel mounted on the top right-hand side of the backplate, now striking on a long, coiled gong mounted on the backboard. Together with a pendulum and pair of brass clad weights. The case of the same period, but probably associated. 2.26m (7ft 5ins) highFootnotes:John Cotsworth was born in 1637. He was initially apprenticed to Nicholas Coxeter, before being turned over to Jeremy Gregory. He gained his freedom of the Clockmakers on 5 July 1669. In 1698, he took out a 13-year lease on a shop in St. Dunstan's-in-the-West. The shop was described as being at the south-west end of St. Dunstan's church, next to Cliffords Inn Lane. Cotsworth and the shop clerk, John Grant, were listed as the sole occupiers of the shop. As Grant is described as being from St. Dunstan's-in-the-West, it is possible that he remained on in the shop irrespective of the owner, rather than having a specific relation with Cotsworth. Cotsworth is mentioned as having also been an engraver; as his second master, Jeremy Gregory, is believed to have gained his freedom from the Goldsmith's Company, it is possible that Cotsworth learnt engraving from him. It has been suggested that Cotsworth was a non-conformist, but this has not been proved. Throughout his career, Cotsworth would take five apprentices, three of whom were freed, perhaps the most famous being Edward Crouch. Crouch became Cotswoth's apprentice in 1682, gaining his freedom in 1691. By 1719, Crouch had become the Master of the Company, unfortunately dying four years later. Interestingly, Crouch's shop throughout his career is listed as being in St. Dunstan's-in-the-West. What relationship he maintained with Cotsworth after his apprenticeship remains unknown.John Cotsworth died in 1732; he was 95 years old, and was described as a watchmaker and the oldest living resident of St. Dunstan's-in-the-West. In his will, he left instructions that his Grandsons/Godsons, Cotworth and Robert, the sons of seemingly his only living child, Elizabeth, were each to receive £50. A Month going longcase from 1730 is also known from him, and a similar month going longcase by Crouch was sold by Bonhams in 2006.Boney, G. (1992) 'Harry Callowe: A Sequel' Antiquarian Horology Vol. 20 (2) p. 157British Horological Institute (1974) 'Clocks recently sold', Horological Journal Vol.116 (11) p. 26.Atkins, C. (1931) The Company of Clockmakers: Register of Apprentices. London: Butler & Tanner Ltd.Atkins, C. E. (1931) Register Of Apprentices Of The Worshipful Company Of Clockmakers Of The City Of London From Its Incorporation in 1631 To Its Tercentenary In1931 Compiled From The Records Of The Company By Charles Edward Atkins, Master In 1897, 1909 And 1928. Compiled by Jeremy Lancelotte Evans. London: The Company of Clockmakers.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TPTP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A fine and rare mid-late 19th century mahogany floor standing regulator with four-legged gravity escapementThe wide moulded cornice over long glazed door with internal dust beading and twin locks, the sides similarly glazed, the solid backboard with additional applied panel to carry the heavy steel plate on which the pendulum and escapement assembly are mounted, the board further set with a mercury ivory thermometer, all on a moulded base. The unsigned 10.25inch silvered dial with outer Arabic minute band framing the Roman hour and Arabic subsidiary seconds dials (with Observatory marks), with blued steel hands. The weight-driven movement with substantial waisted skeletonised plates united by four heavy pillars, Harrison's maintaining power and high-count pinions throughout, mounted on a pair of very substantial brass brackets, a central contrate wheel driving a vertical eight-inch arbor terminating in a bevel gear running to the four-legged escapement with pierced vanes and twin arms, the heavy zinc and steel compensated pendulum with large facetted bob reading against an engraved silvered beat scale. Driven by a tall cylindrical brass weight weighing 9kg (approximately 19.8lbs) suspended via a pulley set into the roof of the case. Together with a crank winding key and a door key with brass ring engraved with the number 4. 2.12m (6ft 11ins) high.Footnotes:Gravity, also including Remontoire, escapements are defined as escapements which instead of relying on the going train or weights to impulse the pendulum, are instead reliant on a small, lifted weight or bent spring, which provides impulse with every pendulum beat. Theoretically, this provides a constant impulse to the pendulum. The first such escapement, a Remontoire, was made by Alexander Cumming in 1774, originally described in his 1766 book The Elements of Clock and Watch-Work, Adapted to Practice. The main benefit of this escapement, as Cumming saw it, was that the escapement could function without oil on the pallets, which should reduce the error caused by old or dirty lubrication. Cumming explained further that 'these pallets, do also correct all the irregularities of action in the main spring, wheels and pinions; or any other irregularity that can possibly happen in the movement, from any cause whatever' which was the desired result for a gravity escapement. Cumming's escapement features some hallmarks of gravity escapements, including weighted arms and pins which link the escapement's impulse to the pendulum.Thomas Mudge also produced a similar escapement around this time, which was used in his marine clock. The main difference was Mudge positioned the weights on the arms of the pallet, rather than having them separate, as in Cumming's design. Mudge's escapement was criticised as being too delicate; a small change to the force of the train would cause the escapement to trip. Even if it wasn't tripping, it has been noted that the escapement had a tendency to half-unlock after fully unlocking, meaning that the pendulum would sometimes get an extra partial impulse. Not only did this mean the escapement was prone to a mutable rate, but circular error was also increased.Inspired by Cumming's book, both Edward Massey and George Prior separately devised Remontoire escapements, in 1803 and 1809 respectively.Between 1809-1811, William Hardy, at the behest of the then Astronomer Royal Dr. Nevil Maskelyne, developed a new escapement for the Board of Ordnance which he described as a spring pallet escapement. This escapement was to be used in an astronomical regulator, to supplement Troughton's ten-foot Mural Circle. Hardy's escapement was similar to Cumming's, however, Hardy's relied on a spring which unlocked the escapement with every pendulum swing. As with the Cumming's escapement, Hardy's escapement did not require oiling. Interestingly, Alexander Cumming was consulted by the Board of Ordnance regarding the practicality of Hardy's design, Dr. Maskelyne having since died. Hardy was eventually awarded £200 for the regulator and received several requests for similar regulators. Thomas Reid, around 1811, also developed a spring pallet Remontoire escapement, though slight modifications to the pallet faces meant that Reid's escapement could function for longer than the 15-year lifespan of Hardy's pallets. One of the regulators Reid made with this escapement was for the Astronomical Institution of Edinburgh, which later became the Royal Observatory of Edinburgh.The final British precursor to Dent and Denison's gravity escapements was created by James Mackenzie Bloxam. Bloxam's escapement relied on one large locking wheel with nine teeth and a much smaller lifting/unlocking centre wheel, also with nine teeth. This escapement was an improved, simpler version of previous gravity escapements and avoided the issues of tripping and circular error that were present in Mudge's escapement. The main drawback to this escapement was that it demanded a finely finished, high quality movement with a high pinion leaf count and an absolute minimum of weight to run. In one of Bloxham's clocks which used this escapement, the pinions went as high as 18 leaves. Such clocks would necessitate a high level of skill to make and the cost of such a clock would be very high, making the escapement largely impractical for most uses.Edmund Beckett Denison, later Lord Grimthorpe, used these past escapements, especially Bloxam's, to create a more robust gravity escapement. The four-legged gravity escapement owes a debt to Bloxam's design, though it is different in a few key ways. First, the number of teeth on the locking wheel was reduced to four, the teeth were now called 'legs', and the lifting centre wheel became four centre pins which protruded on both sides of the locking wheel. Another major difference was the escapement was distributed between two planes: one pallet in front, and the other pallet in back with the escape wheel and pins between. This escapement avoids the risks of tripping and circular error and is easier to manufacture then many of the above escapements. Additionally, Denison's escapement did not require a high pinion leaf count to work and benefitted from a large driving weight. Denison would later develop another escapement on this two-plane principle, which would rely on two three-legged locking wheels, connected by three unlocking pins. Denison's design for the four-legged gravity escapement, first described in his Rudimentary Treatise on Clocks, Watches, & Bells For Public Purposes of 1850, was manufactured by James Brock of George Street, Portman Square shortly after. The four-legged gravity escapement was recommended for use in astronomical regulators and similar sized clocks, whereas the double three-legged gravity escapement was usually reserved for turret clocks, most noticeably the Great Clock at Westminster. There are some exceptions to this rule; the turret clocks at both Chichester and Salisbury cathedrals use four-legged gravity escapements. Both cathedrals are also auditory only; there are no dials for the movements to drive, thus the more robust double three-legged gravity escapement is not necessary, and a four-legged escapement can be used. Additionally, both clocks hav... This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TP Y ФTP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.Y Subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside of the EU, see clause 13.Ф This lot contains or is made of ivory and cannot be imported into the USA or any country within the EU.