Pro Auction Limited
Lot 79
Mahogany, Oak, brass, glass, and blued steel, Art deco era, two train spring driven,eight day time and hour/half hour striking mantel clock (movement #541), made by Smith’s Astral of Coventry, in the central highlands of England, circa 1935. Case: Mahogany mantel clock measuring 20 cm x 27 cm x 12 cm and having a shallow tambour or napoleon Hat type undulating pediment above the concentrically shaped facade of the case centering the zinc glazed bezel and the façade flanked by ebonized stop fluted pillars, one to either side. The base is built in two parts, the upper has horizontal dentil moulding above the concave moulded bracket feet with undulating apron between the front feet. The shape of the concave and dentil moulding continues on both sides of the base. The back of the case is stained and flat with a bulbous round and brass cross-hatched round door for access to the movement compartment. The door has a long hinge on the right and simple metal pull. . . . . Dial: Round silvered metal round dial with enameled Roman hours, closed bar minute track, steel Continental style hands. The dial is unsigned. . . . . Movement: A round solid brass movement with tubular posts connecting the plates and screwed together with metal washers at the rear plate to hold the gearing stable. The back plate is marked #541 and most importantly carries the logo of Astral clocks of Coventry /England. The logo is in the form of a clock key with the heart shaped handle above enclosing the word, Coventry and below the key the word Astral. Of significance is the use of a lever or anchor escapement in conjunction with the marine-type balance-wheel with single lever for adjusting the speed of the movement. The going barrel drives the clock for eight days and causes hour and half hourly striking on a coiled metal Cathedral gong. . . . . . Condition: Case – Tiny chips and splatters of white paint and wear to the case finish. Wear to the edges of the case. Case is fair to good condition. Dial: In good to very good condition with minimal signs of oxidation and slight darkened patina from age. Movement appears to be genuine, original and in good condition. c. Circa 1935.
