We found 1087795 price guide item(s) matching your search
There are 1087795 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribe- List
- Grid
-
1087795 item(s)/page
Lot 637
George III oak longcased clock , square brass face, brass chapter ring signed John Stancliffe, matt field with apertures for calendar date, lunar date and phase, single train four-pillar movement, anchor escapement and single strike, in a swan neck hood with fluted columns, cavetto shoulders and quarter column trunk, on set-out plinth and bracket feet. Height 222cm (weight and pendulum).
Lot 640
Oak longcased clock banded in mahogany , brass face, silvered chapter ring, subsidiary seconds, signed Joyce Ltd, Whitchurch, strike/silent ring to arch, two-train four-pillar movement, anchor escapement and rack strike, in swan neck hood with plain columns, short inlaid door on set out plinth. Height 220cm.
Lot 1
An 18 inch terrestrial library globe on mahogany tripod stand Charles Smith and Son, London, early 19th century The sphere applied with twelve hand-coloured gores heavily annotated with states, cities, topographical features and voyages of discovery, the Pacific with analemma and trade cartouche SMITH`S TERRESTRIAL GLOBE, Containing the whole of, THE LATEST DISCOVERIES, AND, Geographical Improvements, also the TRACKS of, the most celebrated Circumnnavigators, LONDON, C. SMITH & SON, 172 STRAND pivoted via the poles within a brass meridian circle with hour ring, in a stand with horizon ring annotated with months of the year, signs of the zodiac and equation of time, the mahogany tripod stand with short turned upright issuing three down curved supports with spade feet and brass cup castors, (compass stretcher lacking, some wear and other damage), 104cm (3ft 5ins) high overall. Charles Smith and Son are recorded as working from 1799 to 1864, they were map publishers and engravers to the Prince of Wales.
Lot 2
An 18 inch terrestrial library globe on mahogany stand W. and T.M. Bardin, London, originally published 1798 The sphere applied with twelve hand-coloured gores heavily annotated with states, cities, topographical features and voyages of discovery, the Pacific with analemma and distressed trade cartouche inscribed To The R`t Honourable, SIR JOSEPH BANKS BART K.C., President of The Royal Society, This... British Terrestrial Globe... Additions to 1807... the South Pole further annotated Published 1 Feb. 1798 by W. & T.M. Bardin, 16 Salisbury Square, Fleet St., London formerly pivoted via the poles within a brass meridian circle with hour ring, in a stand with horizon ring annotated with months of the year, signs of the zodiac and equation of time, the stand with four baluster turned supports united by stretchers, (globe and horizon ring to stand seriously distressed with significant losses), 66cm (2ft 2ins) high overall. Thomas Bardin joined his father William in partnership after the latter`s previous partner, Gabriel Wright, died in 1783. The partnership is recorded as being in business up to 1798, with some subsequent manufacture of later editions of their 18inch globe probably carried out by W. and S. Jones.
Lot 6
A George III brass Cuff-type compound microscope Thomas Ribright, London, late 18th century The body-tube with knurled edges to threaded sections and resting in the ring terminal of an arm from the vertical pillar support, with fine screw focus adjustment (the pillar engraved with annotations relating to positions of focal strength) and with locking screw to sliding piece, the concave-sided square stage signed THOMAS REBRIGHT, LONDON, FECIT and with oculus to centre, the upright continuing down into a rectangular section sleeve with scroll-outline bracing bracket to rear and shaped fixing plate for the concave moulded mahogany base, applied with pivoted plano-concave mirror and with apron drawer enclosing fitted interior with six objectives, a part compressor, specimen clamp and other accessories, with original oak pyramid-shaped box with brass ring handle to the turned top and apron drawer for slides, the instrument 34cm high unextended, the box 44cm high overall. Provenance: The estate of a deceased collector. Purchased Christies Scientific and Engineering Works of Art, Instruments and Models South Kensington 28/05/1998 lot 117. Probably by Thomas Ribright II who is recorded in Clifton, Gloria Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers1550-1851 as working 1783-1806. The design of the current lot was developed by John Cuff in the early 1740`s as an improvement over standard models of the period in particular with regards to focussing.
Lot 7
A fine George III brass Cuff-type compound microscope Unsigned, early 19th century The moulded body-tube with knurled edges to threaded sections and resting in the ring terminal of an arm from the vertical pillar support, with fine screw focus adjustment (the pillar engraved with annotations relating to positions of focal strength) and with locking screw to sliding piece, the concave-sided square stage with oculus to centre, the upright continuing down into a rectangular section sleeve with scroll-outline bracing bracket to rear and shaped fixing plate for the concave moulded mahogany base, applied with pivoted plano-concave mirror and with apron drawer enclosing fitted interior with six objectives, specimen clamp and other accessories, with figured mahogany pyramid-shaped box with lacquered brass handle to the moulded top and on squat bracket feet, the instrument 36cm high unextended, the box 46cm high overall. Provenance: The estate of a deceased collector. Purchased Sotheby`s Instruments of Science and Technology London, 09/11/1999 lot 420. The design of the current lot was developed by John Cuff in the early 1740`s as an improvement over standard models of the period in particular with regards to focussing.
