Twenty-one carriage clock platform escapementsMid 19th century and laterIn varying states of repair comprising a gilt Jules type with helical sprung bimetallic balance; six 19th century platforms with separate perpendicular cocks for the pallets and escape wheel (one lacking balance); five with single curved bridge for the pallet and escape wheel pivots concealed under the balance including one stamped JS and engraved No. 912; another with shaped bridge stamped THEVENON, ENGHIEN, PARIS to underside, and eight modern replacement platforms together with a pair of German wall clock weights, (23). The platform stamped with the initials 'J.S.' indicates that it was probably supplied for use on a carriage clock by Joseph Soldano who, according to Charles Allix (see Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS Their history and development page 450), probably had escapements especially made for him clocks in Switzerland.
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A collection of twenty longcase and lantern clock bellsAnonymous, mainly 18th centuryIncluding two Knibb style 'pork pie' bells and a large chamber clock bell measuring 17cm (6.75ins) in diameter, (20).Condition Report: One of the standard longcase clock bells has an invisible crack (has a dead sound) another has a small chunk chipped out of the rim otherwise bells appear to be in sound usable condition.Condition Report Disclaimer
A pair of brass-cased month-duration longcase clock weightsAnonymous, late 17th to early 18th centuryEach cylinder measuring approximately 9.25 inches long by 3.25 inches diameter, with rounded bases, brass caps and suspension posts.Condition Report: Both weights are 12.5kg Condition Report Disclaimer
A William IV/early Victorian mahogany bowfronted mercury cistern tube marine stick barometerJames Bassnett, Liverpool, circa 1840With concave moulded surmount and cavetto cornice above bow-glazed canted ivory Vernier register plates annotated with the usual observations and signed JAMES BASSNETT, LIVERPOOL to lower left hand corner, the trunk with Vernier adjustment screw and brass gimbal pivots above glazed ivory Fahrenheit scale mercury tube thermometer, the base with moulded cylindrical lacquered brass cistern cover incorporating brass level adjustment screw to underside, 94cm (37ins) high. James Bassnett is recorded in Clifton, Gloria Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851 as an optician, clock and chronometer maker working from 4 Barnes Court, Shaws Brow, Liverpool 1829-34 and then from several addresses in Robert Street until 1857 when the firm became known Bassnett and Son.Condition Report: Tube is filled with mercury with no apparent air locks. The ivory scales have some localised patchy discolouration to the lower angles (around the brass securing screws), otherwise appear free from faults; the rack-and-pinion Vernier adjustment is operational. The thermometer tube is undamaged and the scale has a slight crack to the left hand margin (through the 100 numeral). Both the curved 'glasses' for the thermometer and barometer scales have been replaced with polycarbonate with the latter having some adhesive fogging to the upper margin. The case has been cosmetically restored with the moulded pediment block being re-attached slightly off-centre and the timber re-polished. The brass cistern cover has been apart and put back together with the cylinder being slightly off-centre in relation to the upper collar, the lower collar has a small crack in the brass to the leading edge and the underside has been slightly pushed-up. The gimbals are modern replacements. Condition Report Disclaimer
A collection of fifty-five longcase clock crank keysAnonymous, mainly 18th centuryOf varying sizes and including thirty-five with turned wooden handles; with a cast brass clock winding key in the 17th century style, (56).Condition Report: Please contact the department for additional imagesCondition Report Disclaimer
A selection of hand-sawn English walnut and other veneers For use in clock case or cabinet restoration Including five burr walnut panels with approximate average measurements of 24 by 18 inches; four figured walnut lengths approximately 38 by 6 inches; eight figured olive wood panels approximately 34 by 12 inches; eight lengths of sycamore 65 by 10 inches, together with an assortment of mahogany and other timbers in varying similar sizes and numerous offcuts, (qty).
A Regency brass inlaid mahogany clock wall bracketAnonymous, circa 1825The rectangular platform to take a clock with maximum base dimensions of 15 inches wide by 8.5 inches deep and decorated with rosette and star motifs within a brass strung border to fascia, over twin down-curved tapered supports inlaid with elongated arrow-shaped panels, 25.5cm (10ins) high. Condition Report: The top edge is bordered with a thin (approx. 1/8 inch thick by 1/3 inch wide) slip of timber moulded with a bullnose - this slip is missing a section approx 2ins long to the rear of the left hand side and has some general rubbing/bruising. Otherwise bracket is in good condition with only light bumps, scuffs and other minor blemishes commensurate with age and use. Condition Report Disclaimer
A Regency twin fusee bracket clock movementUnsigned, second quarter of the 19th centuryWith five pillars, twin chain fusees, rack hour striking, and anchor escapement set between shouldered plates, (lacking bell and pendulum), 18.5cm (7.25ins) high.Condition Report: Movement is running and strike train does operate. There is trip repeat lever incorporated into the strike train. The steelwork does exhibit historic pitting and the mechanism would benefit from a clean and setting-up/adjustment. The movement was gong-striking(rather than bell) -the gong hammer is detached and there is an additional bell stand included with the movement. Condition Report Disclaimer
A William and Mary eight-day longcase clock movement with 10 inch dialUnsigned, circa 1690 and laterThe outside countwheel bell striking movement with four (formerly six) finned pillars pinned through the backplate and anchor escapement for regulation by seconds pendulum, the 10 inch square brass dial with subsidiary seconds dial, calendar aperture and ringed winding holes to the matted centre within applied narrow Roman numeral chapter ring now reversed with the rear engraved with feathered cruciform half hour markers and small Arabic fine minutes within the slender minute ring, now with rococo scroll cast spandrels to angles, (the trains with significant historic reworking and replacements, no pendulum or weights). Although the current movement has seen a significant degree of reworking and replacements to the trains several interesting details survive. Perhaps the most notable are the movement pillars which are unusually pinned through the backplate. This detail is very rarely seen on London made examples but appears in the work of John London of Bristol in particular a movement illustrated in Darken, Jeff (ed.) TIME & PLACE English Country Clocks 1600-1840. In addition to being pinned through the backplate the present mechanism was also originally made with six (perhaps even seven) pillars which again mirrors the example by John London. The dial is also noteworthy in the plate is particularly thick at the centre (in excess of one eighth of an inch) but thins down to less than half of this thickness at the edges. This feature has been observed on early examples from the workshop of Joseph Knibb in particular during his time in Oxford and is suggestive of a high quality approach by a regional maker. The chapter ring has been reversed but retains its original engraving to the reverse side. This engraving is fairly distinctive with very tight and heavily 'feathered' cruciform half hour markers which at first glance can be mistaken for asterisk markers - a design favoured by early West Country makers. The chapter ring is also fairly narrow measuring only 1.375 inches which is suggestive of an early date.The movement has clearly seen alterations mostly to the strike train. Evidence in the plates indicates that the pivots were positioned further towards the centre and form an inwards arc. This allowed for a seventh pillar to be positioned towards the right hand margin to match the one on the left. It would also appear that original escape wheel was of smaller diameter and the pallets were positioned lower down. From this it is maybe appropriate to speculate that the subsequent provision of a larger diameter escape wheel required the repositioning of the strike train due to lack of space. In all the current lot is very much an interesting relic which could either serve as a study-piece or be restored as a functioning relatively early movement with a 10 inch dial.
