A zircon and diamond cluster ring. The circular shape zircon within a brilliant and single cut diamond scalloped surround, estimated total diamond weight 0.30ct, stamped Plat & 18ct, ring size R, gross weight 4.5g. Overall condition good to fairZircon a medium very slightly greyish blue with good saturation and clarity - a couple of very minor nicks and abrasion to facet joins and crown facet edges, visible only with close inspection under magnification - a couple of light scratches to some facetsDiamonds bright and well matchedOne claw slightly shorter than others, stone secure but may need attention in the futureMarks clear and legible Dimensions of zircon 9.37 x 9.45 x 5.83mm Dimensions of ring setting 16 x 15.7mm
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An 18ct gold diamond cluster ring. The brilliant cut diamond within a similarly cut diamond surround, estimated total diamond weight 0.35ct, principal stone approx. 0.20ct, estimated H-I colour, VS clarity, hallmarks for Sheffield, sponsor's marks EMF, ring size L1/2, gross weight 2.9g.Overall condition good to fairRing resizedMarks clearDiamond with inscription to girdle - illegible with 20x magnification
An early 20th century French diamond bow brooch. Set with a principal cushion cut diamond weighing approx. 0.55ct atop a vari-cut diamond bow, estimated total diamond weight 7-7.30cts, bearing a double French Eagle Head mark and maker's mark, this piece has been XRF tested as approx. 950 grade platinum, length 4.8cm, gross weight 17.8g. Together with an insurance valuation report from the Birmingham Assay Office from July 2024 stating the ARV at £7,000. This document is transferable.Overall condition good to fairScratches and discolouration in keeping with age and wearPin in working orderMarks clear and legibleSome areas of possible repair work to reverse Diamonds bright and well matched - good colour and clarity- scattered light inclusions visible only with magnificationA couple of diamonds with chips/nicks, visible with magnification, one diamond with SR fractureMaker's marks partially worn - leaf and '.....Fils?' in diamond surround
An 18ct gold amethyst and diamond pendant. The triangular shape amethyst weighing 3.05ct within a brilliant cut diamond surround, total diamond weight 0.16ct, stamped to reverse, suspended from an 18ct gold fancy link chain, hallmarked, length of pendant 2cm, length of chain 41cm, gross weight 4.8g.Overall condition good to fairMarks clear and legible - pendant with sponsor's marks S.B, EdinburghAmethyst a medium very slight pinkish purple with good saturation and clarity Diamonds bright and well matchedChain, sponsors marks CC Birmingham - clasp in working order
Early 20th century diamond 18ct yellow gold and platinum set halo ring, the champagne oval cushion cut diamond measuring approx. 9.58 x 8.37 x 5.16mm, weighing approx. 2.75 carats, assessed clarity VVS, assessed colour tinted-yellow, claw setting, quatrefoil halo surround full set with small single cut and rose cut diamonds, pavé set with millegrain detailing, scroll shoulders, ring size O, weight approx. 3.3g
Early 20th century sapphire and diamond cluster bar brooch, the blue round mixed cut sapphire measuring approx. 5.0 x 5.5 x 3.75mm, single cut diamond surround, rubover millegrain settings, knife edge shoulders, hinged pin and early safety catch brooch fittings, the base numbered 847 X, yellow and white metal set, length approx. 6.5cm, weight approx. 3.8g, in tooled leather covered fitted case
Edwardian pale green stone and seed pearl yellow metal cluster bar brooch, the pale green oval mixed cut stone possibly sapphire (tests as a uniaxial gemstone) measuring approx. 10.5 x 7.0 x 5.5mm, rubover millegrain set, seed pearl halo surround, flush bead set, knife edge bar shoulders, hinged pin and simple loop brooch fittings, length approx. 7cm, weight approx. 4.9g
Aquamarine and diamond 18ct white gold cluster ring, the square step cut aquamarine measuring approx 9.2mm x 8.4mm x 6.1mm, weighing approx 2.85 carats, four claw set, sixteen round brilliant cut diamond surround, total diamond weight approx 0.50 carat, tapered shoulders, ring size X, weight approx 7.5g
Edwardian pearl and diamond yellow and white metal set bar brooch, the cream pearl diameter approx. 5.3mm, eight old cut diamonds to the halo surround, rubover millegrain settings, knife edge frame, the tapered shoulders each terminating with an old cut diamond, length approx. 5.5cm, weight approx. 4.2g
19th century repeater carriage clock, retailed by Charles Desprez of Bristol, having a 6cm white enamel dial signed 'Chas. Deprez Bristol', with black Roman hours, gilt star divisions and gilt Arabic minutes framing Breguet moon hands, within finely pierced and engraved foliate scroll surround, the conforming pierced sides and rear door all with oval floral panels, the two-train movement with original silvered lever platform escapement, striking on a coiled blued steel gong, the case with fluted friezes, silver presentation inscription dated 1877, 15cm high (ex. handle), sold with winder
Yellow sapphire and white sapphire cluster ring, the old cushion cut pale yellow sapphire measuring approx 9.5mm x 8.8mm x 6.4mm, weighing 4.50 carats approx, claw settings, round mixed cut white sapphire surround, collet claw setting with millegrain edging, tapered shoulders, size L approx, 6.5g gross approx, boxed
Early 20th century emerald and diamond yellow gold and platinum set cluster ring, the square step cut emerald measuring approx. 4.3 x 3.7 x 2.3mm, single cut diamond surround, rubover millegrain settings, size of head approx. 9 x 9mm, tapered shoulders, ring size P½, weight approx. 2.3g, hallmarks rubbed
Fine Charles II walnut veneered cabinet on original stand, circa 1670, the cabinet with veneered roof and moulded cornice above a pair of frieze drawers, the twin cabinet doors, with feather banding and original cast escutcheons, enclosing nine drawers each within cushion-moulded surround, framing a central cupboard in turn enclosing four small drawers, the stand with conforming cushion-moulded frame and single frieze drawer with matching escutcheon, raised upon five Solomonic twist supports, veneered plain stretcher, and bun feet, 107cm x 51cm x 153.5cm high