Lot 9
A fine George III Brass Cuff-type compound chest microscope Dollond, London, circa 1800 The moulded body-tube with knurled edges to threaded sections and resting in the ring terminal of an arm from the vertical pillar support above concave sided stage mounted via rack and pinion for focus adjustment (the pillar engraved with annotations relating to positions of focal strength) and signed DOLLOND LONDON, with pivoted substage plano-concave mirror beneath and attached at the base via substantial brass hinge joint to one end of the fitted mahogany box containing a comprehensive selection of accessories including six objectives, subject forceps, substage cone, three large and seven small bone sliders and other accessories (a few minor components lacking), the box 28cm wide, the instrument 35.5cm high assembled. Provenance: The estate of a deceased collector. Purchased Christies SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS South Kensington, 04/12/2004 lot 153. Peter Dollond was born 1730 and died 1820. He was the son of John Dollond, a Huguenot silk weaver, and started business as an optician at the age of twenty in 1750. He was joined by his father in 1752 until the latter`s death in 1761 and then by his brother, John, until his death in 1804. The family business was continued by Peter Dollond`s nephew, George Huggins, who subsequently changed his surname to Dollond. Peter Dollond was appointed optician to George III and the Duke of York and the workshop was renowned for producing high quality instruments. The design of the current lot was conceived by Edward Nairne around 1765 to improve the portability and of the Cuff pattern microscope. The hinged base joint also allows positioning of the instrument to maximise reflected light and makes the instrument much easier to handle.
Lot 10
A George III Brass Cuff-type compound chest microscope Unsigned, early 19th century The moulded body-tube with shuttered eyepiece resting in the ring terminal of an arm from the vertical pillar support above concave sided stage mounted via fine screw for focus adjustment, with pivoted substage plano-concave mirror beneath and attached at the base via substantial brass hinge joint to one end of the green velvet lined fitted mahogany box containing a selection of accessories including six objectives, subject forceps, substage cone, seven small bone sliders and other accessories (a few minor components lacking, minor damage/losses to exterior of box), the box 29cm wide, the instrument 37.5cm high assembled, with a small selection of further related microscope accessories. The design of the current lot was conceived by Edward Nairne around 1765 to improve the portability and of the Cuff pattern microscope. The hinged base joint also allows positioning of the instrument to maximise reflected light and makes the instrument much more comfortable to use.
Lot 26
A rare mahogany cased mail coach portable timepiece Edward Sherman & Co. London, early 19th century The four pillar 2.5 inch circular single fusee lever movement with monometallic balance (staff broken), Harrison`s maintaining power, and regulation adjustment to the plain backcock, the white enamel Roman numeral convex dial inscribed EDW `D SHERMAN & Co, BULL & MOUTH INN, LONDON, No. 20, 70 HOURS to centre, with screw-down bezel and in cylindrical brass case with shuttered winding hole to the bayonet fitted back cover, diameter 7.2cm, the original solid mahogany travelling case with key lock for the hinged brass rear cover, dial aperture to front, winding-key shaped recess to left hand side, and suspension loop to top, 11.5cm high excluding suspension ring. Edward Sherman and Co. were landlords of the famous Bull & Mouth coaching Inn, St. Martin`s Le Grand London during the Regency period. The Bull & Mouth was a major stopping point for mail coming in and out of London in the late 18th century and by the early 19th century had become an administrative centre for the distribution of mail beyond the capital. The original galleried building was demolished in 1830-1 to make way for `The Queen`s Hotel`, however the old name stuck and the hotel was still referred to as the Bull and Mouth Inn when the site was cleared again in 1888 to make way for a purpose built Post Office building. The current lot was probably commissioned by Edward Sherman & Co. from a local watchmaker to be issued to the Royal Mail guard who accompanied the mail on its route. The guard`s role was to ensure that the mail safely arrived at its destination on time hence he required a fairly accurate portable timepiece in order to check that the schedule was running on time. In addition to the timepiece the guard would have also been issued with a blunderbuss and pair of pistols to fend off highwaymen, his gilt brocade trimmed uniform would have made him immediately recognisable in his role.
Lot 29
A French brass carriage clock with push-button repeat E. Maurice & Co. Paris, late 19th century The eight-day gong striking and repeating movement with silvered platform lever escapement and rectangular dial centred with a gilt disc retail signed T.R. RUSSELL 3321, PARIS within silvered Arabic numeral chapter ring and foliate engraved pierced brass mask, the bevel-glazed moulded case with filigree scrollwork decoration to uprights beneath reeded baton hinged carrying handle, on plinth base with squab feet, 11cm high excluding handle, with original leather covered travelling case (worn) and key.
Lot 32
A French Louis XVI style porcelain inset gilt brass mantel clock Unsigned, late 19th century The eight-day bell striking movement with maroon ground Roman numeral cartouche dial centred with scene a bluetit attending its nest, the break-arch case with ring handles to the urn surmount above leaf cast mouldings and foliate scroll applied mounts to side, the front with panel decorated with a courting couple flanked by further gilt decorated maroon panels to pilaster uprights, the plinth base with repeating leaf cast mouldings and shield shaped portrait panel of a gentleman to apron, on turned feet (damage to urn surmount, some general wear), 47cm high.
Lot 37
A Victorian brass skeleton timepiece Unsigned, mid 19th century The single fusee movement with anchor escapement within scroll-shaped pierced plates united by five turned pillars, with pierced Roman numeral chapter ring and on four brass bell-shaped supports, 30cm (12ins) high, on ovoid stepped red velvet lined mahogany base with brass bun feet and glass dome, approximately 39cm (15.5ins) high overall. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST.