A George III eight-day longcase clock movement and dialBenjamin Gray and Justin Vulliamy, London, circa 1770The five pillar rack and bell striking movement with anchor escapement incorporating delicate inverted Y-shaped pallets regulated by a wood-rod seconds pendulum with large brass-faced lenticular bob, the 12 inch square brass dial with large diameter subsidiary seconds ring over applied shaped nameplate engraved Benj'n: Gray, Just: Vulliamy, London and calendar aperture to the finely matted centre within an applied Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes to outer track, with scroll-pierced steel hands and twin bird and urn cast brass spandrels to angles (no weights). Very little is known about Benjamin Gray however in 1738 he was working from 'Ye Sun Dyall in Thatched House Court', St. James' Street West with these premises, along with others, previously being Lord Shelburn's house, which was demolished. In 1742 he became watchmaker to King George II. Justin Vulliamy was born in Pay de Vaud, the watchmaking heartland of Switzerland, in 1712. He initially trained and moved to Paris to make watches there, but when George Graham invented the cylinder escapement he came to London (in around 1730), to familiarise himself with it. It was around this that time he met Benjamin Gray with whom he subsequently formed a partnership. In 1746 Vulliamy married Benjamin's daughter, Mary and they subsequently had four children, Jane, Benjamin, Lewis and Mary. Justin Vulliamy was proud of his roots, and took the lead in permanently establishing the Swiss Church in London in 1762. Whilst Vulliamy was in partnership with Gray their work was signed with both names. After the death of Gray in 1764 Vulliamy signed with either his full name or the shortened version 'Just. Vulliamy'. In around 1780 Justin's son, Benjamin, joined his father in partnership and the workshop subsequently adopted the practice of signing their work with the family surname 'Vulliamy' alone. Justin Vulliamy died in 1797 leaving the business in the hands of his son, Benjamin, who in turn passed it on to his son, Benjamin Lewis, who worked from 52 Pall Mall, served as Warden of the Clockmakers' Company 1821-5 and was appointed Master five times. All three generations of the Vulliamy clockmaking family benefitted from Royal patronage. Condition Report: The movement is complete and appears all-original with no evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. The mechanism is in working condition but is a little dusty from storage so a gentle service is advised. The crutch appears original but is bent. The dial has lost its silvering to the chapter ring, seconds dial and signature plate otherwise retains old (perhaps original) finishes in good condition albeit now somewhat a little muted/mellow in color. The hands and spandrels appear original and undamaged; the hands have been black painted. There is s mall slot to the edge of the plate at 9 o'clock suggesting that a strike/silent selection lever was once fitted but is no longer present.The movement retains securing bolts to the lower pillars, has a wood rod pendulum, lines but no seatboard, pulleys or weights. Condition Report Disclaimer
Y A Charles II style small ebony architectural longcase clock case with 8 inch square dial apertureAnomynous, 20th centuryThe rising hood with triangular pediment over crisply moulded projecting cornice, lintel and Doric three-quarter columns with gilt caps and bases flanking fixed the dial aperture, the sides with tall rectangular glazed apertures and conforming half columns set against the rear stiles, the trunk with convex throat over 41.5 inch slender rectangular door applied with two long around a central short raised panels within a complex mounded surround, the sides of conforming panel outline, on stepped ogee top plinth base decorated with further matching panels to front and sides over moulded skirt, 187cm (73.5ins) high; with an ebonised table clock case, 19th century, with 6.25 inch square dial aperture and canted mouldings, (lacking handle), 29cm (11ins) high.Condition Report: The hood is missing the brass base to the left hand side rear half pilaster and has two losses (each approx. 4 ins long) of the veneer to the drop beneath the chin moulding - one to the front left and the second to the rear right hand side. The trunk door is bowed with the centre projecting forward by around 5/8ths of an inch at the lock. The base has a vertical crack to the front and is missing the length of moulding that forms the top of the right hand side panel. The skirt is lacking its top moulding to the front.The table clock case has no handle, front door glass and the locks are replacements, the caddy is lacking much of its finish also. The veneers are stained fruitwood onto a pine carcass. Condition Report Disclaimer
The remnants of a Charles II month-duration longcase clock movement Firmly attributed to the workshop of Joseph Knibb, circa 1685 and laterThe five finned and latched pillar two-train movement with plates measuring 7.5 inches by 5 inches enclosing five-wheel going train with enlarged centre wheel pinion to reduce the duration to eight-days and anchor escapement for regulation by a seconds pendulum, the strike train now adapted to sound the hours via a later low position external countwheel advanced via an unusual arrangement of single pallet engaging with a ratchet wheel checked by a leaf spring (lacking bell, pendulum, dial and weights; escapewheel incomplete and generally in neglected condition); with a thirty hour longcase clock movement, unsigned, late 17th century with four finned pillars, external countwheel and anchor escapement for regulation by seconds pendulum, (lacking pendulum, weights, dial, bell, minute wheel, pipe and pivot post), height of plates 15.5cm (16.125ins approx.), (2). Joseph Knibb was born in Claydon, Oxfordshire in 1640. He is generally thought to have been apprenticed in around 1655 to his cousin Samuel Knibb in Newport Pagnell, before moving to Oxford circa 1662 (the same year that Samuel moved to London). In 1670 Joseph moved to London handing over the Oxford business to his younger brother, John. The reason for this move was probably to administer the estate of Samuel who is thought to have died by the summer of 1671. Joseph Knibb presumably took on Samuel's former workshop as by 1675 he was recorded as working from 'The Dyal' near Sargeants Inn in Fleet Street. By 1693 he had moved to 'The Clock Dyal' Suffolk Street, near Charing Cross. As Joseph became established in London his work became more individual/distinctive, often demonstrating an inventive and refined approach both in the detailing and specification of the movements and choice of case design. He is perhaps best known for his experimentation with alternative striking such as Dutch, Roman and double-six grande sonnerie as well as long duration clocks. In 1697 Joseph Knibb sold up the London business (presumably to Samual Aldworth, former apprentice of John Knibb of Oxford) and retired to Hanslop in Buckinghamshire where he died in December 1711. The first movement in the current lot exhibits many features which allow a firm attribution to the workshop of Joseph Knibb. These include lack of bridge for the under dial motionwork, evidence of single-foot pendulum suspension coupled with separately cocked rear pallet arbor pivot, distinctive latch profile and relative thin/delicate plates. The going train appears to have survived largely in its original layout with duration reduced to eight-days by increasing the size/count of the pinion to the centre wheel which has required the first wheel to be repositioned. The strike train has been adapted for a low position countwheel which, due to the gearing involved, is advanced/driven by a flag to the second wheel arbor engaging a spring-checked ratchet applied to the rear of the countwheel. Evidence in the form of spare holes and other witness marks indicate that a smaller countwheel (positioned higher up the plates) was driven direct by a pinion applied to the second wheel with a locking detent positioned near the top right hand corner. Although altered and in very neglected condition this rare movement presents as an interesting study piece from which knowledge can potentially be imparted through the process of restoration.