A FRENCH BELGE NOIR MARBLE AND PAINTED PORCELAIN MANTEL CLOCK WITH 'MAXANT' PATENT KEYLESS WINDINGETIENNE MAXANT, PARIS, CIRCA 1885The circular eight-day two train gong striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc-bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension, the winding and regulation adjustment facilitated by integral curved T-bar plungers concealed within the bezel of the dial, and the backplate with stamped roundel ETIENNE MAXANT, PARIS, BREVETTE over number 7 2 to lower margin, the gong block further stamped EM, 6381, the dial with gilt ground Renaissance style martial trophy painted centre within gilt on black Roman numeral chapter ring and surround incorporating winding and regulation plungers stamped GREAT BRITAIN, PATENTED 1879, set behind hinged bevel-glazed moulded cast brass bezel, the rectangular case with crenulated crest over stylised grotesque mask and foliate scroll painted frieze and conforming triple-panel Martial trophy apron panels beneath the dial, flanked by full height projecting side panels incorporating front-to-back baton caps and fluted front edges, on brass squab feet with shaped apron between.37.5cm (14.5ins) high, 23cm (9ins) wide, 15cm (6ins) deep. Etienne Maxant is recorded in Shenton, Alan and Rita PRICE GUIDE TO COLLECTABLE CLOCKS as working from Rue de Santage, Paris, 1880-1905. In 1879 he patented his design of keyless winding in both the U.K. (No. 933 on the 10th March) and America (No. 220,401 on 7th October).
A FINE AND RARE ORMOLU MOUNTED BLACK MARBLE MANTEL TIMEPIECE OF IMPRESSIVE PROPORTIONSBENJAMIN LOUIS VULLIAMY, LONDON, NUMBER 1921, 19th CENTURYThe circular eight-day four columnar pillar single chain fusee movement with plates measuring 5.25 inches in diameter and Vulliamy type half deadbeat escapement regulated by heavy disc bob half-seconds pendulum stamped with serial number 1921 and with transverse pivoted beam rise/fall regulation to the suspension, the backplate signed VULLIAMY, LONDON over No. 1921 to centre, the 5 inch circular silvered dial with fine engine-turned centre within narrow Roman numeral chapter ring incorporating engraved signature VULLIAMY, LONDON flanking the XVII numeral centred with the regulation adjustment square, with dot minute markers to outer track and blued steel Breguet type moon hands set within parcel frosted and burnished complex moulded bezel surround, the substantial ormolu mounted black marble case of 'drumhead' design centred with a large cast ormolu surmount modelled as an eagle opening its wings and looking to the left whilst grasping a baton issuing flames from each end draped over the drum housing the movement and dial, the rear of the drum with brass circular brass cover secured by blued steel turn screws, raised via a stepped block-shaped cradle over a wide plinth base applied with finely cast and chiselled fire-gilt bronze figures of recumbent lions modelled after Canova flanking the dial, the front applied with generous apron mount centred with a bearded male mask issuing scrolling acanthus over a stepped skirt.42.5cm (16.75ins) high, 61.5cm (24.25ins) wide, 15cm (16ins) deep. Provenance:Previously sold at Bonhams, Sydney, sale of The Owston Collection, 25th June 2010 (lot 464) for $30,000 AUD where it was noted that the timepiece was acquired from Algy Rothman, Winchester, in 1986. Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as born 1780 to Benjamin Vulliamy and gaining his freedom of the Clockmakers' Company in 1809. He worked from 52 Pall Mall, served as Warden 1821-5 and was appointed Master five times. He was the last of the celebrated dynasty of Royal clockmakers which started with his grandfather, Justin, forming a partnership with George II's clockmaker, Benjamin Gray (see previous lot). Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy was perhaps one of the most influential horologists of his time publishing many works and undertaking numerous high profile public commissions as well as holding the Royal Warrant. He supplied many clocks to the Royal family including the turret clock for Windsor Castle in 1829 (replacing an earlier movement by Joseph Knibb); however his horological legacy is perhaps somewhat slightly blighted by his tendency to undertake controversial alterations to earlier important clocks by makers such as Tompion. The Vulliamys started numbering most of their clocks from 1788 until 1854. Two of the original Vulliamy workbooks still survive in the library of the British Horological Institute at Upton Hall, these often can provide valuable information regarding the manufacture and provenance of many clocks made by the workshop. Unfortunately the records are incomplete hence only note clocks with serial numbers 296-469 and 746-1067. There is also a third surviving Vulliamy workbook, relating only to repairs and servicing dating to the period 1846-53. Interestingly this volume records at least sixty-five clocks being in the possession of the government 'Office of Works' and another forty being in the possession of Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace. Roger Smith in his article entitled Vulliamy Clock Numbering, A Postscript, published in Antiquarian Horology Vol. 21 No. 5 (September 1994), used surviving data in the records of the British Horological Institute at Upton Hall and known documented examples to compile a graph from which unrecorded clocks can be dated. According to this chart number 1921 would appear to date to the end of the second quarter of the 19th century. The general design of the present timepiece follows the 'lion' form made popular by Vulliamy during the early years of the 19th century. Vulliamy's earliest models utilised lions with balls either between or under one of the front paws no doubt inspired by the ancient Roman 'Medici Lion' in Florence. Later models also incorporated eagle surmounts modelled alongside those applied to the smaller pedestal drumhead timepieces also made popular by Vulliamy. The current timepiece is unique in both its unusual large scale and the provision of fine recumbent lions modelled after those sculpted by Antonia Canova for the tomb of Pope Clement XIII at St. Peters Basilica in 1792. From this it would be appropriate to speculate that it was most likely a one-off commission no doubt for a mantelpiece of an important mansion house or palace interior.