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A rare mid 19th century 19th Century carved mahogany floorstanding regulator with keyless windingE. Fisher, BathThe arched case with full length glazed door revealing the mercury jar pendulum (now empty) and floral scroll engraving to the top and bottom, over a substantial base with recessed oval panel, applied carved scrolls and block feet. The one piece signed silvered 13.75-inch dial with outer minute track enclosing the recessed subsidiary dials for Arabic seconds (with Observatory marks) and Roman hours. The substantial weight-driven movement with thick (5mm) tapering plates united by four heavy turned pillars secured by eight heavy blued steel screws and collets, the single train with wheels of six crossings, high count pinions and terminating in a deadbeat escapement with jewelled pallets, triple-screwed to the arbor which is set in endstops, the long polished steel crutch terminating in a right angle with hinged steel arbor carrying the fork to the fine-screw regulation nut over the empty mercury jar pendulum with tapered pointer reading against a silvered beat scale secured to the back board. Wound by pulling on a heavy fusee-type chain emanating from the right hand side of the hood. Together with the small (c.2.75kgs) cylindrical brass weight, the four-spoke pulley and case key. 2.18m (7ft 2ins)Footnotes:Edwin Fisher is first recorded working in Bath in 1819; he is recorded as a watchmaker and a jeweller working at 13 Somerset buildings. At some point he relocated to 14 New Bond Street; an 1833 directory records him at this address. On a trade card, he is styled as a watchmaker, specialising in French watches, chronometers, and repeaters, as well as carrying out repairs to musical works and offering a supply of keys and precious metal chains. Nine years later he had moved again, to 13 Abbey Churchyard, though he would stay here only briefly, moving to his final location, 9 Old Bond Street, in 1846. He stopped advertising in Bath in 1866, which is reasonable to suggest as his date of retirement.Another regulator, with a jewelled deadbeat escapement, is known by him, as well as a few skeleton clocks. His name and a date of 1839 are also on the hour dial of the Cockshutt church clock; it has been suggested that he carried out some extensive repairs to the clock, possibly including a repair or conversion of the clock's pinwheel escapement, the movement being signed Bullock and Davies of Ellesmere. A turret clock, previously from the Bishop's Palace stable block in Bath, was made entirely by Fisher, and features quarter chimes and a wooden pendulum. None of these clocks have been described as having the peculiar pull-wind system present on the current lot.It is also interesting to note that the ticking of a balloon clock made by Fisher was recorded around 1941, by the BBC at Maida Vale. The recorded ticking was used as a time interval signal on radio broadcasts between programs, to assure listens that their sets had not died, but that a new program was being prepared.British Horological Society (1972) 'A Working Edwin Fisher Clock', Horological Journal, Vol. 115 (3), pg. 29Goodship, G. (1998) 'Time and the BBC', Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 24 (4), pg. 309.Aked, C. (1969) 'The Joyces of Whitchurch', Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 6 (4), pg. 216.Wooster, W. (1833-1885) The Post Office Bath Directory Bath: Lewis, Sons & Tyte.Gye, H. (1819-1824) Gye's Bath Directory Bath: H.Gye.The Fitzwilliam Museum (2022) Trade card for Edwin Fisher, Watch & Clock maker, Bath: P.12890-R. Available at: https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/185709This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * TP* VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.TP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
An extremely rare late 18th century weight driven walnut-cased floor standing regulatorHenry Ward, BlandfordThe obelisk-form case with shallow pointed arched top over tapering sides to an upright rectangular base on a plinth with moulded lip, the circular dial aperture set into the front of the full-width hinged door. The 9-inch one-piece engraved silvered dial with curved aperture to show the minutes via a rotating minute ring with Arabic fives read against a tapering blued steel pointer, below the minute aperture sit two engraved subsidiaries, to the left is a 24-hour dial with Roman hours marked in three hour intervals marked to the nearest quarter of an hour (i.e. four divisions per hour) read by a simple blued steel tapering hand; to the right hand side is a twice 0-60 second subsidiary dial, marked in individual seconds and named every ten, again read via a simple blued steel tapering pointer. The weight driven movement with unique inverted truncated pyramid shaped backplate (suggestive of a parallelogon) secured directly on to the back of the dial via three 7cms (2.75ins) long turned pillars, the single going train consisting of two large (c.13cms (5ins)) finely cut wheels with screwed collets and eight-leaf pinions driving a 7.5cms (3ins) 'scape wheel with 60 pins. The steel impulse and exit pallets are set directly on the pendulum rod. The pendulum is set on a substantial brass bracket mounted on the walnut block, and is constructed in three parts - two steel arms centred by a zinc core, of octagonal section, set at the upper end with a pair of steel pallets mounted on a brass block, the lower end terminating in a very heavy spherical brass bob with additional auxiliary timing weight (the largest bob approximately 13cms (5ins) in diameter and weighing approximately 10.5kg (approx 23lbs). 1.78m (5ft 10ins) high. Footnotes:Henry Ward was born around 1776; it is unknown where he was born, though he would spend most of his working life in Blandford, Dorset. However, his brother Richard, described as a watchmaker, lived in Middlesex. The details of his early career remain unknown, though, in 1797 a Henry Ward is listed in the Charing Church warden's book as having been involved with the upkeep of the clock for that year. Unlike many of the other listed clockmakers, his place of residence is not recorded. In 1804, Henry Ward of Blandford supplied and installed a turret clock to Milton Abbey, though the actual movement appears to have been manufactured by John Thwaites in London. This, along with his brother's place of residence and the Charing Church records, suggests Ward may have at least been apprenticed in London. In 1805 he received his first of four awards from the Royal Society of Arts, in the form of 15 guineas for a new simplified striking system. This system was noticeably different from other striking systems, as it did away with a separate striking train, instead using the pendulum to power the hammer via front plate levers: The hammer and the pallets are joined together with a rack; a lever is attached to the pallets and once the clock is striking, the pallet lever moves the rack tooth by tooth. Each movement of the rack connects with the hammer tail and causes a blow to be sounded. Ward notes that he uses this system with a deadbeat escapement. Interestingly Edmund Beckett Denison, later Lord Grimthorpe, in his Rudimentary Treatise On Clocks, Watches, & Bells For Public Purposes advocated for a crutch-less escapement. He noted that an escapement which had the pallets on the pendulum would be much more effect, though he did say that this was 'hardly possible [...] to manage behind a clock of regulator size.'Less than two years later Ward had received another award from the society, this time in the form of a silver medal, for his compensation pendulum. This pendulum consisted of two hammered iron rods on either side of a zinc rod, all secured by several screws along the length of the rods. These screws acted as adjustment, according to Ward; unscrewing the screw by one thread, would result in an alteration of the clock's going by about one quarter of one second per day. Ward was quite thorough in his experimentation, making up two pendulums, one using un-hammered iron and the other with half-hammered iron, and observing the change in their respective timekeeping based on the temperature. He even installed a rudimentary heat lamp in each clock case, to be able to test increases in temperature without being dependent on the weather. He eventually refined his pendulum to have chamfered edges and hammered iron rods, both of which he claimed further stabilised the clock's rate. This same year, he also received 10 guineas from the Society, for his invention of a locking crank mechanism for telegraph machines. His final prize from the society would come in 1814, in the form of another silver medal and five guineas for a simplified equation of time complication. This manifested itself as a minute dial with two hands; one hand recorded mean time, and the other tracked solar time. Ward explained in his submission to the Society that he thought it was essential to depict solar time, as the difference between it and mean time could be as much as -14/+16 minutes depending on the day of the year. That this complication was uncommon on standard domestic clocks, Ward ascribed to the cost, expertise, and skill of manufacture necessary. He viewed his complication, which relied on a cam, quadrant rack and a few additional wheels, as simplified and easier to make, with the hope that it would be adopted by more manufacturers. Unfortunately, Ward would die less than a year later, on 23rd February 1815. He is listed in the Blandford Forum burial records for 5th March of that year. Interestingly, he is listed as 'Henry, Ward Snr' opening up the possibility that a son of the same name was still alive as of 1815, though this conjectural child has not yet been located. His brother Richard, and his friend James Ferris, the latter of whom worked from Poole, having been apprenticed to Thomas Wright of London, served as the executors of his will. Richard Ward continued to work in London, at 27 Banner St., St. Luke's until at least 1853. A possible description of his house from 1815 suggests that he had three paying lodgers in his house at that time. This same source also references Mary Ann Ward, who was the daughter of Richard Ward; it seems likely that this is the same Richard Ward, though this cannot be confirmed.Passing reference