A rare weight driven small 'diamond' dial wall timepiece movement with alarmUnsigned but with similarities to the work of the Knibb family, late 17th centuryThe four distinctive baluster pillar turned movement with slender plates measuring 7 by 2.75 inches enclosing three wheel train incorporating verge escapement regulated by short bob pendulum, the frontplate with the top corners cut to follow the profile of the dial and the right hand side applied with a transverse alarm mechanism sounding on a small bell mounted above the plates, the 6 inch square brass dial orientated 45 degrees to form a diamond and with starburst engraved alarm setting disc to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with unusual pendant half hour markers, with pierced steel hand and winged cherub mask spandrels to angles. Diamond dial wall timepieces are an unusual and rare variant which appeared to gain some popularity during the latter quarter of the 17th century as an alternative to lantern or hooded alarum timepieces. Such timepieces are discussed by Bill Linnard in his three articles entitled Diamonds are Forever?, More Diamond Dials and Diamonds Galore published in the May 2005, April 2006 and April 2007 issues of the Horological Journal respectively. Linnard surveys thirteen other examples which he dates between circa 1670 and 1740. The earliest example he describes is a thirty-hour single-handed spring driven timepiece by John Wise of London which he dates to around 1670, with the next being the circa 1680 weight-driven alarm timepiece by Joseph Knibb illustrated in Dawson, Percy G., Drover, C.B. and Parkes, D.W. Early English Clocks on page 530 (plates 781-3). Other examples by Leading London makers such as Tompion (now cased as a table clock) and Samuel Watson are also discussed. More recently diamond dial wall timepieces have featured in articles published in Antiquarian Horology by Jonathan Betts (Showtime at Oxnead: The timekeepers depicted in 'The Paston Treasure; Vol XXXIX June 2018, pages 215-24) and Martyn Pettifer (Another Diamond; Vol IVI June 2020, pages 209-13).It would appear that the vast majority of diamond dial wall timepieces were constructed with one of the movement plates formed with the top and bottom sections angled by ninety degrees to create integral top and bottom plates to which the other plate is joined by pinned tenons. This type of 'box frame' construction can be seen on an example by John Knibb, Oxford (ex Shapiro collection) sold in these rooms on Tuesday 11th March 2014 (lot 144) as well as the timepiece discussed by Martyn Pettifer in his article. The construction of the current lot however is more akin to that of traditional longcase or table clocks with plates united by separate turned pillars, hence can be compared to the relatively early example by Joseph Knibb illustrated in Early English Clocks on page 530 (plates 781-3). In addition to the general basic layout of the movements both the current lot and the example signed by Joseph Knibb have related baluster-shaped pillars; with the castings seen on the present example being of the pattern often seen on table clocks by both the brothers John and Joseph Knibb. In addition to the presence of the distinctive pillar castings the wheelwork of the present movement is also notably fine incorporating concentric line detailing to the rims and a greatwheel of 96 teeth. The movement plates are also reasonably thin/delicate which when considered alongside these other factors would support the idea that the mechanism was perhaps made in the workshops of either John or Joseph Knibb and then supplied to another maker for finishing. Condition Report: The movement has at one point been converted to anchor escapement hence the current escapement is a re-conversion. The backplate has spare holes form the anchor backcock as well as a filled aperture for the previous anchor pallet arbor and another threaded hole most likely from an alternative previous location of the bell stand as well as one lower down for a pendulum hook. The frontplate has a spare hole from the previous anchor pallet front pivot otherwise appears to be in original condition. The alarm mechanism is a restoration. The movement is in working condition. The dial is in good original condition except for the lower spandrel which has now been substituted for section of engraved brass fret and the chapter ring is no longer silvered. The seatboard is most likely later and there are no weights, pulleys or lines present with the timepiece.The overall design would suggest that the mechanism rested in a seatboard into a case that was essentially either of relatively standard rectangular design but with diamond dial aperture, or a case of diamond form (matching the dial) but with a fairly large frame to enclose the movement and allow for a narrow seatboard. Condition Report Disclaimer
A rare William III small 'diamond' dial wall timepiece case and dialSigned for Cornelius Herbert, London, circa 1695Now fitted with a later French circular eight-day timepiece movement incorporating platform lever escapement, the 4.75 inch square brass dial orientated 45 degrees to form a diamond and signed Cor: Herbert, London Bridge to the foliate scroll engraved centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with lozenge half hour markers and Arabic five minutes to outer track, with winged cherub mask spandrels to angles, the case with slightly canted sides incorporating rope line exit holes to the base and applied with projecting scroll pierced cast brass mounts to the centre of each side section, overall width 21cm (8.5ins). Cornelius Herbert (Harbert) is recorded in Loomes, Brian Clockmakers I Britain 1286-1700 as apprenticed to Davis Mell in 1659 then almost immediately William Grout after Mell's death. He gained hid freedom of the Clockmaker's Company in 1667/8 and took his son of the same name as an apprentice in 1690/1. He signed the Clockmakers' Company oath of allegiance in 1697. His son gained his freedom in 1700/1 hence most likely made clocks alongside his father until the latter's death in 1709/10. Diamond dial wall timepieces are an unusual and rare variant which appeared to gain some popularity during the latter quarter of the 17th century as an alternative to lantern or hooded alarum timepieces. Such timepieces are discussed by Bill Linnard in his three articles entitled Diamonds are Forever?, More Diamond Dials and Diamonds Galore published in the May 2005, April 2006 and April 2007 issues of the Horological Journal respectively. Linnard surveys thirteen other examples which he dates between circa 1670 and 1740. The earliest example he describes is a thirty-hour single-handed spring driven timepiece by John Wise of London which he dates to around 1670, with the next being the circa 1680 weight-driven alarm timepiece by Joseph Knibb illustrated in Dawson, Percy G., Drover, C.B. and Parkes, D.W. Early English Clocks on page 530 (plates 781-3). Other examples by Leading London makers such as Tompion (now cased as a table clock) and Samuel Watson are also discussed. More recently diamond dial wall timepieces have featured in articles published in Antiquarian Horology by Jonathan Betts (Showtime at Oxnead: The timekeepers depicted in 'The Paston Treasure; Vol XXXIX June 2018, pages 215-24) and Martyn Pettifer (Another Diamond; Vol IVI June 2020, pages 209-13).