Lot 38
A William IV brass mounted ebonised bracket clock Arnold & Dent, London, circa 1835 The five pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with anchor escapement and signed Arnold & Dent, Strand, London to backplate, the unusual wavy outline 6 inch arched silvered brass Roman numeral dial with repeat signature and numbered 432 to lower margin, the case with raised bell-top upstand to the break-arch cornice with brass urn finials above shaped brass fillet inset front door flanked by gilt foliate trail applied canted angles, the sides flaring towards the base and applied with ring handles above cast brass frets, on moulded base applied with repeating rosette decorated gilt moulding and substantial relief cast ball feet, 49cm (19.5ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. The partnership between the celebrated clock and chronometer makers John Roger Arnold and Edward Dent was formed on 30th September 1830. The partnership benefited both parties as it allowed Arnold to concentrate on development work and provided Dent with the opportunity to raise his profile and broaden the scope of his work. Throughout the 1830`s the partnership built a reputation for producing clocks watches and marine chronometers of the highest quality. In 1837 they were granted the Royal Warrant, however by 1838 tensions between Arnold and Dent had begun to develop resulting in the partnership being dissolved in 1840.
Lot 41
A George II mahogany bracket clock Joseph Smith, Bristol, circa 1750 The six pillar twin fusee movement with trip hour repeat and foliate engraved backplate incorporating signature Joseph Smith, BRISTOL to an elaborate scroll decorated cartouche, the 7 inch brass break-arch dial with calendar aperture, finely worked false bob aperture and silvered plaque with repeat signature to the matted centre within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes to outer track and rocaille cast spandrels to angles, the arch with Strike/Silent dial flanked by conforming mounts, the bell top case with brass carrying handle above arched side windows and caddy moulded angles, on moulded base with block feet, 46cm (18ins) high excluding handle. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. Joseph Smith is recorded in Moore A.J. THE CLOCKMAKERS OF BRISTOL 1650-1900 as working from several addresses in Bristol 1725-1775. He is generally considered a fine and diverse maker with known examples ranging from eight day longcase clocks with tidal dials to watches with champleve dials. Other bracket clocks by him include a very rare miniature walnut case bracket clock with verge escapement and 4 inch arched dial (private collection) and a fine brass mounted quarter chiming bracket clock with moonphase (illustrated in Barder, R.C. Georgian Bracket Clocks page 112). The current lot with its six movement pillars, exquisite engraved backplate and finely worked dial demonstrates Joseph Smith`s high quality approach.
Lot 42
A George II eight-day longcase clock movement and dial with moonphase Benjamin Stretch, Bristol circa 1740 The five pillar rack and bell striking movement with 13 inch brass break-arch dial with calendar aperture, subsidiary seconds dial and applied plaque signed Benj: Stretch, Bristol to the matted centre within an applied Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes to outer track and twin bird and urn cast spandrels to angles, the arch with rolling moonphase calibrated with age of the moon within foliate scroll engraved border to outer margin and with naive country house decorated lunettes, 47cm (18ins) high to top of arch. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. Benjamin Stretch is recorded in Moore, A.J. THE CLOCKMAKERS OF BRISTOL as working from St. Ewens, Bristol 1723-64. Although he probably worked alongside his father John it is likely that he signed clocks with his own name once he became a Burgess of the city on payment of a fine in 1723.
Lot 43
A walnut eight-day longcase clock William Bullock, Bath circa 1800, the case mid 18th century The four pillar rack and bell striking movement (the bell cast HALE BRISTOL 18) with 12 inch white painted Roman numeral break-arch dial with arched calendar aperture, subsidiary seconds dial and signed W. Bullock, BATH to centre within chapter ring with Arabic five minutes and floral painted spandrels to angles, the arch with STRIKE/SILENT dial flanked by gilt scroll decorated infill, now in a walnut case with break-arch pediment and frieze above integral columns and break-arch side windows to hood, with herringbone banded quarter veneered break-arch trunk door and on conforming raised-panel fronted plinth base with later shallow skirt, 224cm (7ft 4ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST.
Lot 44
A George II ebonised table timepiece with pull quarter repeat Edward Cockey, Warminster, circa 1730 The five finned pillar movement with verge escapement and silent pull-quarter repeat sounding the quarters on two small bells and the hour on a larger bell operated via a double groove pulley (to allow repeat cords on both sides) mounted on the foliate scroll engraved backplate, the 7 inch brass break-arch dial with Ho-Ho bird and floral basket engraved decoration to calendar and false bob apertures and ringed winding holes (one false) to the matted centre, within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with fluer-de-lys half hour markers and Arabic five minutes to outer track, the angles with Indian mask and scroll cast spandrels beneath arch with silvered boss signed in Gothic script Edw. Cockey, Warminster flanked by conforming cast mounts, the inverted bell top case with hinged tied floral bud cast brass carrying handle above foliate pierced frets to upper quadrants of the front door and break-arch beneath shaped glazed apertures to sides, the rear door with rectangular glazed panel beneath lunette, on moulded base with small block feet, 41cm (16ins) high excluding handle. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. Provenance: The property of a private collector. Edward Cockey senior, born in 1669, was the son of Lewis Cockey (a bellfounder and clockmaker working in Warminster) from whom it is believed he subsequently learned the trade. Edward was clearly a talented and well connected clockmaker who in 1707 made an extremely complicated astronomical clock for Lord Weymouth for the Great Hall of Longleat. Weymouth is thought to have subsequently commissioned Cockey to make another, very similar example, as a gift to Queen Anne for her drawing Room at St James Palace (now residing at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich). Edward Cockey junior was born in 1701 and although initially thought to have followed in his fathers footsteps apparently chose to become a wine merchant instead. There is a record of the death of an Edward Cockey, clockmaker, in 1768 which probably relates to Edward Junior. The current lot is one of probably less than half a dozen surviving table clocks by Edward Cockey. The movement is noteworthy in that it incorporates a repeat mechanism which was originally devised by Joseph Knibb to enable a clock to sound the hours and quarters only on demand by pulling one of the lines exiting from the case. In this form the repeat mechanism has to power both hour and quarter striking mechanisms rather than just the quarters before tripping the hour strike train (for striking table clocks). This type of repeating mechanism is often called a `silent pull` and is thought to have been intended for clocks destined for use in the bedchamber, suggesting that current lot would have probably been supplied to a very wealthy individual who could afford to have a clock made primarily for bedroom use. The case is interesting in that the carcass of the caddy is dovetailed into the structure of the case in order to remove the possibility of the caddy coming adrift whilst being transported by the handle.