AN INLAID MAHOGANY SMALL LONGCASE REGULATOR TIMEPIECEWILLIAM CROFT, LONDON, 19th CENTURYThe substantial eight-day four columnar pillar movement with thick plates measuring 10 by 8 inches constructed with thumbscrews for the securing the movement pillars, backcock and dial feet, the train with high pinion counts, six-spoke wheel crossings, Harrison's maintaining power and deadbeat escapement regulated by lenticular bob wood-rod seconds pendulum, the 11.25 inch circular silvered dial with subsidiary seconds over signature W'm Croft, London and Arabic hour dial to centre, within outer minute ring incorporating Arabic five minute annotations beyond the track, with blued steel hands, in a case with architectural chevron dentil edged cavetto cornice and plain frieze, over opening front with glazed dial aperture within banded surround, fan inlaid quadrants to spandrel areas and crossbanded outer border, the trunk with concave throat moulding over rectangular caddy moulded door triple-strung with a concave-cornered panel, the base with concave top moulding over conforming panel inlaid fascia and bracket feet.190cm (74.5ins) high, 44cm (17.25ins) wide, 23.5cm (9.25ins) deep. Provenance:The Leonard Fuller Collection, purchased from G.H. Bell, Winchester, 26th October 1965 for £150. A William Croft is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working in London 1805-08. An almost identical movement to that of the present lot, but signed for Neilson, Temple Bar, London, is illustrated in Roberts, Derek ENGLISH PRECISION PENDULUM CLOCKS on page 248 (Figure 22-24). Roberts notes that it was the only movement that he'd seen which could be dismantled without any tools by simply unscrewing the finely finished extended brass bolts which hold it together. He also notes that Two makers with the surname Neilson are recorded, Alexander and Thomas, who were both working in around 1860-80.
A VICTORIAN CARVED MAHOGANY TWIN FUSEE DIAL WALL CLOCKBENNETT, LONDON, THIRD QUARTER OF THE 19th CENTURYThe five columnar pillar twin chain fusee bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by heavy lenticular bob pendulum incorporating transverse pivoted beam rise/fall regulation to suspension, the 12.5 inch circular silvered brass Roman numeral dial with curved SLOW/FAST regulation adjustment scale over signature BENNETT, 65 Cheapside, LONDON., MAKER TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY to centre, with blued steel trefoil hands set behind hinged glazed cast brass bezel incorporating canted insert to inner edge, the case with dial surround carved with stylised palm leaves issuing from a shield cartouche to envelop the bezel, applied to the drum-shaped rear incorporating curved door to right hand side and pendulum access flap to base, the back panel with rectangular brass grille sound fret.42cm (16.5ins) wide, 40.5cm (16ins) high, 17.5cm (6.5ins) deep. John Bennett was first educated to become a pastor but after the death of his father he joined the clock and watchmaking business established in Greenwich by his grandfather. He subsequently established himself at 65 Cheapside, London in 1846 and became particularly interested in the 'modernisation' of the English watchmaking industry which brought him into conflict with many of his peers. John Bennett was a colourful character who subsequently became involved in machinations of the City of London Corporation serving as 'Sheriff of London and Middlesex' in 1871. He was knighted and served as 'Lord Lieutenant of London' the following year. Sir John Bennett died in 1897 leaving the business in the hands of his successors trading as 'Sir John Bennett Limited', which continued well into the 20th century.