An electro-magnetic 'Jubilee' longcase regulator timepieceJohn Wilding, Petworth, 1992Built to a design by E.T. Wesbury with Scott's notched escapewheel shunted by a detent attached to the shaft of the seconds pendulum incorporating heavy cylindrical iron bob and T-bar suspension and impulsed by a second detent driven by a twin coil solenoid activated by electrical contacts opened and closed by the escapement, the mechanism applied to a shaped cast iron backplate incorporating wide-jaw pendulum suspension bracket and posts to support the brass plates for the dial motionwork driven by worm take-off from the escapement, with skeletonised Roman numeral chapter ring signed John Wilding, Petworth 1992 to inner margin and brass hands, the case with moulded cornice above tall rectangular glazed front door and conforming windows to sides, on plinth base with moulded skirt, 163cm (64.25ins) high. Provenance: The property of a private collector, Hertfordshire; purchased from a selection of clocks consigned by John Wilding offered at Bonhams Knightsbridge, London in their sale of Clocks and Watches 24th May 2011 (lot 279) for £660. John Wilding initially worked as an agricultural engineer after WWII whilst making clocks from articles published in Model Engineer in his spare time. This led to him devising horological projects which became the subject of instructional articles in the same periodical as well as the Horological Journal. For a short period John Wilding worked in a London horological workshop managed by Ron Rose and as a wheel cutter which provided him with the additional skills and knowledge to publish no less than 29 books on either individual clock making projects or horological techniques. For his contribution to the field he was made a fellow of the British Horological Institute in 1986 and was awarded the Institute's Barrett Silver Medal in 1998.The current lot is built to the design originally published as a series in Model Engineer during 1958 and latterly in his book entitled The Construction of the M. E. Jubilee Clock. In the Bonhams catalogue description for the current lot John Wilding notes:This timepiece was originally designed by E.T.Westbury for the Jubilee issue of Model Engineer. It employs the Scott's notched tooth count wheel. There were one or two difficulties with the design and I rectified these. It has become a very popular clock.Condition Report: Timepiece is in sound original condition and is in working condition (was running when removed from the vendors house). The battery has been substituted by a mains operated DC power supply which is present with the lot. The dial is in god original unrestored condition with one or two very minor age related patches of discolouration in places; the chapter ring is very slightly bowed but can be very easily straightened. The case also is in good condition with a few minor bumps and scuffs only. The timepiece is complete with pendulum and two case keys. Condition Report Disclaimer
A weight-driven three-wheel 'Franklin' wall timepieceThwaites and Reed Limited, London, third quarter of the 20th centuryThe four pillar movement with plates measuring 8.5 by 4.75 inches enclosing three-wheel train including the escape wheel for the anchor escapement regulated by seconds pendulum, the 5.5 inch brass break-arch dial applied with silvered plate engraved with spiral chapter ring annotated with sequential Roman hour numerals to the centre of each quadrant within outer track calibrated 0-60 minutes or every quadrant divided into single minute intervals, with single hour hand revolving once every four hours beneath subsidiary seconds dial to arch above, mounted on a mahogany wall bracket with cavetto moulded platform and frieze applied with brass plate inscribed Benjamin Franklin's Clock 1757, built in London to his original design by Thwaites and Reed Ltd. Founded 1740, No. 39 in a limited edition of 1000 over twin cavetto-shaped supports, 40cm (15.75ins) high. Provenance: The property of a private collector, Hertfordshire. The partnership between John Thwaites and George Jeremiah Reed is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as being formed in 1808. John Thwaites was the son of Ainsworth Thwaites who was apprenticed in 1735 and worked from Rosoman Row, Clerkenwell, London, 1751-80. He was an accomplished maker who supplied the clock for the tower at the Horse Guards Parade. John Thwaites was born in 1757 and took over the business presumably on the death of his father in 1780 before moving to Bowling Green Lane. The firm became well known for supplying all forms of clocks and movements either wholesale for others to retail, or signed by themselves. The partnership continued under John Thwaite's leadership from several addresses in London until his death in 1842. The business has subsequently passed through a series of successors and is still trading today from Rottingdean near Brighton. The current lot is built to the design devised by Benjamin Franklin in 1757 which was illustrated and described by James Ferguson in his 1773 publication Select Mechanical Exercises: Shewing how to construct different Clocks, Orreries, and Sun-Dials, on Plain and Easy Principles.
A lacquered brass descending ball timepieceDent, London, circa 1970The circular three-pillar gilt brass movement with inverted platform lever escapement driven by the weight of the timepiece causing flat high-tensile steel line to unwind from an internal pulley wheel as the timepiece descends, the backplate engraved SER. No. 030, the exterior with rotating annular silver Roman numeral chapter ring reading against a hand cast in the form of a mermaid holding a staff, the base with short inverted pendant spire finial and the top with pierced crown surmount issuing the suspension line terminating with a hook to allow hanging from a shaped brass bracket fitted to a mahogany panel applied with plaque engraved Dent, London to lower margin, the ball 11.8cm (4.625ins) diameter; the wall panel 80cm (31.5ins) high. The highly renowned clock and watch making business Dent was established by the talented horologist Edward John Dent, who at the age of 17, transferred his apprenticeship from the trade of tallow chandler to watchmaking under the charge of Edward Gaudin in 1807. By 1817 he had become well known as a watch and clockmaker receiving commissions from the Admiralty for a 'Standard Astronomical Clock' and pocket chronometers for the Colonial Office Africa Expedition. In 1830 Dent went into partnership with the renowned watch and chronometer maker John Roger Arnold which continued until 1840 when he left and set up business alone as E.J. Dent at 82 Strand, London, primarily making marine chronometers, watches and precision clocks. In 1843 the firm expanded taking on a second premises at 33 Cockspur Street, with the Strand premises moving down the road to number 61 by 1851. In 1852 Edward Dent successfully tendered to make the 'great clock' to be housed in Stephen's tower at the New Palace of Westminster. The clock was completed by 1859, apparently at a financial loss to the firm, however it ensured that Dent became a household name synonymous with fine clockmaking. Unfortunately Edward John Dent did not live to see the installation of the 'great clock' as he died in 1853. He was succeeded by his stepson Frederick Rippon Dent, who, in partnership with his brother Richard, continued to expand the business. By 1862 the firm had added 34 Cockspur Street and 34 & 35 Royal Exchange to their list of addresses and, although having seen natural passage of ownership over the intervening years, the business still continues to trade today as Dent & Co. Descending ball timepieces were first devised during the Renaissance period with surviving examples being extremely rare, however a relatively late model by J. Schlemmer of Schleswig was offered at Sotheby's New York MASTERPIECES FROM THE TIME MUSEUM, PART TWO June 19th 2002 (lot 103). The current example was devised by Dent in the early 1970's as a 'revival' piece, and was produced as a limited edition (of probably 500 examples) alongside Dent's other revival of a Renaissance timepiece, the' incline plane clock'.