Lot 45
A fine William IV brass inlaid goncalo alves bracket clock with centre seconds John Cross, Trowbridge, circa 1830 The five pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with deadbeat escapement and decorative border engraved backplate fixed into the case with conforming securing brackets, the 9 inch single sheet circular silvered brass Roman numeral dial signed Jn`o Crofs, TROWBRIDGE to centre and with Arabic fifteen minutes to outer track, the arched case with substantial brass pineapple finial and plinth applied to the shallow caddy upstand above contra-parti brass and ebony foliate marquetry arched border enclosing brass bezel with generous convex glass for the dial and recessed apron panel further decorated with heraldic design incorporating stags and foliate trails within bead moulded border, the sides veneered in decorative bands with brass ring handles above Gothic arch sound frets, on moulded base with brass ball feet, 61cm (2ft) high, with wall bracket decorated in premier-parti with foliate designs to frieze above brass inlaid scroll support with spade terminal, 88cm (2ft 11ins) high overall. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. Provenance: Purchased by M.W. Allday Esq. of `The Shrubbery`, Hartlebury, Worcestershire from Peter Dryden Ltd. Antiques & Works of Art, Ferndown, Dorset, 11th March 1968, thence by descent to the current owner. John Cross is recorded in Loomes, Brian, Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World Volume 2 as working in Trowbridge circa 1830. An apparently identical premier-parti version of the case housing the current lot is illustrated in Moore, A.J. THE CLOCKMAKERS OF BRISTOL 1650-1900 on page 299 enclosing a movement by Thomas Noble of Bath who worked 1829-50.
Lot 47
A brass `falling ball` wall timepiece Thwaites and Reed, London, dated 1972 The brass sphere engraved as a terrestrial globe with rotating silvered Roman numeral annular chapter ring against pointer to give the time, enclosing a movement with platform lever escapement driven by the weight of the timepiece as it descends against a pulley wrapped with a steel ribbon suspension line, the whole suspended from an elaborate scroll cast brass bracket signed Thwaites & Reed and mounted onto a lozenge shaped mahogany backboard further conforming cast brass plaque inscribed for the original owner M.J. WEBB, 1972, (steel ribbon line snapped), diameter of globe13cm, the mahogany backboard 66cm (26ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. This timepiece is one of limited edition of five hundred examples made to order by Thwaites and Reed offered exclusively to members of the Diners club in 1972.
Lot 48
A small walnut quarter chiming eight-day longcase clock Elliott for Garrard & Co. Ltd, London, 20th century The triple-train weight driven movement with deadbeat escapement, Harrison`s maintaining power and chiming the quarters on four tubular gongs with hour strike on a further gong, the 8.25 inch square brass dial inscribed Garrard & Co. Ltd., 112 Regent Street, London. AN Elliott CLOCK to the scroll engraved centre within applied narrow silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised fluer-de-lys half hour markers and Arabic five minutes within the outer track and winged cherub head cast spandrels to angles, the case with shallow dome caddy to hood and long rectangular quarter-veneered door to trunk, on conforming plinth base with moulded skirt and compressed bun feet, 175cm (5ft 9ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST.
Lot 49
A mahogany small eight-day longcase clock Geoffrey Bell, Arlesford, dated 1974 The four pillar rack and bell striking movement with 9 inch brass break-arch dial with subsidiary seconds dial to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with fleur-de-lys half hour markers and Arabic five minutes to the narrow outer track, the angles with festoon cast foliate spandrels beneath arch with silvered Signature boss Geoffrey Bell, Arlesford Fecit, 1974 flanked by conforming mounts, the break-arch case with small concave sided upstand and canted angles to hood above slender break-arch line edged trunk door and conforming raised panel fronted plinth base with double skirt,196cm (6ft 5ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST.
Lot 55
An inlaid oak thirty-hour longcase clock with Adam and Eve automaton Richard Blakeborough, Otley, early 19th century The plated countwheel bell striking movement with 14 inch white painted Roman numeral break-arch dial with arched calendar aperture and signed R. Blakeborough, Otley and numbered 1939 to centre, within chapter ring with Arabic fifteen minutes to outer track and floral spray decorated spandrels beneath arch with recessed painted scene of the Garden of Eden applied with figures of Adam and Eve each gesturing with the motion of the pendulum towards a central tree entwined with the serpent, in a swan neck pedimented case with turned pilasters to hood above oval fan cartouche centred shaped-top short trunk door flanked by line decorated canted angles, on conforming crossbanded panel inlaid plinth base with bracket front feet, 228cm (7ft 6ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. Richard Blakeborough is recorded in Loomes, Brian, Watchmakers & Clockmakers of The World Volume 2 as working in Pately Bridge up to 1817 then in Otley 1817-39.