A RARE REGENCY WOODEN-DIALLED FUSEE WALL DIAL TIMEPIECE WITH TEN-INCH DIALINDISTINCTLY SIGNED, SECOND QUARTER OF THE 19th CENTURYThe four columnar pillar single fusee movement with bottle-shaped plates and anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum, the 10 inch circular cream painted wooden Roman numeral dial with rubbed signature to centre and with blued steel spade hands, set behind hinged cast brass caddy moulded glazed bezel, within conforming caddy moulded wooden surround fitted via pegs onto rear box case with door to the right hand side, another to the rear, and pendulum access flap to the curved base.29cm (11.5ins) diameter, 14.5cm (5.75ins) deep. Although the signature to the centre of the dial is almost entirely erased the rear of the panel is scratch engraved RICHARD and is also inscribed Read in pencil. This would suggest that the dial was originally signed for a Richard Read. Condition Report: Movement is complete (except for a pendulum holdfast originally fitted to the backplate) and appears all-original. Although in running condition the mechanism is very dirty/neglected hence a gentle clean/service will be required. The dial retains old surface with overall crazing and rubbing to the numerals; the signature has been rubbed-off and there is some chipping/wear around the winding hole, otherwise dial generally has pleasing patination. The bezel is unusual being left-handed and is in good original condition albeit with a recently installed glass. The securing lock mechanism that would have originally been fitted within the wooden surround is no longer present and there are some losses and chipping around this point. The box case unusually has a rear door - this now has had its original hinges replaced by a fabric strap-type hinge. The door panel has also been split and re-glued and there is a scarf repair at the level of the original lower hinge. Internally a slip of timber which formed a shut-face for the door is loose and there is splitting and other damage (including numerous holes form pinning the board secure) to the rear panel surrounding the door. The right-hand side door is a replacement; there is some cracking and holes (from previous turn-latches which are no longer present) to the surround as well a spare holes from earlier positioning of the door hinge. The curved base has a glued repair to the rear edge behind the flap as well as some shrinkage cracking to the veneers and a spare hole for a turn-latch which is no longer present. The flap has a section of cockbeading missing from the leading edge and the hinge is a replacement. Faults to the case are otherwise limited to shrinkage, bumps, scuffs and other age-related blemishes.Timepiece has non-original pendulum (repaired) but no case key or winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
A FINE AND RARE CHARLES II OLIVEWOOD OYSTER VENEERED SMALL LONGCASE CLOCK OF ONE MONTH DURATION THOMAS TOMPION, LONDON, NO. 136 CIRCA 1688/89The substantial six finned and latched pillar movement with five-wheel trains and plates measuring 8 by 5.5 inches, the going train with bolt-and-shutter maintaining power and anchor escapement regulated by seconds pendulum with long crutch, the strike train with external countwheel set on a pivot-post driven by a pinion-of-report applied to the second wheel arbor and sounding the hours on a bell mounted above the plates, the 'type 1' latched 10.25 inch square gilt brass dial with shuttered winding holes, subsidiary seconds dial and calendar aperture to the finely matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with cruciform half hour markers and small Arabic five minutes beyond the outer minute track, with sculpted scroll pierced steel hands and applied winged cherub mask spandrels to angles within a 'double herringbone' engraved outer interrupted by the engraved signature Tho: Tompion Londini Fecit to lower margin, in an oyster olive wood veneered case with rising hood incorporating architectural ogee moulded cornice and oyster veneered frieze over glazed dial aperture flanked opposing Solomonic twist columns, the sides with rectangular windows and conforming quarter columns set against bargeboards at the rear, the trunk with convex throat moulding over 40 inch rectangular door veneered with three linked boxwood outlined architectural break-arch panels populated by oyster cut veneers incorporating geometric radial design to the central panel, with half-round cross grain edge mouldings and crossbanded surround, the sides veneered with repeating oysters with a conforming crossbanded border, the base with stepped ogee top moulding over conforming architectural panel veneered crossbanded front and moulded skirt.186.5cm (73.5ins) high, 43cm (17ins) wide, 25cm (9.75ins) deep. Provenance:The Leonard Fuller Collection, purchased from G.H. Bell, Winchester, 6th September 1966 for £6,170. Purchased by G.H. Bell from Sotheby's, London, sale of FINE ENGLISH AND CONTINENTAL FURNITURE, RUGS AND CARPETS, TAPESTRIES AND CLOCKS 21st May 1965 (Lot 55) 'The Property of a Gentleman' for £1,600 hammer. Thomas Tompion has often been referred to as the 'father of English clock and watchmaking'. When considering the legacy of his work and influence on subsequent generations, such a compliment is justly deserved. Born in Ickwell, Suffolk in 1639 Thomas Tompion appears to have developed an affinity for metalworking from his father, also named Thomas, who worked as a blacksmith. By 1670 Tompion had moved to London and was working in the clock and watchmaking trade. Although there is no record of his apprenticeship or whether he received any formal training prior to moving to London, he quickly became established and obtained his freedom of the Clockmaker's Company in late 1671. His early clocks demonstrate a close working relationship with the Fromanteel, East and Knibb