A rare German Black Forest inlaid mahogany spring-driven musical cuckoo mantel clockAttributed to Johann Baptist Beha, Eisenbach, and retailed by A. Wherly and Sheraton, Sunderland, circa 1880The wooden framed twin fusee movement with anchor escapement regulated by short pendulum with brass-faced bob, the hour strike train with outside countwheel and linkages to two bellows and a cuckoo automaton which appears from behind the door above the dial to announce the hour with a two-note call alternating with a hammer sounding on a gong fitted to the inside of the rear case panel prior to releasing a musical mechanism mounted within the base playing a tune via a 5 inch pinned cylinder and tuned steel comb, the 6 inch circular white enamel Roman numeral dial with pierced blued steel hands set within canted silvered metal surround behind hinged glazed brass bezel, the shallow-arch top case with twin doors for the cuckoo automaton to the foliate scroll inlaid tympanum and satin birch cavetto cornice over conforming scroll decorated spandrel infill to the line-bordered fascia, the sides with hinged doors with the right hand side accessing levers for silencing either the hour gong or cuckoo call, the rear with full-height lift-out panel applied with paper trade label inscribed A. WHERLY & SHERATON, CLOCKMAKERS, JEWELLERS, & c., 66 HIGH STREET WEST, (Opposite King Street), Bp Wearmouth, Sunderland... to interior, on tall ogee-outline skirt base decorated with further marquetry motif within line border to front over squab feet, 44cm (17.25ins) high; with a modern walnut wall bracket, of complex stepped moulded profile, the clock and wall bracket, the clock and wall bracket 56cm (22ins) high overall. Provenance: The property of a private collector, Hertfordshire. Johann Baptist Beha was born in Oberbrand, 1815 and was trained as a clockmaker by his father, Vinzenz, before setting-up on his own in Eisenbach in 1845. He specialised in cuckoo clocks and through his continuous development became the leading maker of fine and complex examples. His main export markets were to Russia (where he had a distribution warehouse in St. Petersburg) and the British Isles. He died in 1898 leaving the business to be continued by his sons Lorenz and Engelbert.Condition Report: Movement appears complete and fundamentally all-original and has been fairly recently (within the last five years or so) overhauled/restored to a high standard by a suitably skilled horologist hence is in full working order including the automaton and music mechanism in the base. The bellows for the bird call have been re-lined and the music mechanism in the base overhauled with no visible damage/losses to the teeth of the comb.The dial has numerous light hairline cracks to the enamel and some filled-in chips around the right-hand winding hole. The case is in good condition with significant faults limited to a well-executed repair to the left hand tip of the cornice mouldings, a patch repair to the rear panel, overall light bumps, scuffs, shrinkage and wear commensurate with age and use.Clock has pendulum and winding keys both for the clocks and music mechanisms. Condition Report Disclaimer
A Viennese walnut grande-sonnerie striking regulator wall clockW. Schonberger, Vienna, third quarter of the 19th century The four pillar triple train eight-day movement with deadbeat escapement incorporating tall inverted V-shaped pallets regulated by brass lenticular bob pendulum with ebonised wooden shaft and incorporating fine beat adjustment to crutch, the quarter train sounding on the smaller of the pair of graduated gongs positioned on a decorative brass double-scroll shaped bracket behind the movement followed by the hour train sounding the last hour on the larger gong, the 6.25 inch circular two-piece silvered Roman numeral dial signed W. Schonberger, IN WIEN to the slightly recessed centre within brass border and chapter ring with outer minute track, with pierced steel hands within moulded cast bezel, the case with large turned finial and winged pediment to crest flanked by further finials, over break-arch cavetto cornice and full-height arch-glazed front door applied with three-quarter baluster columns between canted panel applied sections to upper and lower margins, the sides with long glazed panels, over stepped ogee shaped base with conforming pendant finials, 135cm (53ins) high. Wenzel Schönberger was a citizen and master small clockmaker who worked in Vienna from 1847; he is further mentioned in 1852 and 1862 when he repaired the St. Stephens Cathedral tower clock. He is thought to have ceased working by 1885. He was a fine and relatively prolific maker of clocks primarily wall regulators including at least one year-going example. Condition Report: Movement is in clean working condition having been maintained in working order by the vendor; there is no evidence of alterations or significant replacements. The seatboard and mounting brackets within the case appear original confirming that movement and dial are original to the case.The dial has slight chipping around the centre hole and to the right hand edge of the recessed centre as well as a light hairline crack. The chapter ring has hairline cracks near the X, IIII and VIII numerals.The case is in good original condition with no unsightly faults. The backboard has a slight warp (only visible when viewed from behind) and has had work done to re-secure it into the case at some point. The base finial is a replacement and the lock has been removed (replaced by a brass hook-catch). Faults are otherwise very much limited to very slight bumps scuffs and other age related blemishes.Clock has three brass-cased weights which have denting, wood-rod pendulum in good condition and a crank winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
A Japanese 'shaku dokei' shitan wood wall hung pillar clockAnomynous, late 20th in the 19th century styleThe going train of three wheels set between strip backplate angled at the top to incorporate verge escape wheel top potance and foliate scroll-pierced and engraved keyhole-shaped frontplate with conforming apron to the top margin concealing pivot for the front swinging short bob pendulum, with decorative turned column pillar finials to angles set within three-panel glazed box cover, over caddy-moulded trunk applied with vertical chapter ring annotated with ten divisions each divided into tenths next to twelve adjustable cartouche numerals each engraved with their respective Japanese characters with further shaped baton half hour markers between, the interior with descending weight also incorporating the single bell striking mechanism with countwheel for striking Japanese hours and pointer passing through the front, with brass 'flowerhead' pierced sound frets to sides and applied to a shaped backboard incorporating hanging hole to the extended shaped top section, 63.5cm (25ins) high. Provenance: The property of a private collector, Hertfordshire. The Japanese method of dividing the day had its origins in Chinese practice and until 1868 the daytime and night time were split into six 'hours' each. This meant that with the changing of seasons the length of these temporal hours varied. Day hours in the summertime were longer than the day hours in the winter. With this system to show the correct time, the numerals on the dial ideally needed to be adjusted every fourteen days. The hours or toki were each divided into tenths bu with the mid way or Shokuru marked with a baton. The hours were counted backwards and named after zodiacal animals. Consequently the current lot is annotated with two repeating sets of six numerals starting with the sixth hour denoting either the hour of the Hare (dawn) or Cock (sunset) and counts downwards through two sequences before clock needs to be rewound.Condition Report: The movement is in clean working condition with the only noticeable fault being a small section missing from the front apron for the pendulum pivot. The strike train is also in clean working condition. The case is in fine condition with no visible faults although there is some slight tarnishing to the vertical chapter scale. Overall the timepiece is a fine quality faithful replica with detailing both in the movement and the case very similar to that of the originals. There is a winding key present with the clock. Condition Report Disclaimer