Lot 56
A George III oak thirty-hour longcase clock James Gregory, Lasham, circa 1770 The plated pinned-countwheel bell striking movement with 10 inch square brass two-handed dial signed James Gregory, Lasham to the Ho-Ho bird and foliate swag engraved centre within an applied narrow Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes and rococo scroll cast spandrels to angles, the case with cavetto cornice and plain frieze above integral pillars to hood, with rectangular door to trunk and on plinth base with bracket feet, 200cm (6ft 7ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST.
Lot 57
A rare George II scumbled pine thirty-hour longcase clock John Wainwright, Wellingborough, circa 1740 The plated outside countwheel bell striking movement with 11 inch square brass dial signed John Wainwright, Wellingborough, No: 1403 to centre within an applied Roman numeral chapter ring with lozenge half hour markers and female mask and scroll cast spandrels to angles, the case with ogee caddy upstand above moulded cornice, fretwork frieze and integral pilasters to hood door, the trunk with rectangular door, on plinth base with moulded skirt incorporating shaped apron, the surface with painted grained decoration to resemble walnut, (worn), 220cm (7ft 3ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. Provenance: The property of a lady. John Wainwright is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working in Wellingborough, Northants 1738-51. The case of the current is directly comparable to that housing the following lot (from the same vendor) confirming that they must have been supplied by the same casemaker. Furthermore both have survived in remarkably original condition each retaining most of the original surface finish as well as the base section which is very rare for a pine case of this period. The current lot together with the following lot are believed to have been in the same Northamptonshire family since new.
Lot 58
A rare George II scumbled pine thirty-hour longcase clock Giscarde, Thrapston, circa 1740 The plated outside countwheel bell striking movement with 10 inch square brass dial signed Giscarde, Thrapston to an arched nameplate to the matted centre within an applied Roman numeral chapter ring with lozenge half hour markers and unusual winged cherub head, lambrequin and foliate cast spandrels to angles, the case with ogee caddy upstand above moulded cornice, fretwork frieze and integral pilasters to hood door, the trunk with rectangular door, on plinth base with moulded skirt incorporating shaped apron, the surface with painted grained decoration to resemble oak, (worn), 214cm (7ft) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. Provenance: The property of a lady. A John Giscarde is recorded in Loomes, Brian Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, Volume 2 as working from Thrapston, Northants in the late 18th century. As the current lot can be stylistically dated to around 1740 it is either an early clock by the same maker or by an apparently unrecorded predecessor. This clock appears to have survived in remarkably original condition and along with the previous lot, a contemporary thirty hour longcase by John Wainwright of Wellingborough (housed in a very similar case), is believed to have been in the same Northamptonshire family since new.
Lot 59
A William and Mary walnut and floral marquetry eight-day longcase clock Thomas Power, Wellingborough, circa 1695 The five finned and latched pillar outside countwheel bell striking movement with 11 inch square brass dial with scroll engraved calendar aperture, ringed winding holes and subsidiary seconds dial to the matted centre within an applied Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised fleur-de-lys half hour markers and signed Tho: Power, Wellingborow to lower margin, the narrow outer track with Arabic five minutes within the divisions, the angles with applied cherub head and foliate scroll cast spandrels, the case with ogee moulded cornice and foliate pierced fret to frieze above floral trail decorated door with integral ebonised columns to hood, the trunk with convex throat moulding and rectangular door centred with a lenticle and inlaid with three shaped marquetry panels decorated with bird inhabited foliage on an ebonised ground within a walnut field, the door surround with repeating scroll motifs, on a conforming plinth base with double skirt, 205cm (7ft 1ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. Thomas Power was born in around 1630, he was working in Wellingborough by the 1660`s and continued until his death in 1709 leaving the contents of his workshop to his wife Sarah who died two months later (see Loomes, Brian COMPLETE BRITISH CLOCKS page 94). His work is generally considered to be of good quality with generous use of brass and latches for the movement plates. Power appeared to keep up with the stylistic and technical developments originating from London during his career to the extant that in the past he was once thought to have been a London maker. Although he is predominantly known for longcase and lantern clocks, an ebonised basket top table timepiece with pull-quarter repeat is illustrated in Darken, Jeff (ed.) TIME & PLACE English Country Clocks 1600-1840. A thirty-hour longcase clock by Thomas Power is included as the following lot in this sale.
Lot 60
A William III ebonised thirty-hour longcase clock Thomas Power, Wellingborough, circa 1700 The four latched finned pillar outside countwheel bell striking two-handed movement with 11 inch square brass dial with subsidiary seconds dial and foliate engraved calendar aperture to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised sword hilt half markers and signed Power, Wellingborow to lower edge, with Arabic five minutes to outer track and twin cherub and crown pattern spandrels to angles, now in a case with moulded cornice and plain frieze above integral columns to hood, concave moulding and rectangular door to trunk, on plinth base, 200cm (6ft 7ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. See previous lot (59) a William III walnut and Marquetry longcase clock also by Thomas Power for biographical notes. An early thirty-hour longcase clock movement with fine engraved dial is discussed in Darken, Jeff and Hooper, John English 30 Hour Clocks page 54.