workshops. Around this time Tompion became friendly with eminent mathematicians and scientists such as Robert Hooke and Jonas Moore - perhaps the most progressive and inventive minds of the day. Such associations lead to Royal commissions, firstly from Charles II for whom Tompion is known to have made one of the earliest balance-spring watches in 1676 and later William III who ordered numerous clocks to furnish his various palaces throughout his reign. As well as being an extremely talented artisan Tompion was also commercially minded, cleverly introducing serial numbering for his watches and clocks from around 1681/2. This, as well as maintaining a high degree of refinement in both the design and construction of his clocks and watches, ensured the highest level of exclusivity for clients purchasing from him. In around 1701 Thomas Tompion took a former apprentice, Edward Banger, into partnership. Banger was originally apprenticed to Thomas Ashby in 1687 but was transferred over to Tompion and gained his freedom of the Clockmaker's Company in 1695. He was clearly a talented maker (when considering the few examples signed by Banger alone) however a serious problem between him and his former master caused the partnership to come to an abrupt end in 1707-8 for reasons unknown. On Banger's departure Tompion reverted to working alone until he found confidence in George Graham who had been engaged as a journeyman for Tompion since 1696. Graham's character had already been given the seal of approval by Tompion who allowed him to marry his niece, Elizabeth, in 1704; however it still would be a few years before Tompion would take Graham into partnership which he eventually did in 1711.Thomas Tompion died in November 1713 leaving the business to George Graham who maintained the same exacting standards and became famous in his own right with notable achievements including the development of the deadbeat escapement for pendulum clocks and the cylinder escapement for watches. Edward Banger outlived Tompion by six years, his abilities as a highly skilled watchmaker are demonstrated within a fine jewelled movement dating to around 1715 by him illustrated by him in Evans, Jeremy THOMAS TOMPION at the Dial and Three Crowns page 54, Fig. 97. The movement and dial of the present lot conform to the 'type 1' phase of Tompion longcase clock development as set-out in Evans, Jeremy; Carter, Jonathan and Wright, Ben THOMAS TOMPION, 300 YEARS pages 197-217. The dial is indeed a 'textbook' example of its type and can be directly compared to that of another month longcase (number 14) with double wheat-ear border by Tompion, illustrated in Symonds, R.W. THOMAS TOMPION on page 78 (Figure 54). The movement conforms to Tompion's standard layout for a month duration longcase clock with another of near identical design (number 223) illustrated by Evans, Carter and Wright on page 204. Indeed, the only real variances between these movements are that the present lot has taller plates and no pallet-shaped cut-out to the backplate; both of these features are due to current movement being an earlier example. Tompion's work is characterised by an exceptional approach to the finishing of his movements; the present lot does not disappoint with finely cut graded wheelwork and superb shaping to the steelwork most notably to the hammer spring tail, bell stand foot and barrel click springs.Although the case is not original to the movement and dial it is 'of the period' and a comfortable match benefitting from not having a lenticle (Tompion's preference) and pleasing detailing on the panelling of the veneers. Indeed, the case fulfils the list of criteria listed by Evans, Carter and Wright, with regards to features expected in a 'Type 1', case on page 197.
A GEORGE III MAHOGANY SEDAN TIMEPIECE INCORPORATING AN EARLIER WATCH MOVEMENT BY EDWARD EASTTHE MOVEMENT BY EDWARD EAST, LONDON, CIRCA 1695, THE DIAL AND CASE CIRCA 1800The gilt full plate single fusee verge movement with four square section baluster pillars pinned through the backplate, scroll-pierced stop-iron block and sprung three-arm steel balance with Tompion type regulation, the backplate with symmetric foliate scroll pierced and engraved balance cock with geometric bordered part-canted rim and grotesque mask at the junction with the leafy trail engraved and pierced broad foot, flanked by silvered regulation disc within conforming pierced and engraved infill opposing signature Edw. East, LONDON and serial number 1485, now fitted to a 4 inch slightly convex white enamel dial with vertically aligned Arabic numerals and steel spade hands, set behind cavetto moulded hinged convex-glazed cast brass bezel applied to a cavetto moulded wooden surround bound with brass to the circumference, the rear with circular hinged brass cover secured with a pivoted latch beneath shield-shaped hanging loop.The movement pillar plate 3.5cm (1.375ins) diameter, the case 16cm (6.25ins) diameter, 4cm (1.25ins) deep. Edward East was born in Southill Bedfordshire in 1602 and was apprenticed in 1618 to Richard Rogers until 1626, gaining his freedom of the Goldsmith's Company the following year. He was appointed as one of the first Assistants of the Clockmakers Company (a year after the charter was granted by Charles I in 1631) later becoming Master twice in 1645 and 1653. He worked first from Pall Mall, London subsequently moving to the Fleet Street/Temple Bar area by the 1640's, in November 1660 he was appointed chief clockmaker to King Charles II. Edward East certainly had the longest and perhaps one of the most distinguished careers in English clockmaking during the 'Golden Period' taking on eight apprentices between 1643 and 1676 (including Henry Jones from 1654 to 1663). East was the only original Assistant surviving when the Grant of Arms was awarded to the Clockmakers' Company in 