Y A French Louis Philippe rosewood mantel clock and wall bracketLeRoy, Paris, circa 1845The circular countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by half-seconds disc-bob pendulum incorporating silk suspension, the backplate stamped LEROY, A PARIS over number 320 9*2, the circular white enamel Roman numeral dial inscribed LE ROY A PARIS to centre and with blued steel moon hands set within concentric band decorated brass surround behind hinged bevel-glazed bezel, the rectangular case with recessed panels to top front and sides each decorated with beaded quarter fillet mouldings and the rear with plain lift-out panel, over generous bead-banded cavetto moulded skirt base inset with conforming panels and with squab feet, the wall bracket contemporary with the clock with ripple-moulded table over serpentine scroll shaped support and inverted onion-shaped pendant back panel, the clock 41.5cm (16.25ins) high; the clock and wall bracket 49.5cm (19.5ins) high overall. The clockmaking firm Leroy can be traced back to 1785 when the business was founded by Basille Charles Le Roy at 60 Galerie de Pierre, Palais Royal, Paris. During the Revolutionary years the firm relocated to 88 Rue de L'Egalite before finally settling at Galerie Montpensier, 13 and 15 Palais Royal. In 1828 Basille Charles died leaving the business to his son, Charles-Louis, who continued producing clocks signed 'Le Roy & Fils' until 1845 when the firm was sold to his former employee Casimir Halley Desfontaines; who in turn was succeeded by his son M. George Halley Desfontaines in 1883. In 1888 M. George Halley died leaving the business to his brother Jules Halley who then took-in as a partner Louis Leroy (apparently no relation to the founders of the firm). In 1899 the firm left Palais Royal and moved to Boulevard de La Madeleine where it continued trading in the hands of various successors until well into the 20th century. Condition Report: Movement is in clean working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or significant replacements. The dial has repaired chipping to lower edge and significant cracking across the centre which has required some filling and stabilisation. The case is good original condition although is missing a 2 inch length of vertical bead quarter moulding to the left hand side of the front apron and another to the front of the left hand side as well as the adjacent piece of timber that forms the panel upright. The top panel is also missing a small length to the rear right hand corner. Otherwise case is generally in fine condition only having minor bumps, scuffs, very slight shrinkage and other age related blemishes.The bracket top panel is warped (curls-up to the left) and is has wear to the upper edge of the front moulding to the front left otherwise is in good original condition.Clock is complete with pendulum and winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
A Regency brass inlaid mahogany quarter-chiming bracket clockF.B. Adams, London, circa 1825The substantial six pillar triple chain fusee movement with anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob half-seconds pendulum, chiming the quarters on a graduated nest of eight bells and sounding the hour on a further larger bell, mounted along with the pendulum holdfast bracket onto the stylised floral border engraved backplate signed Adams, LONDON to a shaped cartouche to centre, the eight inch circular cream painted convex Roman numeral dial signed F.B. ADAMS, LONDON to centre and with decorative pierced steel spade hands set behind convex glazed hinged cast brass bezel, the architectural case with brass pineapple finial set on a brass rosette decorated pedestal surmount and anthemion decorated acroteria to the simple triangular tympanum inlaid with a flowerhead centred panel and delicate scroll to fascia, over fleur-de-lys quadrant infill around the dial and rosette centred scroll decorated panel to apron flanked by full-height ebonised strip pilasters inlaid with repeating star motifs divided by a wavy line, the sides with brass lion's mask ring handles over rectangular brass fishscale sound frets, the rear with triangular-topped glazed door, the skirt base decorated with band of repeating stars over lozenge and scroll motifs to front, on brass ball feet; with original wall bracket incorporating conforming diamond lozenge inlay to the fascia of the platform over similarly decorated single down-curved support, the clock 58.5cm (23ins) high; the clock and wall bracket 76cm (30ins) high overall. Francis Bryant Adams is recorded in Loomes Brian, Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, Volume 2 as apprenticed in 1821 and working in London from 1828. In 1832 he went into partnership with his sons and served as Master of the Clockmaker's Company 1848-49. The business is thought to have continued by his sons until circa 1875.Condition Report: The movement is in relatively clean working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or significant replacements. The dial appears to retain its original finish with some light rubbing/wear mainly around the winding holes as well as a few small patches of light degradation to the finish. The numerals and signature have been strengthened. The case is in sound original condition with significant faults limited to cracks above each side fret (passing beneath the side handles), The rear right hand finial is missing and there is a veneer chip to the same side at the rear of the base. Faults are otherwise very much limited to minor shrinkage, bumps, scuffs and minor lifting to the brass inlay in places. The bracket is original to the clock and is free from significant faults with overall condition commensurate with that of the clock case. Both the bracket and base of clock case are fitted with brass lined-holes to allow them to be secured together by a bolt - the bolt itself is not present.Clock has a case key but no winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
Y A Edwardian silver mounted gold and abalone shell inlaid lancet-shaped mantel clockUnsigned, London 1907The French eight-day two-train gong striking movement with silvered platform lever escapement and stamped with serial number 297 to the lower left hand corner of the backplate, the 2.5 inch circular white enamel Roman numeral dial with blued steel spade hands behind convex glass with moulded bezel, the lancet-shaped case with front finely inlaid with an engraved gold ribbon bow issuing abalone highlighted floral sprays over the dial and with conforming central urn and foliate ribbon swag decoration beneath, with scallop-bordered silver frame surround and stylised scroll-pierced lancet frets to sides, the rear with door matching the profile of the case within conforming silver surround, in stepped skirt base, Hallmarks for London 1907 makers H.B.A. for J. Batson and Son (Henry John Batson and Albert Edward Batson), 18.5cm (7.25ins) high. Provenance: The beneficiary of the Estate of a private collector, East Midlands. Condition Report: Movement is in relatively clean working condition with no visible signs of alteration or significant replacements. Dial appears free from visible damage. Case is generally in fine condition with faults limited to some slight surface cracking to the shell to the margin above the I/II numerals of the dial and some very slight historic fritting to the screws positioned within the surround of the rear door. The lower tier of the skirting also has a few very slight blemishes. All marquetry elements appear complete and undisturbed, all silver mounts are present and in good condition. Clock has a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
Y An George V silver mounted and inlaid tortoiseshell carriage clockUnsigned, the mounts marked for William Comyns and Sons, London 1911The French eight-day two-train gong striking movement with silvered platform lever escapement and 3 inch circular white enamel dial with blued steel hands and vertical Arabic numerals set behind convex glass with moulded bezel, the case modelled to resemble an eighteenth century English table clock with hinged foliate scroll cast carting handle to the domed caddy superstructure decorated with stylised foliate scroll and floral swag engraved silver inlay to front and sides over ogee moulded cornice, the front with further inlaid floral sprays to upper quadrants and delicate symmetrical scrolls supporting a floral swag to apron, flanked by silver uprights to angles and with plain sides the rear with sliver door set within the frame of the case between conforming corner uprights, on ogee moulded shallow skirt base with bun feet, the mounts Hallmarked for London 1911 indistinct makers W.C. for William Comyns and Sons, 18cm (7ins) high excluding handle. Provenance: The beneficiary of the Estate of a private collector, East Midlands. The celebrated firm of manufacturing silversmiths, William Comyns, was established in 1859 when Comyns purchased the business of Robert Tagg, 2 Carlise Street, Soho Square. He then moved to 1 Percy Mews, Rathbone Place, followed by 16 Silver Street, Golden Square, Soho, then finally to Beak Street, Regent Street. The Beak Street premises were later expanded to encompass numbers 41 to 47 and additional premises were acquired at 54 Marshall Street, Soho from circa 1903. The name of the firm was changed to William Comyns & Son in circa 1885 when William Comyn's two sons, Charles Harling Comyns and Richard Harling Comyns were admitted to their partnership. William Comyns died in January 1916, and C.H. Comyns while attending a sale at Christie's in 1925. The business was incorporated as Limited Company in October 1930 and continued under R.H. Comyns until his death in 1953, when was subsequently purchased by Bernard Copping.Condition Report: Movement is in relatively clean working condition with no visible signs of alteration or significant replacements, the strike however is a little lazy suggesting that a service is probably required. Dial appears free from visible damage. Case is generally in good condition with noticeable faults limited to cracking to the shell to the rear of the domed superstructure and the left hand side panel being a little loose in its frame (the panel and frame appear undamaged). All marquetry elements appear complete and undisturbed, all silver mounts are present and in good