has also been made to a Henry J. Ward, who was apprenticed to a Thomas Mayne as a watch finisher in 1792 at St. Luke's, London. Assuming Henry J. Ward was 14 at the time of his apprenticeship, he would have been born two years after Henry Ward. Whether this is actually Ward's younger brother, or simply an amusing coincidence, remains unknown.An early 19th century turret clock is known by Ward; it has a pinwheel escapement, with pendulum mounted pallets and a vertical fly. He seems to have been partial to a pinwheel escapement as several of his more complicated clocks used one. Longcase clocks of 30 hour and eight-day duration, as well as silver pocket watches, including one with a duplex escapement, are all known by him as well.Kelly (1843) Post Office London Street Directory, London: Kelly's Directories Ltd.University of Leicester (2022) Historical Directories of England & Wales: London 1808-1915. Available at: https://specialcoll... This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TPTP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A unique and extremely interesting late 18th century ebonised longcase timepiece with additional counting featureWright, PoultryThe hood with serpentine arched cresting supported on freestanding brass-mounted Doric columns, with gilt-heightened gothic-arched glazed side doors over an elaborately stepped and moulded throat section, the long arched door with gilt-heightened raised moulding over a conforming stepped moulded section to the plain base on shaped apron. The 12-inch one-piece silvered arched dial centred by a Roman chapter ring with matching pierced blued steel hands, wound at VI, surmounted by a series of four subsidiary dials - the furthest to the right-hand side set with two hands simply giving running seconds and the hour in a 24-hour day. The remaining three are directly geared and mark the passing of each individual hour, their dials marked as 100; 1000 and 20,000.The large weight driven movement with plates measuring 21.5cms x 18cms (8.25ins x 7ins) united by four substantial knopped pillars, the large diameter barrel driving a four wheel train terminating in an anchor escapement set to the top right hand side of the plates, directly behind the subsidiary seconds dial, the plain pendulum suspended from a centrally-mounted cock, thereby necessitating a pivotted right-angled linkage to the crutch. Together with the pendulum with steel rectangular-section rod terminating in a brass bob, later crank winder, case key and brass-clad weight. 2.07m (6ft 10ins) highFootnotes:Thomas Wright was born around 1744 and was made Free of the Clockmakers Company in 1770, establishing himself in the Poultry likely at number 13, and moving later to number 6. At some point between 1770 and 1781, he was appointed watch and clockmaker to the King, though how he obtained this distinction is unknown. Around 1781, Thomas Earnshaw approached Wright to finance his patent for a detached spring chronometer escapement, the former having previously had a falling out with his previous financer. After much discussion, it was decided that Wright would file the patent on Earnshaw's behalf, and Earnshaw would recompensate Wright the 100-guinea patent fee, by charging an additional guinea for each of the first 100 chronometers sold. The patent, 1354, was filed by Wright in 1783. It has been claimed, by Earnshaw, that Wright insisted these first 100 chronometers bear the stamp Wright's Patent on the movement. One such chronometer is known which carries this stamp, though the others seem to use T. W. Pt. 34, with the T.W. presumably standing for Thomas Wright. In 1784, Earnshaw developed a bimetallic compensation balance, and the first watch this was used on was signed Thomas Wright in the Poultry, London, No. 2228. Thomas Earnshaw was not the only famous colleague Wright had, as he also worked with Matthew Boulton, of Lunar Society fame, beginning around 1770. Boulton and Wright produced a clock for King George III in 1771; Boulton supplied the gilt bronze and Blue John case, while Wright supplied the movement. It is possible that this is how Wright received his Royal warrant, though why Boulton contacted Wright in the first place is not clear. Although the clock was made for the King, the design was used by Bolton to manufacture at least six other 'King's clocks'. The escapement was originally verge but was replaced with a pin wheel in the 1820's by Benjamin Vulliamy. Wright is known to have had at least one child, George William, who was apprenticed to his father in 1785. Unfortunately, Wright died in 1792 on a visit to Birmingham, possibly to meet with Boulton, and his son does not appear to have been made free. There also does not seem to be a record of a 'George William Wright clockmaker' and it is possible he pursued a different career after his father's death. There is some indication that Wright's shop was taken over by a horologist named Thorp and the shop name became 'Wright & Thorp', though this hasn't been confirmed. Watches from Wright seem to be more prolific than his clocks, though some of Wright's work can be found at the Palace Museum in Peking.There was also a Thomas Wright of Fleet Street working between 1718-1748 as a scientific instrument maker. This Thomas Wright was also Mathematical Instrument Maker to His Royal Highness, George, Prince of Wales and famed as one of the best instrument makers of the day. Whether this was a relation of Thomas', possibly his father, remains unknown.Weaving, A. H. (1991) 'Clocks for the Emperor', Antiquarian Horolgy, Vol. 19 (4), pg. 389.Randall, A. G. (1984) 'An Early Pocket Chronometer by Tomas Earnshaw, signed Robert Tomlin', Antiquarian Horolgy, Vol. 14 (6), pgs. 609-615.Crisford, A. (1976) 'Thomas Wright in the Poultry London No. 2228', Antiquarian Horolgy, Vol. 9 (7), pgs. 785-788.Science Museum Group (2022) Thomas Wright. Available at: https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/people/cp38979/thomas-wrightSotheby's (2005) An important English ormolu musical and quarter chiming table clock, Thomas Wright and, Matthew Boulton, London and Birmingham, circa 1772. Available at: https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2005/fine-clocks-watches-barometers-mechanical-music-scientific-instruments-l05881/lot.77.htmlHobbins, J. H. (1912) 'The Chronometer: Its History and Use in Navigation', The Horological Journal, Vol. 55 (4), pgs. 57-65.The British Museum (2022) Thomas Wright. Available at: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG81737Atkins, C. E. (1931) The Company of Clockmakers: Register of Apprentices 1631-1931, London: The Clockmakers Company.Royal Collection Trust (2022) Mantel Clock. Available at: https://www.rct.uk/collection/30028/mantel-clockThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TPTP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A rare mid-19th century French carriage clock with jewelled chaff cutter escapement and hour repeatDent, Paris, numbered 2437The one-piece case surmounted by an elegantly turned handle on vase-shaped uprights over a large rectangular escapement observation window, three bevelled glazed panels and a solid rear door with hinged shutter to reveal the winding and hand-setting arbors, on a moulded base. The white enamel Roman dial with light blue minute ring framing the dark blue Roman numerals and blued steel trefoil hands, signed below VI Dent a Paris. The twin barrel movement with jewelled chaff cutter escapement, three arm gilt balance and extremely delicate arbors throughout. The frontplate numbered 2297, the backplate signed Dent a Paris and numbered 2437, the base repeat numbered. Ticking, striking, and repeating on a bell, together with a double-ended winding key. 16cms (6ins) highThis lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A very rare second quarter of the 19th century boxwood-strung ebonised travel timepiece with alarm and quarter repeatWestwood, Princes Street, Leicester Square, LondonThe arched case surmounted by a recessed folding campaign-style brass handle over a ripple moulding to the top and bottom, with geometric boxwood line inlay, supported by four brass ball feet (the two rearmost spheres with flattened backs). The 4inch signed white enamel Roman and Arabic dial with Breguet style hands and tapering alarm-setting hand, within a cast concave bezel and with three blued steel hands. The movement consisting of three brass plates united by plain turned pillars, the front pair housing the going train with maintaining power to a chain fusee terminating in an English underslung lever escapement set below a heavy plain brass balance with three timing screws; the alarm and repeat trains both set within the rear pair of plates, the former with brass double-headed hammer acting on a large bell above, the hours and quarters repeated via one large and one small brass hammer sounding on a single bell set on the top plate. All the wheelwork protected by pinned side doors and a screw-on rear plate signed Westwood, Princes Street, Leicester Square, LONDON with silvered regulation dial above. Ticking, repeating and alarm operational. With handle recessed 23.5cms (9.25ins) high; 28cms (11 ins) high with handle raised. Footnotes:Robert Westwood was born in 1784. Although there is no record of his apprenticeship, there is a James Westwood who was apprenticed to William Rose in 1771. James was from Westminster, and his late father, John, had been a solicitor. Given the dates, it has been suggested that this James Westwood was Robert's father, the latter taking his son as an apprentice when he was old enough. In 1818, Robert married Mary Priestman, who was about 22 years his senior, and promptly moved in to 23 Prince's Street, a leasehold property she owned. They went into business together; Westwood was responsible for the watches and clocks, and Priestman managed the jewellery side of the business. It is unknown if she had served an apprenticeship as a jeweller, or possibly was taught by a relative. In July 1822, the property was burgled by William Reading who stole 200 watches, with a combined value of £600, 10 watch chains, with a value of £20, and a number of miscellaneous items and some money. The total value stolen, including the watches and chains, was £652, which suggests that the couple had quite a prosperous business. The burglar apparently had a history