Lot 61
A rare George I walnut musical eight-day longcase clock James Green, Althorpe, circa 1720 The five substantial finned pillar triple train movement with inside countwheel hour striking on a bell and playing a choice of four tunes on eight bells three times a day, the 12 inch brass break-arch dial with subsidiary seconds dial, ringed winding holes and calendar aperture within foliate engraved decoration to the matted centre within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised fluer-de-lys half hour markers and Arabic five minutes to outer track, the angles applied with bird and urn cast spandrels, the arch with dolphin mounts flanking circular silvered boss signed IAMES GREEN, Althorp near Gainsbro`, Lincolnshire around a central reserve engraved with a crest of a lions head pierced with an arrow with the tip protruding from the mouth, the case with moulded cornice and applied `pyramid` motifs to frieze above dial and integral pilasters to hood door, the trunk with rectangular bookmatched veneered door, on crossbanded plinth base with shallow skirt, 219cm (7ft 2.5ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. James Green was is recorded by W.N. Terry (in a list compiled for an exhibition held at Northampton Museum in 1966) as working from St. Giles Street, Althorpe, Lincolnshire 1712-36. The engraved crest within the signature boss to the arch is almost certainly for PEAK of Lincolnshire and of Achurch, near Oundle, Northants as it closely follows the description `a gold lion`s head, torn off at the neck, pierced through the side of the head with an arrow, the point emerging from the mouth`. This crest was used by Sir William Peak, Lord Mayor of London in 1668, its presence suggests that the current lot may have been commissioned by one of his descendants for a Lincolnshire residence.
Lot 62
A George II eight-day longcase clock movement and dial Simon Kello, Romford, circa 1740 The five pillar rack and bell striking movement with 11.875 inch brass break-arch dial with subsidiary seconds dial and foliate engraved ringed calendar aperture to the matted centre within an applied Roman numeral chapter ring with lozenge half hour markers and Arabic five minutes to outer track, the angles with female mask and scroll cast spandrels beneath signature boss Simon Kello, Rumford, ESSEX, Fecit flanked by dolphin cast mounts to arch, on original seatboard with pendulum, weights and winding key, 42cm (16.5ins) high to top of arch. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST.
Lot 63
A Scottish inlaid mahogany eight-day longcase clock with moonphase James Aitken, Markinch, early 19th century The four pillar rack and bell striking movement with 14 inch white painted Roman numeral break-arch dial with subsidiary calendar and seconds dials and signed JA`S AITKEN, MARKINCH to centre, within chapter ring with Arabic five minute outer track and figural painted spandrels representing the four seasons, the arch with rolling moonphase calibrated with age of the moon to upper margin, the case with swan neck pediment and reeded pilasters to hood above shallow arch-top line bordered door flanked by reeded canted angles to trunk, on conforming plinth base with later skirt, 211cm (6ft 11.5ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. James Aitken is recorded in Loomes, Brian, Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World Volume 2 as working in Markinch circa 1837.
Lot 64
A George III oak thirty-hour longcase clock James Staples, Odiham, circa 1760 The plated countwheel bell striking movement with 10 inch square brass single hand dial signed James Staples, Odiham to the foliate engraved centre within an applied narrow Roman numeral chapter ring with fleur-de-lys half hour markers and rococo scroll cast spandrels to angles, the case with cavetto cornice and plain frieze above integral pillars to hood, with rectangular door to trunk and on plinth base with moulded skirt, 197cm (6ft 5.5ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. James Staples is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmaker of The World as working in Odiham 1757-95.
Lot 65
A George III miniature lantern alarm timepiece James Viall, Walsingham, circa 1760 The posted movement with verge escapement and alarm sounding on a bell mounted within the domed bearer above the frame with ball feet, column turned corner posts and vase finials flanking original foliate pierced frets to sides, the 5 inch brass break-arch dial with silvered alarm disc and matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with short cruciform half hour markers and unusual female mask and scroll cast spandrels to angles, the arch with circular silvered boss signed Ja:s Viall, Walsingham flanked by mask and scroll cast mounts, the rear with hanging loop extension to the top plate and steel spikes screwed into the back feet 23cm (9ins) high overall. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. James Viall is recorded in Loomes, Brian Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World Volume 2 as working in Walsingham circa 1760. This clock with exception of the side doors, finial and bell appears to have survived in remarkably original condition.
Lot 68
A fine and rare William III small ebonised thirty-hour longcase clock Samuel Aldworth, Oxford, circa 1690 The five finned pillar outside countwheel bell striking movement with Knibb-type pendulum suspension incorporating butterfly nut pendulum regulation, separate shaped cock for the pallet arbor and pallet shaped aperture in the backplate, the 9.75 inch square brass dial with finely pierced and worked blacked steel hands and finely matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised fleur-de-lys half hour markers and Arabic five minutes within the outer track, the angles applied with cherub head and foliate scroll cast spandrels, the dial plate signed Sam. Aldworth Oxonia fecit to lower edge, the case with ogee moulded cornice above original Knibb type fret and twist turned integral pilasters to the originally rising hood, the trunk with remnants of the original movement securing bracket and raised hood retention catch to backboard, the convex moulded throat with original heart-shaped spoon catch for locking the rising hood above 43 inch trunk door inset with an oval lenticle, on plinth base with moulded skirt (case with repair to trunk door and consolidation to exterior of base), 198cm (6ft 6ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. Provenance: Part of a private collection, Gloucestershire, acquired between the wars thence by descent. Samuel Aldworth was apprenticed to John Knibb of Oxford in 1673 shortly after John had taken over the Oxford business of his brother Joseph, who had left for London in 1671. After completing his apprenticeship in 1680, Aldworth continued to work in the same workshop as journeyman until 1689 when he left to set up on his own. In 1697 he moved to London (the same year that Joseph Knibb retired to Hanslop) setting up business in the Strand. In 1703 he married Elizabeth Knibb (thought to be daughter of John) and by 1720 he had moved to Childrey, Oxfordshire. The current lot would have been one of the first clocks made by Aldworth after he had left the workshop of John Knibb to set up on his own in 1689. Features such as the pendulum suspension, separately cocked pallet arbor and butterfly nut regulation adjustment demonstrate a direct influence from his master. The dial is also closely comparable to those found on longcase clocks originating from Knibb, and the case was almost certainly supplied by his casemaker.