condition. Clock has a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A French Rojo inset Belge noir marble mantel clock in the Egyptian tasteRetailed by Howell James and Company, London, circa 1875The circular eight day bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension, the backplate stamped H.L.F., R'TE S.G.D.G. over serial number 6440, the circular white enamel Roman numeral dial indistinctly inscribed Howell James & Co., To The Queen to centre and with gilt spade hands within moulded gilt surround fitted with hinged bezel-glazed hinged bezel, the tapered plinth-shaped case with shallow upstand over convex moulded red marble cornice and inset triangular quadrant panels to the fascia over conforming canted top moulding to the diamond lozenge inset skirt base, 23.5cm (9.25ins) high. Provenance: The property of a private collector, Hertfordshire.Condition Report: Movement is in working condition with no visible signs of alteration or significant replacements however it is a somewhat dirty/discoloured hence a precautionary gentle clean/service is advised. The retailer's signature to the dial is rubbed but still discernible; otherwise dial is in good condition with no visible cracks or chips. The case is free from serious damage however there is overall light edge chipping to the black marble with the most significant being one around 5mm across to the lower right hand corner of the skirt.Clock has a pendulum but no winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A French ormolu and verde antico marble mantel clock in the Empire tasteThe movement stamped for Samuel Marti, Paris, early 20th centuryThe circular eight-day bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension, the backplate stamped with Samuel Marti, MEDAILLE D'OR, PARIS 1900 roundel and serial number 9739 over further number 7 2 to lower margin, the two-piece dial with gilt centre cast with pair of seated winged lions within narrow white enamel Roman numeral chapter ring, with blued steel moon hands set within guilloche decorated surround behind a hinged bevel-glazed bezel, the case with gilt eagle surmount to the cavetto moulded marble and leaf cast superstructure flanked by flambeau finials over repeating projecting acanthus leaf decorated gilt cornice and inset rectangular marble section housing the movement, with stylised horse-drawn chariot and drapery swag cast mount beneath dial and scroll motif to sides, flanked by free-standing marble columns with Egyptian style foliate capitals to angles, on skirt base with repeating leaf cast gilt mouldings and paw feet, 48cm (19ins) high.Condition Report: The movement is in relatively clean working condition with no visible evidence of alteration and or significant replacements. The dial is in fine condition with no visible damage. The case is in good condition with the only significant fault being three filled holes to the marble along the face of the front skirt suggesting that there was a mount fitted there at one time which is no longer present. Faults are otherwise limited to minor edge chipping, some light filling to the marble (probably part of the finishing process from when the clock was made) and light rubbing to the gilding.Clock has a pendulum and winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A French Napoleon III bronze, ormolu and white marble figural mantel clock in the Louis XVI styleRetailed by Juvenaux, Paris, circa 1870The circular countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension, the backplate stamped with VINCENTI... MEDAILLE D'ARGENT, PARIS 1855 beneath indistinct retailers stamp JUVENAUX and number 62, the circular white enamel Roman numeral dial with Arabic five minutes to outer track and fine scroll pierced and engraved gilt brass hands set behind hinged cast convex glazed bezel, the case with lovebird, quiver and flaming torch cast surmount to the acanthus cast and chased laurel bordered superstructure over central rectangular section housing the movement fitted with brass grille frets to the sides and rectangular glazed door to the rear, flanked by seated putti holding aloft grapes and flowers, the base with repeating foliate band and scroll-fronted panel beneath the dial flanked by acanthus cast ogee platforms beneath the cherubs, over breakfronted white marble plinth applied with gilt tied laurel moulding to upper edge and on toupe feet, 35cm (13.5ins) high.Condition Report: Movement is in working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or significant replacements; the mechanism is a little dirty hence a gentle clean/service is advised and the bell is missing its securing nut. The dial has some light concentric scratching in the vicinity of the IX and X numerals, two small chips to the left hand winding hole and one to the right and a small hairline crack next to the 30 minute mark below VI. The case is generally in good original condition with the mounts retaining original gilding throughout with light wear to high spots and a few spots of green tarnishing to the superstructure. The marble base has a slight shallow edge bruise to the centre towards the left hand return of the breakfront otherwise faults very much limited to a few minor edge chips (can be felt rather than seen).Clock has a pendulum and a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A French Louis XVI style ormolu and white marble mantel clock garnitureThe movement by Samuel Marti, Paris, late 19th centuryThe circular eight-day two train bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by short disc bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension and stamped with Samuel Marti, MEDAILLE D'OR roundel over serial number 8173, 3 5 to backplate, the case with patinated bronze sphere applied with gilt stars and Roman hour numerals and with arrow hands, supported aloft by three standing putti over a cylindrical marble stand applied with a continuous ribbon tied floral festoon cast mount to waist and a laurel band above concave sided quatroform platform base incorporating gilt fillet moulding to lower edge, 49.5cm (19.5ins) high; the five-light candelabra side pieces with branches cast as rose stems and blooms forming the sconces, over single putto uprights and conforming floral swag decorated cylindrical stands with quatroform bases, each 54cm (21.25ins) high approx.Condition Report: Movement is in relatively clean working condition with no visible alteration or significant replacements. The dial is in good condition, the rear of the sphere has some very slight bruising the lip of the rear cover where attempts have been made to lever the cover off (rather than unscrew). The case and candelabra are in good condition and appear complete with no visible repairs or missing elements. The gilding is generally very good although there are numerous small dark spots mainly within the branches of the candelabra as well as some slight surface discolouration visible mostly in the larger castings. The marble has a few very small edge chips otherwise appears to be in fine condition.Clock is complete with pendulum and a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A French Louis XVI style ormolu and white marble figural mantel clock 'Amor loses his weapons'The dial bearing signature for Festeau le Jeune, Paris, late 19th centuryThe circular eight-day bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension, the backplate stamped with A.D. MOUGIN, DEUX MEDAILLES roundel beneath serial number 52937 to upper left and further number 7 7 to centre, the circular white enamel Arabic numeral dial bearing inscription in puce Festeau le Jeune, A PARIS to centre, with vertical hour numerals, puce Arabic quarters to outer track and fine scroll engraved and pierced gilt brass hands set behind engine-milled convex glazed hinged cast brass bezel, the case cast with surmount of flaming torch and arrows bound to a floral wreath amongst billowing clouds over the dial flanked by standing robed figure of Venus opposing the infant Amor with the fascia between centred with a shaped panel inset with mount cast with ribbon-tied floral festoons around a central sunburst mask motif, on conforming platform base inset with further leafy mounts to front over toupe feet, 42cm (16.5ins) high. A version of this model dating to circa 1780 and housing a movement by Adam Lechopie, Paris is illustrated in Niehuser, Elke FRENCH BRONZE CLOCKS on page 131 (figures 214-15).Condition Report: Movement is in clean working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or significant replacements. The dial has a localised series of small hairline cracks in the vicinity of the dot minute ring between the 2 and 3 numerals, there is also some light concentric scratching between the 9 and 10 numerals and two tiny chips to the right hand winding hole. The case is generally in fine condition with the mounts retaining original gilding throughout with only very light wear or discolouration. The cherub is missing something (an arrow?) from his left hand and there is a filled blemish to the marble to the left hand side return of the projecting panel beneath the dial. The same panel has some slight chipping to the surround around the inset festoon cast mount. Faults to the case are otherwise very much limited to a few minor edge chips to the marble (an be felt rather than seen).Clock is complete with pendulum