1671. Edward East drafted his Will in 1688 and on his death in 1696 he was clearly a wealthy man leaving property to his four children including a residence in Hampton, Middlesex and a coaching Inn called 'The Swan with Two Necks' which was bequeathed to his daughter, Anne Saunders. Watches by Edward East are relatively rare. Although precise dating from hallmarks is not possible (due to the original case no longer being present) elements such as the style of the decoration to the balance cock would suggest a date in the mid 1690's for the present movement. With this in mind it would appear that the movement would have been made right at the end of East's career. Condition Report: The watch movement appears to be all-original with no obvious replacements or evidence of alteration to the mechanism which retains its original gilt finishes. The movement is in working condition however appears somewhat dirty/neglected hence a gentle clean/service is advised. The backplate has some slight scratching around the movement pillar pins and the backcock has shallow bruise to the mask at the junction with the foot otherwise rear of the mechanism is in fine condition. The front plate (pillar plate) has been soldered to a later larger brass disc that forms a 'falseplate' for the present enamel dial. The enamel dial has some light surface scratching and some tiny edge chips but otherwise appears undamaged, The hands are probably more recent replacements. The case is generally in very good original condition with no apparent faults and only minor age-related wear.Timepiece is complete with a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A RARE GEORGE II STAINED-PINE SMALL THIRTY-HOUR ALARM WALL TIMEPIECE IN A 'SALTBOX' TYPE CASETHE DIAL INITIALLED D.W., PROBABLY SOUTH CENTRAL ENGLAND, CIRCA 1740The four pillar single-handed movement with anchor escapement regulated by seconds pendulum, and external alarm mechanism planted on a brass plate secured to the left-hand side of the movement sounding via a vertically pivoted hammer on a bell set above the plates, the 6 inch square brass dial with silvered Arabic numeral alarm setting disc to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with starburst spike engraved half hour markers and initialled D W to lower margin, with scroll pierced steel hand and winged cherub mask spandrels to angles, the rectangular 'saltbox' type case with raised back panel flanked by downcurved side panels, over forward-sliding horizontal top panel cut with slots for the bell stand and alarm hammer, and fronted with caddy moulding to form the upper margin of the dial surround, the conforming side and lower dial surround mouldings fronting channels to the interior to act as runners for the dial, the rear drilled with a hanging hole behind the bell.25cm (9.75ins) high, 18cm (8ins) wide, 14cm (5.5ins) deep. Elements of the case housing the present clock (namely the channelled moulding bordering the dial and the removable top panel) can be compared to an oak-cased wall clock by John Coates of Cirencester, dating to around 1760, illustrated in Darken, Jeff (editor) TIME & PLACE, English Country Clocks 1600-1840 on page 164 (Exhibit number 48). Condition Report: The timepiece appears to be in good clean original working condition. There is no visible evidence of alteration - although the collets to the first and second wheel differ suggesting that one may have been re-pinioned (most likely the first wheel). The alarm mechanism appears complete and all original. The dial is also in good original condition with faults limited to a few minor casting blemishes and some patchy oxidation. The case is in sound original condition however the backboard has a vertical split from top to bottom with staples inserted to the upper and lower edge. The sides have lesser splits and the vertical dial runners have had slips of timber inserted at to the rear of the slot to close the channel slightly. The slip-in top cover has slightly different profile to the front moulding and colour so may well be an older replacement. The underside has further slight splitting and chips from the surface of the timber from nails being driven-in from the sides. Faults to the case are otherwise limited to minor bumps, scuffs and other age-related blemishes.Timepiece has a pendulum (suspension spring broken) and two weights, Condition Report Disclaimer
A GEORGE III MAHOGANY VERGE FUSEE DIAL WALL TIMEPIECEWARREN, CANTERBURY, CIRCA 1790The four pillar single fusee movement with tapered plates and verge escapement regulated by short bob pendulum, the 12 inch circular single sheet silvered brass dial engraved with a scene of a windmill over inscription MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS, with scroll pierced blued steel hands and Arabic five minutes to outer track incorporating signature WARREN, CANTER'Y to lower edge, set behind a hinged convex glazed cast brass cavetto moulded bezel applied to a narrow cavetto moulded wooden surround secured via pegs to the rectangular 'saltbox' type rear case with door to right hand side and pendulum access flap over shaped rear pendant apron to base; together with a facsimile copper U.S. 'Fuglio' cent coin inscribed with the same motto, (2). 