Lot 69
An Important Charles II walnut thirty-hour striking hooded wall clock with alarm John Knibb, Oxford, circa 1685 The four finned pillar outside countwheel striking movement with verge escapement and crown wheel alarm transversely mounted to the left hand side (movement plates approximately 6 by 3.5 inches), the 5.5 inch square gilt brass dial with silvered alarm disc and finely sculpted steel hand to the matted centre within applied silvered narrow Roman numeral chapter ring with typical Knibb type stylised fleur-de-lys half hour markers and quarter hour divided inner track, the angles with small applied winged cherub head spandrels, the lower edge signed John Knibb Oxon Fecit, the case with foliate fret infill to the shallow lunette pediment above rectangular side windows to the rising hood, with cross-grain mouldings and shaped apron flanked by scroll outline side brackets beneath, the rectangular backboard with original tongues for the rising hood (lacking bell and weights), 35cm (13.75ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. Provenance: The property of a Gentleman. John Knibb was born in 1650 and was apprenticed to his older brother, Joseph, in around 1664. When Joseph moved to London in 1670 to set up business (presumably in the workshop inherited from his uncle, Samuel) John, his younger brother, took-on the Oxford workshop gaining the Freedom of the city on payment of a fine in 1673. Joseph Knibb retired in 1697 selling-up most of his workshop before moving to Hanslop, Buckinghamshire where he made a few clocks prior to his death in 1711. John Knibb became a high profile figure within the City of Oxford twice becoming Mayor, he continued in business until his death in 1722. Although the workshops of John and Joseph Knibb were operated as separate concerns, it is clear (when comparing extant examples of their work), that they had a close working relationship. The current lot belongs to a rare group of probably less than ten surviving examples of small hooded wall clocks from workshops of both John and Joseph Knibb. Although these clocks were generally made for a common purpose, it seems that they do vary in detail and specification to the extent that no two are exactly the same. The majority of the other surviving examples appear have posted movements based on miniature lantern clocks with standard `Knibb` castings (see Lee, Ronald A. The Knibb Family * Clockmakers plate 178). The current lot is perhaps more unusual as it is constructed with a plated movement which can be compared to a simpler alarm timepiece by John Knibb illustrated by Lee (plate 179) as well as Darken, Jeff (ed.) HOROLOGICAL MASTERWORKS page 142. The inclusion of a striking train has necessitated the alarm mechanism to be located on a separate plate transversely mounted on the left hand side of the movement. The dial is particularly attractive with finely worked hand and narrow chapter ring. The case of perfect proportions and can be directly compared to a case housing a miniature lantern clock by Joseph Knibb illustrated in Lee, plate 59. This rare clock was recently discovered by the vendor whilst sorting through effects that have been stored away since they were inherited from a family member approximately fifty years ago. Unfortunately nothing of its previous history is known although it is believed that it formed part of a connoisseur collection of Antiques and Works of Art compiled during the early part of the last century.
Lot 70
An ebony veneered basket topped bracket clock Dial and case late 17th century, the movement later Now with four pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with anchor escapement and pendulum holdfast to backplate, the 7 inch square brass dial with ringed winding holes and border-engraved calendar and false bob apertures to the matted centre, within an applied silvered brass Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised sword hilt half hour markers and bearing signature Wm. Westbrook, London to lower margin with Arabic five minutes to outer track and winged cherub head cast spandrels to angles, the case with scroll-cast handle above elaborate foliate pierced brass basket top centred with a panel with St. George slaying the dragon to front and with ball-and-spire finials to corners, the sides with rectangular side windows, on moulded base with brass ball feet, the rear door applied with paper label inscribed Miss Sheffield, 37cm (14.5ins) high excluding handle. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. Provenance: The property of Viscount Portman, Spencer House thence by descent to The Late Henry Clive and Mrs. Clive, formerly of Perrystone Court, Herefordshire.
Lot 71
A George II eight-day longcase clock movement and dial David Lestourgeon, London, circa 1730 The five pillar rack and bell striking movement with 12 inch brass break-arch dial with subsidiary seconds dial and calendar aperture to the matted centre within an applied Roman numeral chapter ring with lozenge half hour markers and Arabic five minutes to outer track, the angles with female mask and scroll cast spandrels beneath herringbone-bordered signature boss David Lestourgeon, London flanked by dolphin cast mounts to arch, 42cm (16.5ins) high to top of arch. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. There appears to be three generations of the Lestourgeon clockmaking family recorded working in London from the end of the 17th century onwards. David Lestourgeon was a Huguenot immigrant from Rouen who settled in Spitalfields around 1781, his son also called David became brother of the Clockmaker Company in 1798 who in turn took in his son again called David as apprentice in 1704 who was not made free until 1721. The current lot was probably made by the youngest member of the family who was thought to have been working up to 1751.