of petty theft, though this was the first time he had been caught and prosecuted for it. He was eventually found guilty and executed. In 1824, a trade card was produced for Westwood, which showed he was still trading from 23 Prince's Street and also described him as a 'chronometer, watch and clock maker'. The card also referred to the recent, 1821-1823, Polar Expedition of William Parry, stating that the only two chronometers on the expedition which ran without fail were owned by the voyage's two surgeons, and were manufactured by Westwood. The card also claimed that several officers for the current 1824-1825 expedition had requested Westwood chronometers.Five years after the trade card was published, Westwood took out a patent for an eight-day pocket watch. The larger barrel was accommodated by splitting the train over two planes, which meant that the watch would be no larger than a standard pocket watch. This idea was used throughout the 20th century to make increasingly smaller and more delicate wristwatches, which would still run for the standard 30 hours. The Duke of Sussex, Augustus Frederick, was so taken with Westwood's eight-day watch that he had one commissioned. It was sold at auction, after his death in 1843, and was described in the catalogue as being in a gold, engine-turned case, and numbered 50. It was bought for £38 10s. This was the only device of Westwood's in the Duke possession, suggesting it was a one-off commission, however, Westwood would style himself as 'Watchmaker to His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex' throughout his career.Around 1829, Westwood had relocated the business to 35 Prince's Street, which was larger, and located opposite St. Anne's church. In 1833, another trade card was printed, with one side describing the use of Westwood's chronometer on the Polar expedition, and the other side announcing him as watchmaker to the Duke of Sussex. A watch paper from around this time also announces his Royal appointment, while still describing him as a chronometer, watch, and clockmaker. The bottom edge of the paper reads 'Watches & Clocks of Every Description Cleaned & Repaired.' In September 1836, despite the change of premises, the shop was again robbed. The burglar, Sarah Moore, was charged with breaking and entering and stealing a watch worth £30. She pled guilty and was transported to New South Wales in December.Westwood was reported in the newspapers to have quite a temper, particularly when it came to clients. One merchant ship captain came into Westwood's shop to complain about the timekeeping of his watch (possibly a chronometer). The argument grew quite heated, and Westwood eventually reached over, grabbed the timepiece from the captain's hand, smashed it to the ground, and 'stamped on it with great violence'. Westwood was taken to Marlborough Street Magistrates Court and forced to pay the captain the full sum of the timepiece. A different client once returned a watch which wasn't running properly. He requested either a monetary refund or a replacement watch. Westwood responded by taking out a pistol from under the counter and threating to 'blow out the young man's brains' if he didn't leave immediately. Again, he was summoned before the Magistrates, this time being fined for the threat of violence.After the second break-in, Westwood took to sleeping in a back room of the shop, in order to prevent another robbery. His wife, whose health was beginning to deteriorate, slept on the first floor. In the early morning of Monday 3 June 1839, Westwood was brutally murdered during another robbery. In total, around 91 watches were stolen, as well as some money from the shop; all the goods and currency were estimated to be worth about £2,000. It seemed that the thief was knowledgeable about watches, as only the very best were stolen, the cheaper watches being left where they were. It was also suggested that the person would have to be familiar with the shop, as some of the watches and money were removed from special hidden drawers in a desk, which a stranger was unlikely to know about. The residents at the time were Mary Westwood, their servant, Maria Pretty, and a lodger of about 10 years, M. Gerard who was estimated to be in his mid-70's. Two lodgers, the Stephensons, had left about a week before, with reasons for departure variously cited as marital breakup or the Westwoods taking exception to their loud and frequent rows. Westwood also employed a journeyman, James Bannister, who lodged elsewhere. In December of the same year, Mary Westwood died of heart complications. At her inquest, the coroner commented that he was surprised that her husband's killer(s) had not yet been caught. As far as can be determined, no formal arrests were ever made. One witness suggested that the robber(s) must have known about watches and would therefore have tried to sell the stolen goods in Holland. Another suggested that friends/associates of William Reading, the first burglar, killed Westwood out of a sense of revenge for their executed confederate. Yet another suggested that the culprit(s) may have been sailors; they would be familiar with Westwood through the chronometers on board and would have a ready-made getaway if they were shipping out directly after the murder. Not... For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A very rare English brass-inlaid and mounted mahogany quarter striking and repeating giant travel clock in the original silk and velvet lined travelling caseBarraud and Lunds, Bishopsgate St, Cornhill, London, no. 6164. Surmounted by a low shaped handle over a bevelled glass inspection panel and brass-mounted cornice over bevelled glass side panels and a rear door with pierced brass sound fret backed in green silk, the four corners of the moulded base inset with substantial brass infills. The 4.5-inch square signed silvered Roman and Arabic dial with fancy blued steel hands and subsidiary alarm-setting dial at VI. The triple chain fusee movement filling the case, all wheels of five crossings and wound from the rear, chiming the quarters and striking the hours on three blued steel coiled gongs, each mounted on its own block, the going train terminating in a gilt platform with foliate-scroll engraved cock, the cut and compensated bimetallic balance with 16 gold timing screws set on an overcoiled hairspring. The backplate signed and further marked with the initials J.P. Together with the original velvet-lined travel case, the silk lid stamped in a gilt strapwork cartouche Barraud & Lunds, 14 Bishopsgate St, Cornhill, with the original winding key set in a recess to the base. Ticking, striking, chiming and repeating. 25cms (10ins) high.Footnotes:Francis-Gabriel Barraud was born in 1727 and was a watchmaker by trade. With his elder son Paul Philip, born in 1752, and younger son John, he would establish the Barraud horology firm. By 1782 they were established in Fleet Street and were listed in trade directories simply as 'Barrauds'. Paul Philip seems to have focused on clocks, as several orders for movements by Thwaites are found in his name only. Shortly after this point, in 1795, Francis-Gabriel died, and Paul Philip took control of the firm. By the end of that same year, Paul Philip had entered into partnership with another horologist, George Jamison, and they began to manufacture chronometers. Initially Mudge-type chronometers were attempted, but by 1797, they began making Arnold-style chronometers, along with a very few being made with an Earnshaw escapement. Around this time, possibly a bit later in 1798, the business relocated to Cornhill, and by 1800 the partnership between Barraud and Jamison was officially moribund, as Jamison has set up his own premises. Three of Paul Philips children, Frederick Joseph, born 1785, John, born 1790, and James, born 1793, were apprenticed to their father and all gained their Freedom of the Clockmakers' Company, as their father had in 1796. In 1809, the oldest child, Frederick Joseph, joined his father in partnership of the firm, followed by John in 1814, at which point the name of the firm is changed from 'Barrauds' to 'Barraud & Son'. When Paul Philip died in 1820, the firm was jointly taken over by Frederick Joseph and John, until 1838, when John Richard Lund, born 1805, joined the firm as a partner. The name of the firm was changed that year to 'Barraud & Lund'. James Barraud did not pursue a horological career after gaining his freedom, instead buying a partnership with a coal merchant in Whitefriars, later also pursuing gentleman farming in Hertfordshire beginning in 1854 until his death in 1876. In 1840, John Barraud died, followed by Frederick Joseph in 1859. The firm continued as 'Barraud & Lund'; Lund partnered with Hilton Paul Barraud, John Barraud's son, born in 1819 and apprenticed to John who eventually gained his freedom in 1846. John Richard Lund died in 1868, and by 1869 his son, John Alexander Lund, born in 1836, was made a partner with Hilton Paul Barraud. After Hilton Paul's death in 1880, John Alexander's brother joined him in the firm. John Alexander died in 1902 but the firm would continue under the control of various members of the Lund family, until it was officially dissolved in 1929.It is interesting to note that John Richard Lund was apprenticed to one of the Pennington horologists. Robert Pennington worked with Thomas Mudge Jr. trying to mass produce Mudge Sr. chronometers. The Pennington family is known the have supplied Barrauds with chronometer movementsUniversity of Cambridge (2015) Cambridge Digital Library: Papers of John Pond. Available at: https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/search?keyword=Cotterell%2C%20Thomas%20(fl%201822-1835)%20chronometer%20maker&page=1Stewart, A. D. (2013) 'Pennington of London: a brief history of the family, the firm and their chronometers', Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 34 (3) pgs. 367-384This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A LATE 17TH CENTURY BURR WALNUT VENEERED LONGCASE CLOCK WITH TEN-INCH DIAL AND BOLT-AND-SHUTTER MAINTAINING POWERJOHN EBSWORTH, LONDONThe rising hood with overhanging cornice and blind cut frieze supported on twisted columns, with long side glazed panels over a convex throat moulding and long door with oval lenticle framed by quarter-veneered panels of lively figuring within a D-moulded edge, on a crossbanded base and squat bun feet. The ten-inch square brass dial with single line border framing the winged cherubs' head spandrels and silvered chapter ring, the Arabic five-minute markers set within the minute ring and enclosing the Roman hours, fleur de lys half-hour markers and inner quarter hour track, the finely matted centre with slender subsidiary seconds dial and chamfered date aperture with boldly engraved date numerals, signed along the lower edge in copperplate script John Ebsworth, Londini Fecit. The weight driven eight-day movement with six latched knopped pillars and bolt-and-shutter maintaining power to the going train with anchor escapement, the strike train regulated via an outside countwheel acting on the bell. Ticking and striking, with case key, crank winding key, pendulum and a pair of brass-clad weights. 