35.5cm (14ins) wide, 40cm (15.75ins) high, 15cm (6ins) deep. James Warren is recorded in Loomes, Brian Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, Volume 2 as working in Canterbury 1778-1832. The motto 'mind your business' can be deemed to essentially have two meanings (albeit connected). The first is based on the stoic principal that one is only in command of his own actions; whilst the second is a reflection the fleeting nature of time and its bearing on productivity. Condition Report: The movement has one noticeable filled hole to the frontplate (just above the upper rim of the contrate wheel) indicating a previous conversion to anchor escapement. The brass of the contrate, escape wheel, potances and back cock are a little darker in colour than the rest of the movement which further suggests that the present escapement is a reconversion. Nothwithstanding these two details there is no other visible evidence to indicate reconversion or any alteration has taken place. The mechanism is in working condition however it is generally dirty/oily hence a precautionary gentle clean/service is advised. The dial is in good original condition with nice overall slightly mellow appearance to the chapter ring. The hands are both a little short so may well be replacements. The bezel is in good original condition with secure hinge. The wooden surround was originally fitted with a lock for the bezel which is no longer present; an extended tab (cut with a slot) which passed through a small aperture in the surround for securing with a latch is now fitted to the bezel (the pivoted latch is not present). The wooden surround otherwise is in sound original condition with no problematic splits or cracks and only a few minor age-related bumps and chips. The 'saltbox' case has mismatched pegs and a replaced backboard; the lower flap also appears to be a replacement. The sides have scuffing behind the dial securing rails (indicative of the dial being drawn back and forth with something sharp in one or more of the peg holes?). The base panel (around the flap) has quite noticeable surface bumps/bruises - the cause of these is not obvious but appears to be from something repeatedly knocking the surface at some point. Faults to the case are otherwise limited to relatively minor age-related bumps and scuffs.Timepiece has a case key (not required!) but no winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
A VICTORIAN FIGURED MAHOGANY HOUR-STRIKING DOMESTIC LONGCASE REGULATORPARKINSON AND FRODSHAM, LONDON, MID 19th CENTURYThe substantial five knopped pillar eight-day gong striking movement with Harrison's maintaining power and Graham-type deadbeat escapement regulated by wood-rod seconds pendulum with heavy bob adjusted via a calibrated silvered rating screw, and fine beat adjustment to crutch, the 12 inch circular single sheet silvered brass Roman numeral dial with subsidiary seconds dial and signed Parkinson & Frodsham, CHANGE ALLEY, LONDON to centre, with blued steel spade hands and STRIKE/SILENT selection lever above twelve o'clock, the case with cavetto moulded compressed break-arch cornice over square front door fitted with a circular glazed dial aperture with canted silvered fillet insert to interior flanked by canted angles, the trunk with cavetto throat moulding over recessed panel trunk door fronted with fine flame-figured veneer and flanked by conforming canted angles, the plinth base with stepped ogee top moulding over panel outline front also with fine flame figured veneer continuing down to face the skirt base.199cm (78.5ins) high, 46.5cm (18.24ins) wide, 26cm (10.25ins) deep. William Parkinson and William James Frodsham founded the highly regarded firm of Parkinson & Frodsham in 1801 at 4 Change Alley, Cornhill, London. William Parkinson died in 1842 and William Frodsham in 1850. Initially the firm specialised in marine and pocket chronometers and established an extensive export business supplying the Admiralty and numerous shipping companies. After the founders' deaths the business was continued by Frodsham's elder sons and grandson until 1912, when it was sold to the foreman, William Harris. Harris and his son Geoffrey ran the business successfully until 1944 when the firm's premises in Budge Row were bombed. Condition Report: Movement is in relatively clean working condition with no visible evidence or noticeable replacements. Although the clock appears to have been maintained in good working condition a precautionary gentle clean/lubrication is probably advisable if intending to put into long-term service. The dial has some slight rubbing around the winding holes and some overall light patchy oxidation otherwise is in fine original condition. Movement retains its original seatboard secured into the case with no visible evidence of alteration or adjustment hence we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are original to the case. The case is generally in very good original condition with notable faults limited to very slight warping to the centre panel of the trunk door (no splits or evidence of 'coming away' from the frame/surround). The left side skirt has veneer patch repair running along the lower edge; the opposing right-hand side has some slight veneer chipping also along the lower edge. Faults are otherwise limited to minor bumps, scuffs, shrinkage and wear.Clock has pendulum, two brass-cased weights, case key but no winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
A VICTORIAN MAHOGANY FUSEE DROP-DIAL WALL TIMEPIECEGEORGE LEWTON, WINTERBOURNE, CIRCA 1860The four pillar single chain fusee movement with shouldered plates and anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum suspended from a post applied to the case backboard, the 13 inch circular white painted Roman numeral dial signed Geo. Lewton, Winterbourne to centre and with steel spade hands set within a hinged glazed cast brass caddy moulded bezel incorporating canted silvered insert to interior, applied to a moulded wooden surround secured via pegs to a rectangular rear case with door to right hand side, over figured mahogany veneered drop-trunk applied with fan-shaped ears above curved pendulum access flap to the quarter-round base. 42.5cm (16.75ins) wide, 61cm (24ins) high, 17cm (6.75ins) deep. Provenance:The Leonard Fuller Collection. George Lewton is recorded in Loomes, Brian Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, Volume 2 as working in Winterbourne, Bristol 1856-79.