Lot 72
A fine George I brass mounted ebonised quarter chiming table clock of impressive proportions Simon DeCharmes, London circa 1720 The substantial ten pillar triple fusee movement (plates measuring 10 by 9 inches) chiming the quarters on eight bells and striking the hours on a further bell, the backplate profusely engraved with Ho-Ho bird inhabited foliage, the 10 inch brass break-arch dial with calendar and false bob aperture signed S. De Charmes, London within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with fleur-de-lys half hour markers and Arabic five minutes to outer track, the angles with female mask and scroll cast spandrels beneath regulation dial calibrated 0-60 flanked by dolphin mounts to arch, the case with brass ball-and-spire finials to the brass edged inverted bell top above carrying handles and brass edged break-arch windows to sides, the front with conforming brass surround to dial aperture and upper quadrants, on moulded base with brass ogee bracket feet, 69cm (2ft 3ins) high excluding top finial. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. Simon DeCharmes was a French Huguenot immigrant clockmaker who became a Free Brother of the Clockmakers Company in 1691. His work can be directly compared with that of his contemporary Claude DuChesne with both makers being particularly well known for producing highly decorative clocks usually playing music or with other complications such as long duration. There are at least two clocks known where DuChesne has supplied the movement to DeCharmes including a fine walnut three month duration quarter-repeating longcase clock which was sold in these rooms on the 9th September 2009 (lot 102). Simon DeCharmes is known to have been working in London up to around 1730 when it thought that he may have returned to France. The current lot demonstrates DeCharmes no expense spared approach to clockmaking, the massive movement with no less than ten pillars was clearly made with the intention to fill what is in essence an oversized case. The form of the case with its applied brass mouldings (particularly the aperture surrounds to doors and side windows) are typical of those used to house movements by DeCharmes during the latter years of his career in London. Other oversized table clocks are known, particularly from the Windmills Workshop (a walnut clock of large proportions was sold in these rooms 21st March 2007 lot 403), another example by George Graham with a rectangular dial was formerly in the Iden collection. It is probable that such clocks were either made simply to impress or to be utilised in a semi-public context where the use of a longcase clock would be problematic.
Lot 74
A fine Queen Anne walnut and Arabesque marquetry longcase clock of one month duration James Beverley, London circa 1710 The four finned pillar movement with anchor escapement, five-wheel trains and unusual hour striking mechanism utilising a pinned countwheel mounted on the frontplate driven by a two-leaf pinion against a sprung detent to gather the wheel, the 12 inch square brass dial with foliate engraved calendar aperture, ringed winding holes and subsidiary seconds dial to the matted centre within an applied Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised sword hilt half hour markers and signed Jam. Beverley, London to lower edge, the outer track with Arabic five minutes and the angles applied with twin cherub and crown pattern cast spandrels, the case with ogee cornice and foliate fret frieze above foliate trail decorated door applied with conforming marquetry decorated integral columns, with rectangular side windows and conforming quarter columns to rear angles of the hood, the trunk with concave throat moulding and rectangular door centred with a lenticle, on a plinth base with later applied skirt (part of original structure beneath) and bracket feet, the whole elaborately decorated with bird and grotesque inhabited foliate strapwork designs in various woods on a light ground within elaborate repeating foliate borders, 217cm (7ft 2ins) high. THIS DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE OR AVAILABLE FROM THE SALEROOM ON REQUEST. James Beverley is recorded in Loomes, Brian The Early CLOCKMAKERS of Great Britain as being apprenticed to Robert Doore in June 1684 and released (but not freed) 1691.
Lot 75
A William and Mary walnut and Arabesque marquetry eight-day longcase clock Samuel Stevens, London, early 18th century The five finned-pillar outside countwheel bell-striking movement with 11.875 inch square brass dial with subsidiary seconds dial, ringed winding holes and decorated calendar aperture to the foliate scroll engraved and matted centre within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised sword hilt half hour markers and cruciform quarter markers to the narrow Arabic five minute outer track, the lower edge signed Sam. Stevens, London the angles with winged cherub head and foliate scroll cast spandrels with engraved infill between, in a case with marquetry fronted dome caddy above blind fret frieze and integral columns with well cast brass capitals and bases to the foliate trail decorated hood door and rectangular side windows to hood, the trunk with concave throat moulding above rectangular door with brass edged lenticle and plinth base with original moulded skirt, the whole profusely decorated with birds and grotesques within foliate strapwork in various timbers on an ebony ground within conforming repeating borders, 236cm (7ft 9ins) high. Provenance: The Property of a Gentleman of title. Purchased by the vendor`s family from Christie, Manson & Woods, 9th December 1897, the catalogue entry is pasted on the inside of the trunk door: 301 AN OLD ENGLISH CLOCK, by Sam. Stevens, London, in upright walnut wood case of marqueterie, elaborately inlaid with birds foliage and arabesques of a lighter coloured wood -8ft 4in high. From New Monckton Hall where it was at the time of Charles I`s visit before Marston Moor. From the Collection of Lord Walter Scott. Samuel Stevens senior is recorded in Loomes, Brian The Early CLOCKMAKERS of Great Britain as being freed from his apprenticeship to Edward Stanton in 1679, he was known to be working from Grub Street in 1682. He took his son, also called Samuel, as an apprentice in 1699 who in turn was freed in 1706/7. Details in the movement and dial such as the outside countwheel striking mechanism and engraving between the spandrels suggests perhaps a slightly old fashioned approach at this time indicating that this clock was almost certainly made by Samuel Stevens senior. When the current contents of Sir Walter Scott`s library at Abbotsford are considered it is clear that he had a passion for artifacts with historic associations. Memorabilia from his collection includes Nelson`s pen case and blotting paper, Rob Roy`s purse and skene dhu, a lock of hair from both Bonnie Prince Charlie and Nelson, Flora MacDonald`s pocket book, the inlaid pearl crucifix that accompanied Mary, Queen of Scots to the scaffold, a carriage clock once owned by Marie Antoinette, and housed in his armory an assortment of weaponry including Rob Roy`s broadsword. The current lot, when considering its (erroneous) `provenance` to New Monckton Hall at the time of Charles I, could well have been perceived as a worthy addition to Sir Walter Scott`s collection.
Loading...-
1087795 item(s)/page