1.93m (6ft 4ins) high.Footnotes:Provenance:P.A. Oxley, 4 April 1997.John Ebsworth was apprenticed to Richard Aymes (also spelt Ames) in 1657, meaning he was likely born around 1643. Richard Aymes is known to have worked in Holborn, near St. Andrews Church, so it seems likely that this is where Ebsworth served his apprenticeship. A Christopher Ebsworth is also noted as being apprenticed to Aymes in 1662, and he was described as a clockmaker after his apprenticeship. It remains unknown what his relationship to John was, though he has long been assumed to be the younger brother, given his later date of apprenticeship. He was not listed in John's will, but he may simply have died before John. John gained his freedom of the Clockmakers Company in 1665, before moving into a shop 'at the Cross[ed] Keys in Lothbury'. This may have been on the same site as Knifton's former premises which were destroyed in the Great Fire, to the far south-west of Lothbury. When Lothbury was rebuilt, Ebsworth may have chosen to occupy a site well-known for clocks from Knifton's occupancy since 1646. Lothbury was a popular centre for clock workshops from the 1630s onwards; the area had long been associated with metal workers and founders. This association goes back, certainly as far as 1508, with some suggestion of going as far back as 1365, and the establishment of the Founder's Company. Given the easy access to all the raw materials, it is natural that the early clockmakers would be found here too. Interestingly, Richard Aymes was apprenticed to Peter Closon, a famed early lantern clock maker, and when Knifton died in early 1667, Aymes was one of the appraisers of his estate. Closon, Knifton, and Ebsworth all have clocks which used the 'matchstick man' casting mark. This mark has been associated primarily with Lothbury clockmakers, between the 1630's until about 1685. The mark has been variously ascribed as being the mark of the founder, the casting firm, or another specific individual. John Ebsworth is also recorded as working at 'New Cheap Side, however, the uniformity of his style makes it difficult to tell where he worked first, but any work signed from the Cross[ed] Keys is likely to date from the rebuilding of Lothbury by the early 1670s; Ebsworth had an extensive output of products which included lantern, bracket and longcase clocks, pocket watches, and even sundials.He continued to climb the ranks of the Clockmakers Company throughout his career, becoming a warden by 1695; in October of that year, he and another warden, Edward Stanton, were present when the apprentice George Graham gained his freedom of the Company. Two years later, Ebsworth was the Master of the Company. That he was financially secure at this point is seen by his investment in 1694 of £1,000 in the burgeoning Bank of England. This is the largest amount invested by any recorded clockmaker, with the exception of Thomas Tompion, who also invested £1,000. Ebsworth died in 1699, appointing his wife Susanna the sole executor of his will and Edward Stanton as the overseer, as well as instructing Stanton to provide business advice to Susanna. In total, he willed £570 to his three cousins and their children, with the promise of giving them more, should Susanna remarry within two years of his death. He was buried in St.Margaret's, Lothbury, a short walk from his home and workshop, and his memorial may still be seen there.His timepieces remain highly prized; a longcase by Ebsworth is on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and one of his table clocks was presented to the Duke of York in 1923 to celebrate his marriage and is still kept running at Clarence House.Nye, J. and Doherty, C. (2020) 'Thomas Knifton, beginnings, middle, ends', Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 41 (1), pgs.76-82.Lloyd, H. A. (1951) 'George Graham Horologist and Astronomer', Horological Journal, Vol 93 (11) pg. 710.Will of John Ebsworth (1699). The National Archives: Public Record Office. Catalogue reference: PROB 11/452/249.The Worshipful Company of Founders (2022) History. Available at: https://www.foundersco.org.uk/historyRoyal Collection Trust (2022) Table clock. Available at: https://www.rct.uk/collection/3000/table-clock Victoria and Albert Museum (2008) Longcase clock. Available at: https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O53199/longcase-clock-john-ebsworth/ Loomes, B. (2013) Lantern Clocks of the mid-seventeenth century - an examination of some with 'matchstick man' castings and 'matchstick' flower engraving. Available at: https://www.brianloomes.com/collecting/matchstick/index.html Loomes, B. (2006) 'A Lantern Clock Showing 'Thirds'', Horological Journal, Vol. 148 (3), pg. 107-108. Robey, J. (2012) 'Moorfields And Clock-Brass Founders Part 2: The Mayor Family And Other Founders', Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 148 (3), pg. 622-623.Buick, T. (2020) Orreries, Clocks, and London Society Cham: Springer.Gloag, J. (1976) A Short Dictionary Of Furniture London: Allen & Unwin.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TPTP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A GOOD SIGNED AND DATED LATE 17TH CENTURY BRASS STRIKING LANTERN CLOCKWilliam Holloway, Stroud 1685Surmounted by a strapped bell and five inverted acorn finials between pierced addorsed dolphin frets (the centre with engraved details and shading), the four corner finials cast as one with the pillars and squat ball feet, the wide Roman chapter ring with fleur de lys half hour markers and an inner quarter-hour track framing the signed and dated centre with single steel hand and decorated with a ring of flowers encircling the Arabic alarm-setting disc. The weight driven movement with anchor escapement and countwheel strike on the bell above. 40.5cms (15.5ins) high.Footnotes:William Holloway was born in 1633 in Market Lavington, Wiltshire. His father, John Holloway, was also a clockmaker and it is thought his father was apprenticed to John Snow(e); himself a member of a well-known horological family. A very early lantern clock made by John Holloway, dated to 1611, is known; the entire clock is made of iron, except for the brass chapter ring. William's brother John also pursued clockmaking, a lantern clock by him having been sold by Bonhams in June 2007.William moved to Stroud in his early life, and seems to have made mostly lantern clocks, though a blue lacquered eight-day longcase clock from around 1680 is known by him. The lion and unicorn on either side of a shield is a well-known fret on lantern clocks. Holloway is known to have achieved at least two clockmaking 'firsts'; the earliest, verifiable use of the lion and unicorn fret was by him in 1662, and just 8 years later his was the earliest confirmed date of a verge escapement and short pendulum used outside of London. He is thought to have died around 1693.Two of his sons, both remarkably named William, seemed to have moved to London. One was a cooper and the other a watchmaker. William the watchmaker, was made free of the Clockmaker's Company in 1697; a particularly stunning glazed balance cock watch is known by this William Holloway. He died in London around 1724/1725, though he maintained a freehold estate in Stroud Gloucestershire, which he passed down to one of his four children, William Holloway, the other children being Ann, Elizabeth, and Hannah.Robey, J. (2017) 'Adam, the Devil and the Supernatural: An unusual English lantern clock revisited', Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 38 (4), p. 543.Loomes, B. (1977) 'Antique Watches and Clocks for Sale', Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 120 (5), p. 22.Simpson, R. J. (1985) 'Duo in Uno', Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 15 (6), pp. 602-604.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A GOOD LATE 19TH CENTURY ROSEWOOD STRIKING AND REPEATING 'FOUR GLASS' LIBRARY CLOCKAldred & Son, Yarmouth The rectangular case with bevelled glass inspection panel over a broad concave cornice and bevelled glazed panels to an ogee base on a moulded plinth and adjustable brass button feet, the repeat button set to the right-hand side sounding the last hour on demand. The 3.5-inch engraved gilt dial with polished Roman chapter ring with strike/silent lever above XII and Breguet style blued steel moon hands, set within a pattern of foliate scrollwork and engine turning against a hatched ground with bold signature in a polished reserve below VI, all framed by a silvered sight ring. The signed twin chain fusee movement with substantial plates united by turned pillars screwed through the back, the anchor escapement striking and repeating on a blued steel coiled gong. 24cms (9ins) high. Footnotes:Provenance:P. A. Oxley, 2004.Aldred & Son were clockmakers and goldsmiths working in Great Yarmouth from 1873 to 1900.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: YY Subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside of the EU, see clause 13.