and a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A fine French Empire ormolu and patinated bronze figural mantel clockUnsigned, in the manner of Jean Andre Reiche, Paris, early 19th century The circular eight-day two train countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating silk suspension, the circular white enamel Roman numeral dial inscribed a Paris to centre and with gilt moon hands within an engine-turned bezel, the case with surmount finely modelled as a female figure in Empire dress standing at her dressing table adjusting an oval swing mirror with jewellery and fabrics to the table top raised over stylised foliate decorated frieze and legs formed as winged female terms over tapered uprights, the base of architectural plinth form with tablet upstand over moulded cornice and butterfly populated raised gilt square border around the dial with twin griffin and flaming torchere applied patinated bronze panel beneath, flanked by full-height panel pilasters decorated with laurel wreaths over further elaborate winged female terms, the sides with recessed arched panels applied with mounts cast as stylised torcheres onto a patinated background, on moulded skirt base with compressed bun feet, 46.5cm (18.25ins) high. The current lot is of particularly pleasing form with the surmount finely modelled with a figure in mid action interacting with faithfully modelled details in the table and accessories which forms an effective contrast with the formal architectural nature of the base. It is likely that the subject is Venus at her toilet which was a popular subject at the time. The faithful 'real life' nature of the modelling of the figural element is reminiscent of the work of Jean Andre Reiche (1752-1817) whose two best known models 'the Liseuse' and 'the Evening Prayer' are illustrated in Niehuser, Elke FRENCH BRONZE CLOCKS on pages 86 and 165 respectively. Elke, on page 185, also illustrates an interesting figural clock which he titles 'Antique Library'; this clock is noteworthy in that it shares many strong stylistic similarities with the current lot. In particular the scaling of the figure and the modelling of the details such as the table are so alike to that seen on the present clock that it would be reasonable surmise that both most likely originated from the same foundry. Unfortunately Elke does not provide any attribution as to the designer of the foundry responsible for the 'Antique Library'.Condition Report: Movement is in working condition and appears free from visible alteration or noticeable replacements. Although it will run and strike the mechanism is in dirty/neglected condition hence will require a clean/service before it can be put into long-term use. The dial has chipping around both winding holes; the left hand having minor fritting and the right having more extensive shallow surface losses however the losses do not appear to reveal the copper ground beneath and there are no visible hairlines. Faults to the dial are otherwise limited to some very light surface scratching.The case is generally intact and in fundamentally original unrestored condition retaining its original gilding and patinated surfaces. The figure and table surmount are a little wobbly (fixings need tightening). The silvering to the mirror glass shows heavy degradation; the rear is backed with paper (which is now lifting/incomplete) and the glass is held by a vertical wire. This arrangement appears to lack 'finesse' hence may be a modification (would expect a gilt back panel to the mirror?). The table is missing part of the foliate cast decoration to the frieze otherwise surmount is in good condition. The top of the main part of the case has some patchy degradation to the gilding and gilding to the base skirt heavily worn so this section will probably require re-gilding. The rest has some light wear/patchy degradation but is largely in good original albeit dirty/unrestored condition. All mounts appear present and undamaged.The clock has what appears to be its original pendulum (although the hook at the top is incomplete), there is also a winding key present. Condition Report Disclaimer
A fine French porcelain inset ormolu 'Japonaise' mantel clock garniture The porcelain front panel signed for C. Kiffert, circa 1880The circular eight-day gong striking movement with recoil escapement for regulation by disc bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type rate adjustment to the suspension, the backplate stamped with serial number 5797 to upper left hand margin, the rectangular mid blue ground simulated cloisonné porcelain dial panel painted with bird and butterfly amongst chrysanthemum blooms to centre within pseudo Japanese character gilt cartouche numeral chapter ring and with fine pierced and engraved brass hands, the surround populated with additional insects and birds within flowering foliage incorporating shaped ornithological panels with the lower one signed C. Kiffert to left hand margin, the case with fine porcelain surmount modelled as a zoomorphic dragon carp set on a rectangular four-legged plinth over shaped stepped platform decorated with incised geometric patterns and with galleried bollard finials to corners, with cavetto top mouldings centred with a geometric decorated pendant panel flanked by stylised scroll-pierced projecting corbels to the front, over line-incised frame around the dial panel terminating with smaller conforming apron panel to the lower margin, the sides with arcaded panels inset with further matching porcelain panels each painted with a fan and geometric panel within a simulated cloisonné field decorated with birds and butterflies within delicate flowering foliage, the rear with hinged circular cover for the movement within geometric line decorated panel infill flanked by further pieced projecting corbels, on elaborate waisted cavetto moulded base bordered with geometric incised half-round band to upper margin and applied with scroll pierced projections matching the upper corbels to sides, over swollen skirt inset with further bird and flower painted porcelain panel flanked by geometric blind fretwork infill to front apron and incorporating elephant mask feet, the porcelain panels and case each inscribed with serial number 32495 to rear, 51cm (20ins) high; the matching side pieces each modelled in ormolu mounted porcelain as a square section tapered shoulder vase painted with birds, insects and panels on a simulated cloisonné ground with elephant mask handles over elaborate waisted base incorporating blind fretwork to apron and scroll feet, each 17cm (10.5ins) high, (3). The current lot can be directly compared to another garniture of almost identical pattern (with the exception of having additional candelabra extensions to the side pieces) which was sold at Christies, London The Opulent Eye - 19th Century Furniture, Sculpture & Works of Art 6th March 2014 (lot 197) for a premium inclusive £35,000.The full identity of the painter of the porcelain panels of the current lot, C. Kiffert, appears not to be recorded, however this signature is sometimes seen on large impressive porcelain vases often executed in the style of Sevres. One such example was sold at Christies, London 19th Century Furniture, Sculpture, Works of Art & Ceramics 27th September 2007 (lot 63) for a premium inclusive £18,500. The painted porcelain surmount adorning the present clock is unusually modelled as a carp with a dragon's head. This form comes from the legend of Koi-no-Takinobori which has its roots in ancient China wherein carp swim, against all odds, up a waterfall known as the 'Dragon Gate' at the headwaters of China's Yellow River. The gods are very impressed by the feat, and reward the few successful carp by turning them into powerful dragons. The story symbolizes the virtues of courage, effort, and perseverance, which correspond to the nearly impossible struggle of humans to attain Buddhist enlightenment.Condition Report: Movement appears complete and all original with no visible alteration or significant replacements. Although the mechanism will run and strike it is in dirty/neglected condition hence requires a clean/service. The dial panel is free from visible chips or cracks other than some very slight nibbling around the winding holes. The numerals may have been re-touched/strengthened and there is a slight firing blemish near the VIII numeral otherwise panel is in good albeit slightly dirty condition with minimal wear to the gilding. The side panels are free from visible damage or restoration and have minimal gilt wear however are a little dirty. The dragon fish figural surmount has had some chipping to the whiskers touched-in with red pigment - this will require attention to bring the figure back to fine condition. The securing studs for the platform holding the surmount are presently incomplete hence it can be lifted straight-off the case. The gilding to the brass is original and generally in sound albeit very dirty condition but has some noticeable rubbing to high spots. Both side pieces are generally in good original condition although one has cracking and related small shallow chips to the base part of the ceramic. Otherwise faults are limited to very light gilt wear.The clock has a pendulum but no winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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