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A collection of eleven clock reference books Comprising: The Knibb Family Clockmakers by Ronald Lee; Thomas Tompion 300 Years by Evans, Carter, and Wright; Thomas Tompion at the Dial and Three Crowns by Jeremy Evans; Thomas Tompion Your Bid by Peter H. Black; Huygens' Legacy: The Golden Age of the Pendulum Clock by Hans van den Ende; Royal Clocks:The British Monarchy and Its Timekeepers 1300-1900 by Cedric Jagger; The Longcase Clock by Tom Robinson; Old Clocks & Their Makers:Fourth Edition by R. J. Britten; The Wetherfield Collection of Clocks by Eric Bruton; Thomas Tompion by R. W. Symonds; and Early English Clocks by Dawson, Drover, & Parkes.,For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A FINE LATE 17TH CENTURY EBONY VENEERED QUARTER-REPEATING TABLE TIMEPIECELangley Bradley, LondonThe caddy top with tied bud handle and four ball finials over a well-moulded cornice and base on button feet. The 6.75-inch dial framed by well-cast winged cherubs' head spandrels framing the silvered chapter ring, the periphery of which has Arabic five-minute numerals interrupted by half-quarter marks, around a minute band and Roman hour ring with fancy half-hour markers, the finely matted centre with chamfered mock pendulum aperture and signature between V and VII. The single gut fusee movement with knife-edge verge escapement repeating the hours and quarters on three bells and hammers via the repeat cord to the side, the backplate framed by a stylised wheatear border with shaded corners enclosing a series of symmetrical anemones within foliate scrolls, signed in an open reserve in copperplate script Langley Bradley, London. Ticking and repeating. 38cms (14.5ins) high.Footnotes:Sir Christopher Wren was a key supporter of Bradley's and may have influenced the decision to award him the contract for the new clocks at St Pauls Cathedral, Hampton Court and another in the Admiralty Building. King William III presented a Bradley watch to Wren on completion of St Pauls.Langley Bradley was born in Stepney in 1671, the second of five children born to Martha Curtus and Thomas Bradley, a gardener. In 1688, Langley was apprenticed to Joseph Wise, a member of a well-known horological family. His brother, Thomas Wise, seems to have known Joseph Windmills in some capacity, the latter of whom served as surveyor for Thomas' will. Three months after Thomas' death in 1696, his widow Ann, married Langley Bradley, who had gained his freedom a year earlier. This meant that Bradley was able to buy out Thomas' son's entitlement to his father's tools and materials; the inventory included a number of clock and watch movements, cases and a large clock which hung above the shop in the street. This clock gave Wise's house and shop its name, the Minute Dyall, in Fenchurch Street: Bradley is recorded as working here after his marriage, having previously worked in Whitechapel. The same year, 1696, Bradley assisted William Derham in his writing of the landmark book The Artificial Clockmaker. In 1706, Benjamin Bradley was born; Benjamin was apprenticed to his father in 1721, eventually being made partner in 1728. In 1726, Bradley became a Master of the Clockmakers Company, a position he would hold until 1748. Interestingly, Aynsworth Thwaites, who would go on to establish the Thwaites clock company, was apprenticed to Benjamin Bradley in 1735. The output of the Minute Dyall under the Bradleys was quite diverse, including longcase clocks, lantern clocks, bracket clocks, and watches. The firm also supplied a large number of turret clocks, using techniques Bradley possibly learned as an apprentice from his master's father, a noted turret clock maker. Seventeen turret clocks are known to have been made by Bradley, including one at Blenheim Palace, installed in 1710, whose escapement was later modified by Vulliamy, and one at St. Magnus the Martyr church by London Bridge, installed in 1709. Both these clocks are still working, though the clock for St. Magnus the Martyr has had the striking train disabled. He also maintained several turret clocks he didn't supply, including one supplied by Edward Stanton to the Royal Exchange. His turret clock work was not confined to London, ranging as far afield as Cambridge and Oxford; he is also known to have manufactured his own specialty tools to help him with his turret clock manufacture. Perhaps his most famous project, however, was supplying the original turret clock to St. Paul's cathedral in 1707. It was a massive undertaking, especially as it was desired that the clock should strike and run for eight days on a single wind. Unfortunately, the clock was plagued with time keeping problems; Bradley himself blamed the public, who were allowed to view the clock movement and apparently couldn't resist trying to ring the bell. A contemporary account, however, suggests that the movement itself was not robust enough to deliver the necessary power to drive the very large hands. Consequently, the clock was removed in 1717, and replaced with a thirty-hour clock by Wright and Street. Despite this, Bradley was still appointed Keeper of the Clock for St. Pauls in 1738, a position he held until his death.Benjamin worked at the Minute Dyall until his untimely death in 1744. A year later, the 74-year-old Langley Bradley moved back to Stepney; he continued to maintain a variety of turret clocks, though he no longer worked from a shop. He died in 1753, and the entirety of his estate was passed to his sole living child, Margaret Renard (née Bradley). She would also receive the final payment from St. Dunstan's Church, for Langley Bradley's work on maintaining their turret clock.Hodgson, B. (2002) 'Langley Bradley-'A Judicious Workman' Part I: Historical Details & Domestic Output', Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 26 (5), pgs. 477-499.Hodgson, B. (2002) 'Langley Bradley-'A Judicious Workman' Part II: Turrett Clocks', Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 26 (6), pgs. 611-625.Hodgson, B. (2002) 'Langley Bradley-'A Judicious Workman' Part III: St. Paul's Cathedral', Antiquarian Horology, Vol. 27 (1), pgs. 35-51.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A VERY FINE AND RARE EARLY 18TH CENTURY 'TYPE 3 BURR WALNUT LONGCASE CLOCKTHOMAS TOMPION AND EDWARD BANGER, LONDON, NO. 463, CIRCA 1707.The stepped caddy top surmounted by three large orb finials and twin sound frets supported by 3/4 and 1/4 brass-mounted Doric columns to the front and rear, the concave throat moulding over a long quarter-veneered door with D-moulded frame, punch numbered 463 on the leading edge, the sides with a pair of rectangular herringbone cross-banded panels, on a similar panel base and moulded apron. The 11-inch square brass dial with double screwed Indian mask spandrels enclosing the silvered chapter ring with Arabic five-minute band engraved with half-quarter marks framing the minute-track, Roman hours with meeting-arrow-head half-hour markers and an inner quarter-hour track, the finely matted centre with subsidiary Arabic seconds dial and chamfered date aperture with pin-hole manual adjustment, signed in a polished reserve Tho: Tompion/EDW. BANGER/LONDON, with typical blued steel hands. The dial feet latched to the substantial weight-driven eight-day movement united by six heavy knopped pillars, the backplate cut for the anchor and punch-numbered along its lower edge 463, the going train with anchor escapement and typical long steel crutch to a brass-rod pendulum: the strike train with internal rack acting on the bell above. Ticking and striking, together with the case key, pendulum and brass-clad weights. 2.42m (7ft 11.5ins) high.Footnotes:Provenance:Christie's, London, 14 June 2000, lot 75. Literature:Evans, J., Carter, J., Wright, B. (2013) Thomas Tompion 300 Years. Kent: White Horse Press, page 480.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TPTP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A good early engraved one-piece cased repeating carriage clock with duplex escapement, day, date, alarm and quarter repeatJ.B. Beguin, ParisThe elaborately engraved case with shaped and facetted handle above the large, glazed inspection panel over three bevelled glass panels, the rear door solid and sliding upwards in a pair of runners to reveal the winding and setting squares, raised on a plinth base with shaped corners and decorated all-over with finely engraved borders of stylised wheatears, tied ribbons and feather banding. The main dial with Roman hours and blued steel trefoil hands within a minute track, signed below VI and set above three subsidiaries for alarm, day (in English) and date, all with matching trefoil hands and set within an engraved foliate scroll mask. The spring barrel movement with gilt platform for the brass three-arm balance with compensating screws and jewelled duplex escapement, rack striking the hours and quarters on two bells and hammers. The strike/silent lever is set on the backplate with the engraved options 'Striking' or 'Stillness'. Ticking, striking both the hours and the quarters. Operational repeat, and alarm trains, together with a double ended key.Footnotes:This clock, or an identical one, is referenced in Carriage Clocks Their History and Development by Charles Allix and Peter Bonnert on page 432. Extant examples survive, not only of two other carriage clocks by Beguin, but also a handful of mantle clocks, including a skeleton clock.In 1870, he was recorded as working on the Rue Faubourg Saint-Antoine in Paris.The duplex escapement is usually seen in early Carriage clocks, being supplanted later by the lever and cylinder. However, in the early years of French carriage clock manufacturing the duplex escapement was regarded as the epitome of quality.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ** VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
AN 18TH CENTURY WALNUT STRIKING LONGCASE CLOCK OF ONE MONTH DURATIONGeorge Graham, London, No. 590 The case with stepped caddy top flanked by twin finials over a blind cut fret, the stepped and moulded cornice over a further fret set on brass mounted Doric columns, both sides with rectangular glazed panels, the long trunk door with lively burr figuring enclosed by a D-moulded edge, the sides inlaid with two long feather-banded panels to a matching base and apron. The leading edge of the door punch numbered 590. The 12-inch square brass dial framed by Indian mask spandrels interspersed with foliate engraving, the bolt-and-shutter maintaining power lever set to the edge at IX, wide silvered chapter ring with outer Arabic five-minute numerals enclosing the bold Roman hours with typical floating lozenge half-hour marks and an inner quarter-hour track, the finely matted centre with subsidiary seconds dial over the applied oval signature cartouche and chamfered date aperture with pin-hole date adjustment, good blued steel hands and latched dial feet. The substantial movement set on built-up cheeks, (as is occasionally seen on Graham's work) and united by five heavy knopped and latched pillars, secured to the backboard via a brass L-shaped bracket, the five-wheel going-train terminating in an anchor escapement with long steel crutch to a pendulum with robust circular-section brass rod terminating in a brass-faced lenticular bob with engraved silvered rating nut: the rack striking train set in a partially skeletonised frontplate sounding the hours via a shaped brass-headed hammer and bell. The backplate numbered to the rear lower edge 590. Ticking and striking, together with the pendulum, brass-clad weights, crank winding key and door key. 2.31m (7ft 7ins) high.Footnotes:Provenance: Purchased Asprey, 14 May 1987.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TPTP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
AN IMPORTANT LATE 17TH CENTURY EBONY VENEERED LONGCASE CLOCK OF THREE MONTH DURATION WITH ROMAN-STRIKING AND ONE-AND-A-QUARTER SECOND PENDULUMJoseph Knibb, LondonThe rising hood with shallow caddy top surmounted by three gilt brass flattened-ball finials over a blind fret supported by brass-mounted multi-piece Corinthian columns, centred by a cast gilt brass foliate swag terminating in tied ribbons, each side with pierced wood sound fret, the trunk with internal spoon lock and set with a mask to the centre of the upper cross-piece, the long door set with three panels, two long and one short, the sides matching, raised on a plain base and brass ball feet. The 10.5-inch square brass dial signed along the lower edge, Joseph Knibb, London between winged cherub head spandrels interspersed by engraved foliate boughs to the sides and a symmetrical foliate motif above, all framing the large expanse of very fine matting acting as the perfect foil to the silvered skeletonised Roman chapter ring with each minute engraved on the minute band. The quarter-hour track with small leaf-shaped half-hour markers, and finely fettled blued steel hands. (In typical fashion for a Roman striking clock, the numeral four is marked by IV rather than IIII.) The weight driven movement secured to the backboard with a brass L-shaped bracket, with arched and slightly shouldered plates united by substantial knopped and ringed pillars latched to the frontplate, both trains with large diameter barrels and finely shaped collets to the wheels, the going train terminating in an anchor escapement, the rear pivot of which is supported on a single-footed cock mounted on the backplate with a long crutch to the two-piece pendulum which hooks on to a spring suspension hung from a shaped bracket at the top of the backplate, with butterfly suspension. The backplate with semi-circular cut-out for the anchor pallets. The strike train using the Roman notation system of sounding the hours on a pair of hammers and bells – one large and straight-sided to represent the numeral '5' and a smaller, lighter example to represent the numeral '1', controlled via a small-diameter outside countwheel with four crossings and external detent. Ticking and striking, together with the pendulum and a pair of very large brass-covered weights. 2.135m (7ft) high.Footnotes:The foregoing is a list of the seven Roman striking, three-month going, longcase clocks by Joseph Knibb that are known to exist. It is immediately apparent that the current clock is in a very select group of Golden Age clocks. Perhaps even more telling is that of the seven listed, only one matches the current lot in benefitting from the additional refinement of a skeletonised chapter ring. The other skeletonised example is illustrated in the standard reference work 'The Knibb Family Clockmakers' by R.A. Lee, in figures 32 and 48. At that time, the images had been supplied by Messrs. F. Partridge & Sons Ltd, one of the great Antique dealing dynasties of the modern period. It has not been seen in public since its publication in 1964 and its current whereabout is not known to us. The current clock, therefore, offers a remarkable opportunity to acquire an iconic clock from one of the world's most revered makers. Garnier & Hollis (2018): Innovation and Collaboration; 'The early development of the pendulum clock in England. Catalogue of the Exhibition held at Bonhams, 101 New Bond Street', London 3-14 September 2018, Exhibit number 100. (three-month duration, ebony case, 10.5-inch dial, solid chapter ring)R.A.Lee; The Knibb Family Clockmakers, The Manor House Press, 1964, plates 31 and 47 (three-month going, ebony case, un-recorded dial size, solid chapter ring)R.A.Lee; The Knibb Family Clockmakers, The Manor House Press, 1964, plates 32 and 48 (three-month going, ebony case, un-recorded dial size, skeletonised chapter ring)Roberts, D. (1990) British Longcase Clocks. Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing, Figs. 96 A and B (three-month going, ebony case, un-known dial size, solid chapter ring). J. Darken (ed.) (2003) Horological Masterworks: English 17th Century clocks from Private Collections, AHS, Exhibit 25 (three-month going, ebony case, 10.5inch dial, solid chapter ring)H. van den Ende (ed.) (2004), Huygen's Legacy, The Golden Age of the Pendulum Clock, Castletown, pp156-157 (three-month going, ebony case, 10.5inch dial, solid chapter ring)The Time Museum sale of Clocks and Watches, Sotheby's New York, 13 October 2004, lot 532 sold for $540,000. (three-month going, ebony case, 10.5-inch dial, solid chapter ring)This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TPTP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A FINE AND RARE LATE 17TH CENTURY 'PHASE TWO' EBONY CASED QUARTER REPEATING STRIKING TABLE CLOCKTHOMAS TOMPION, LONDON NO. 198, CIRCA 1692The 'Phase Two' style case surmounted by a bold gilt brass handle centred with a cast foliate bud on internal pommels with flowerhead bases set on a low caddy over elaborate cornice mouldings, the sides with silk-backed sound frets and long glazed apertures to a moulded base on block feet, the rear door with central glazed panel, the front with gilt brass escutcheons. The 6 and 7/8ths inch rectangular dial with twin subsidiaries in the upper corners – the left for rise-and-fall regulation, the right for strike/not strike, flanking the signature Thomas Tompion, LONDINI, fecit within an oval wheat-ear border with further engraved scrollwork and twin rose heads in the subsidiaries, the silvered Roman and Arabic chapter ring with sword-hilt half-quarter marks, minute band, meeting-arrow-head half-hour marks and quarter-hour track enclosing the finely matted centre with chamfered mock pendulum aperture and blued steel hands, all framed by cherubs head spandrels to the lower corners with quadrant spandrels above. The substantial eight-day movement united by seven knopped and finned pillars latched to the frontplate which is cut to accommodate Tompion's unique quarter repeating system. The going train with gut fusee to a pivoted verge escapement with long steel crutch to the pendulum with lenticular brass-bob, suspended on a spring and pinned to the massive rise-and-fall lever spanning the top of the backplate, with pendulum holdfast to the left of centre. The strike train with gut fusee and rack striking the hours via a facetted steel hammer on a large bell. The repeat train sounding the time to the nearest fifteen minutes by pulling a cord from either side of the case to engage a pair of pivoted repeat levers cocked on the left-hand side of the backplate. The elaborate backplate signed in a shaped wheatear cartouche Thomas Tompion, LONDINI, Fecit and punch-numbered 198 to the centre of the rear edge. The fully engraved foliate scroll backplate attributable to Engraver 155 (possibly Bartholemew le Maire, Engraver of His Majesty's Arms-in-Ordinary, working in Charing Cross between 1684-1698) and featuring his interlaced foliate scrolls with bold shading and crisp details in flowing patterns, with secret porpoise head in profile.Footnotes:Provenance:Sotheby's 13.12.1963, lot 87. Property of J.F.R. Peel, hammer price £3,000, together with the 'original' wall bracket. Christies 5.7.1989 lot 32. Anonymous sale, hammer price £90,000. By this time, opinion was that the wall bracket was later.Literature:Evans, J., Carter, J., Wright, B. (2013) Thomas Tompion 300 Years. Kent: White Horse Press, page 338.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A rare second half of the 19th century automata novelty mystery 'Magician' mantel clockThe clock movement by Japy Freres, numbered 839.Surmounted by the standing brass automata figure of an exotic magician with head-dress, impressive moustache, necklaces, tied robe and mules, he is able to raise his arms and is articulated at the base of his neck in order to bow in acknowledgement of his performances. Before him stands a table on turned legs set on the main clock body in gilt and lacquered brass with applied scroll mounts to the front corners over a fancy base. The 3.5-inch white enamel Roman dial with minute track and fancy trefoil hands. The spring driven movement with outside countwheel strike on a bell, the backplate stamped Japy Freres 839 and further signed in gothic script h.A.(sic). Pendulum lacking, ideal for restoration. 40cms (15.75ins) high.Footnotes:This ingenious clock shows the magician apparently making different objects appear and disappear. The interchanging props are a white dice, a red apple and a yellow bun. There is also a blank option in which the object is shown to 'disappear' all together.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A French brass, marble and enamel automata 'Bras en l'air' mystery clockThe back of the front panel signed A ROUSSEAUThe cast brass standing female figure set within a pillared arch with lotus leaf cornice and fancy side columns, dressed in a gathered robe, her articulated arms poised to the sides and raising to show the time against the white enamel hour and five-minute arcs, against an enamel background of scrolling white speckled foliage on a deep blue ground, all set on a stepped plinth with gilt brass mounts. The later single barrel movement with silvered lever platform escapement with stepped cam to activate the arms above (linkages lacking). The rear of the front panel stamped A.ROUSSEAU 35cms (14ins) high.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A fine late 17th century walnut and laburnum veneered marquetry longcase clock with ten inch dial and bolt-and-shutter maintaining powerJohn Ebsworth, LondonThe rising hood with stepped cornice and ebonised mouldings raised on spirally twisted 3/4 pillars to the front and 1/4s to the rear, the long trunk door with ebonised moulded edge and oyster ground framing two shaped panels depicting inlaid urns of flowers, over a base with similar oval panel, raised on bun feet. The 10 inch square brass dial with winged cherubs head spandrels and single line border interrupted at the base by the signature John Ebsworth Londini fecit, silvered chapter ring with Arabic five-minute markers within the minute band enclosing the Roman hours and fleur de lys half-hour markers, with inner quarter hour track, finely matted centre with small subsidiary seconds dial over a rose-engraved centre, chamfered date aperture and matted shutters. The eight day movement with five knopped and finned pillars latched to the frontplate, anchor escapement with bolt-and-shutter maintaining power, outside countwheel strike on a bell, the hammer spring with fettled base, the whole raised on small wooden blocks on the original seatboard. Together with a trunk door key, pendulum and two period brass-clad weights 1.9m (6ft 3ins) high.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TPTP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A good and rare late 18th century brass-mounted ebonised quarter repeating small bracket clockHenry Long, LondonWith brass banding to the bell top surmounted by a handle and four cone finials, set over circular and shaped glazed side panels to a moulded plinth on block feet, the glass panels and doors all framed by a quarter-round cast brass moulding. The five-inch arched brass dial with twin subsidiaries for rise-and-fall regulation and strike/silent set either side of the applied silvered signature plate, silvered Roman and Arabic chapter ring enclosing a matted centre with mock pendulum and date apertures. The twin fusee movement united by five knopped pillars, pivoted verge escapement with rise-and-fall regulation and rack striking on a bell. Repeating the quarters on demand via the pull cord to the right-hand side of the case on a nest of six graduated bells and hammers. The backplate engraved with a symmetrical pattern of scrolling acanthus and centred by the pendulum holdfast block. Ticking, but strike fusee chain damaged. 38cms (15ins) highFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A mid-18th century ebonised table clock with quarter chime on ten bells and hammersBenjamin Shuckforth, DissThe inverted bell top surmounted by a shaped brass handle above four brass pineapple finials on a moulded cornice, the sides, front and back door glazed panels all set in quarter-round lacquered brass frames, with upper quarter frets to the front and back doors, on a moulded base and brass ogee feet. The eight inch arched brass dial surmounted by the engraved motto Sic Transit Gloria Mundi (Thus the Glory of the World Passes) over a strike/silent subsidiary dial framed by scroll and floral spandrels, the Roman and Arabic chapter ring enclosing the finely matted centre with chamfered recessed plaque signed Benj Shuckforth Diss, over a chamfered date aperture. The triple gut (two now wire) movement with six knopped pillars and verge escapement, sounding the quarters of the hour on ten bells and hammers, the back plate engraved with acanthus vines, flower buds and a floral basket. Ticking with a case key. 58 cms (22.5 ins) highFootnotes:Comparative Literature: Dzik, S. (2019) Engraving on English Table Clocks: Art on a Canvas of Brass 1660-1800, Wild Boar Publications, pg. 343 (S15-1).Benjamin Shuckforth, also Shuckford, was born around 1688. It is unknown who he served his apprenticeship to, however, it has been noted that his clocks are characteristic of London manufacture. There is a possibility then, that either Shuckford or his master learnt clockmaking in London. Assuming he followed the standard apprenticeship path, he would have been able to open his own shop by about 1709, though the first formal record of him is in 1730, when he took John Frost, of Bury St. Edmunds, as an apprentice, charging Frost £21. Two years later, Shuckford had married Dulcibella Dalton, who was part of the landed gentry of Bury St. Edmunds, going back to the early 17th century. Their first child, Benjamin, died shortly after birth, but their second child, also Dulcibella, born in 1734, would survive both her parents.Dulcibella (Snr.) died in 1741 and it appears that Benjamin never remarried. He took another apprentice in 1753, Thomas Jolly. It should be noted that there was a John Shuckford working in Diss as a clockmaker around this time as well. He seems to have been born around 1684, and it is reasonable to assume that he was a relation of Benjamin's, possibly his older brother. One longcase clock is known by him, and the supposition is that he worked with Benjamin for the majority of his career. Shuckford's output seems to have been mainly lantern clocks and longcase clocks, though a wall clock, and a pair case watch are also known by him.John Shuckford died in 1759, and Benjamin followed less than a year later in 1760. The younger Shuckford, described in his will as a watchmaker and cider merchant, left all his wealth to his only surviving child, Dulcibella, who was to be assisted by his good friend William Woolley, a beer brewer from Ipswich. Shuckford's shop was continued by a clock and watch maker named William Shaw, who continued the shop under his own name. It seems likely that Shaw bought the shop outright, as there is no mention of him in Shuckford's will. Shaw had another shop in Botesdale; he would apparently split his time between the two shops. There is no record of him after about 1790, but it remains unknown what happened to him or Shuckford's old shop.Cloutman, E. and Millar, L. (2002) 'A Thirty Hour Clock by Benjamin Shuckforth of Diss, Parts 1 and 2', Horological Journal, Vol. 144 (6), p. 204.Loomes, B. (2013) Collecting Antique Clocks: Benjamin Shuckforth of Diss in Norfolk. Available at: https://www.brianloomes.com/collecting/shuckforth/index.html.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
An early 19th century brass-bound single pad top table clock of small sizeDebois & Wheeler, LondonThe cast brass leaf handle on a brass-bound pad over a moulded cornice and brass uprights to the front corners, on a brass-bound base and tall bracket feet. The 3.75-inch white enamel Roman dial with matching pierced brass hands framed by a minute ring. The movement with gut fusee to the going train terminating in an anchor escapement, now with later continental strike train with vertical hammer added to the side of the movement, the winding square hidden by the front door. The backplate signed Debois & Wheeler London. Ticking. 28cms (11ins) highFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A late 18th century ebonised table clock of small sizeRobert Ward, LondonThe bell top surmounted by a handle and well moulded cornice over circular and shaped glass side panels, brass quarter frets on the front door and a moulded base with ogee brass feet. The 6-inch arched brass dial with strike/silent above the Roman and Arabic chapter ring, the matted centre with recessed signature plaque Robt Ward London and chamfered date aperture, all framed by foliate C-scroll spandrels.The twin gut fusee movement now converted to anchor escapement, with five knopped pillars, the back plate elaborately engraved with vines, a fruit basket and a phoenix with wings outstretched. Ticking and striking the hour with pendulum and case key. 45cms (17.5ins) highFor further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
A late 17th century lantern clock in an oak freestanding caseWilliam Raynes, YorkThe delicately strapped bell with five turned finials between three dolphin and floral frets above four slender tapered pillars and two side doors (with slots for the pendulum) on ball feet, with iron hoop to the top plate and spikes below. The 6.25 inch silvered Roman dial, with fleur de lys half-hour markers and single blued steel hand to the Yorkshire rose engraved centre, signed above VI Will Raynes in Yorke. The movement driven by a chain and weight with verge escapement, the pendulum mounted centrally between the trains and swinging through the door slots, countwheel strike on the large bell. Contained in a 17th century oak floorstanding case of pegged construction and excellent colour. Together with two lead weights. 40cms (15.5 ins) highFootnotes:William Raynes was born near Helmsley in Yorkshire in 1638. In 1653, he was sent to London as an apprentice of the clockmaking brothers William and Ralph Almond, being freed in 1660 or 1661. Raynes remained in London, establishing himself in Butcher Row, East Smithfield; all the extant clocks from this London period are lantern clocks. In 1676, he is still listed as living in London, though by 1682 or 1683 he appears to have moved to York; he was certainly there by 1687, in which year he was made a Freeman of the City. Two of his lantern clock dials are very similar, not only to each other, but also to a dial on a clock by Thomas Cruttenden, another York clockmaker, and it seems likely that both Cruttenden and Raynes used the same engraver. William Raynes died in a riding accident on 28th December 1694. There are three lantern clocks and three longcase clocks signed William Raynes in York, one of the longcase clocks having been sold by Bonhams in October 2014. This particular lantern clock has very short collets for the wheels, the collets themselves being integral to the arbor, a practice that was popular among very early London lantern clockmakers. The frets and the centre of the dial are engraved almost exactly the same as the other two lantern clocks by Raynes, and one by Cruttenden, with a York rose in the centre and ferocious looking dolphin/sea monster frets. One of these similar clocks may be seen in Lantern Clocks & Their Makers by Brian Loomes, Figure 18.9, pg. 320.For further reading, see Loomes, B. (2017) 'William Raynes of London, York and elsewhere' Part I and II, Clocks Magazine, Vol. 40 (April, May), pgs.9-13.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TPTP Lot will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
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