A VICTORIAN GILT BRASS CARRIAGE TIMEPIECEROSS, EXETER, MID 19th CENTURYThe rectangular single train four columnar pillar movement with frosted plates and platform lever escapement regulated by sprung monometallic balance with jewelled endstone set within a foliate scroll engraved cock, the backplate signed Ross, EXETER over hand setting disk and winding square incorporating visible ratchet and pawl retained by a foliate scroll engraved cock, the 1.75 inch wide rectangular white enamel Roman numeral dial with gilt spade hands, set within a gilt mast decorated with twin Gothic gabled towers over panelled apron, the gilt brass electrotype case with hinged rams head and leafy scroll cast handle over pierced tracery amber glazed rose-window top panel incorporating 'engine-turned' borders and relief floral sprays to spandrels, within fine geometric tracery surround applied with oval finials to angles, with cavetto moulded cornice over three-quarter columns to angles incorporating stylised rococo scroll decoration to shafts, the sides and relief decorated with 'Strawberry Hill Gothic' style facades of five bays with the central ogee-gabled and with rose window, the rear hinged revealing a relief modelled panel with the Royal coat of arms over PATENT, on skirt base decorated with a Gothic arcade incorporating floral swags over ball feet.15.5cm (6.125ins) high with handle down, 10cm (4ins) square. Daniel Ross is recorded in Ponsford, C.N. Time in Exeter as a chronometer, watch and clockmaker who commenced business at 31 High Street Exeter in 1831. He relocated to 230 High Street in 1855 and then to Bedford Street in 1859. He closed the business in 1864 due to poor eyesight selling his stock in trade to a clockmaker by the name of Ellis. Condition Report: Movement is in clean working condition. The dial has a hairline crack to the enamel across the upper right-hand corner otherwise appears free from visible faults. The case is in very good condition with only minor oxidation/discolouration to the gilding and a few very light surface scuffs. Timepiece has a winding key.Condition Report Disclaimer
Y A FINE WILLIAM AND MARY EBONY 'BASKET TOP' TABLE TIMEPIECE WITH 'SILENT' PULL-QUARTER REPEAT NATHANIEL HODGES, LONDON, CIRCA 1690The six finned pillar single fusee movement with verge escapement regulated by short bob pendulum and 'silent' pull-quarter repeat on a graduated pair of bells, the backplate engraved with symmetrical scrolling foliage incorporating tulip blooms around a central shaped reserve signed Nathanael Hodges, Londini Fecit, the 6 inch square brass dial with calendar aperture to the matted centre within applied Roman numeral chapter ring with eared cruciform half hour markers and Arabic five minutes within the outer minute track, with scroll pierced steel hands and winged cherub cast spandrel mounts to angles, the ebony veneered case with eagle head and dolphin cast hinged brass carrying handle to the pierced gilt brass domed 'basket' caddy superstructure pierced and relief decorated with Ho-Ho birds over generous tied fruit festoon swags flanked by floral pendants and with acanthus scrolls to the angles, flanked by flambeau finials to the corners, over ogee edged projecting cushion top mouldings and rectangular glazed front door applied with fine mouldings around the glazed aperture and applied with scroll-pierced gilt escutcheon mounts to uprights, the sides with conforming rectangular windows and the rear with glazed door applied with matching mouldings to the aperture set within the frame of the case, on ogee moulded shallow skirt base with gilt brass disc feet; with a later ebonised wall bracket of inverted ogee form, (quarter repeat work restored).The timepiece 30cm (11.75ins) high with handle down, 21.5cm (8.5ins) wide, 14cm (5.5cm) deep; the timepiece on bracket 46.5cm (18.25ins) high with handle down.Nathaniel Hodges is recorded in Loomes, Brian Clockmakers of Britain 1286-1700 as becoming a Free Brother of the Clockmakers' Company in 1681. He was noted as a 'great clockmaker' (i.e. maker of turret clocks) and was last mentioned in the Company Records as being in arrears in 1687. Loomes cites the burial records of two individuals of the same name in 1688 but neither appear to have been clockmakers. He also notes that Hodges was living in the Parish of Blackfriars with his wife, Joan, when their daughter was baptised in 1673. By 1679 he had moved to Parish of St. Brides, Fleet Street (possibly to his premises on Wine Office Court) where three further children were baptised, the last being Mary in January 1687. Despite being noted as a 'great clockmaker' and generally very little else known of Nathaniel Hodges he was clearly a fine maker with many fine table clocks surviving including a rare marquetry-cased example and another extensively decorated with repousse mounts and with rare original glazed-front carrying case illustrated in Dawson, Percy G.; Drover, C.B. and Parkes, D.W. Early English Clocks on page 460 (Plates 677-78).The current lot is designed to sound the hours and quarters on two bells only on demand. This form of quarter repeat mechanism is thought to have been devised for timepieces destined for night-time use in the bedroom; whilst striking clocks with quarter repeat facility were generally intended to be utilised downstairs during the day and upstairs at night. As a consequence silent-pull quarter repeating timepieces are rarer as the original owner would have to be very wealthy indeed to afford a timepiece reserved exclusively for use in the bed chamber. The design of the repeat mechanism used in the current lot is based to the system devised by Joseph Knibb (as described and illustrated in Allix, Charles and Harvey, Laurence HOBSON'S CHOICE pages 36-7) with the principal differences being the shape and positioning of the pivoted gear-toothed sector, and the use of an unusual slide arrangement to engage with the hour-snail. Another noteworthy feature is the split hammer arbor enabling both the hour and quarter hammers to be set side-by-side by providing pivots for each within a bat positioned between them. This detail appears to have been favoured by Henry Jones and can been seen on a timepiece (dating to the mid-1670's) illustrated and described in Dzik, Sunny BENEATH THE DIAL, English Clock Pull Repeat Striking 1675-1725 pages 67-68.The engraving to the backplate of the present timepiece is a very good example of the of tulip engraving and can be closely compared to that on a table timepiece by Charles Gretton illustrated and described in Dzik, Sunny ENGRAVING ON ENLISH TABLE CLOCKS, Art on a Canvas of Brass 1660-1800 pages132-106 (Figure 7.7). Condition Report: The movement is complete and fully operational although a gentle clean/service is advised. The movement is in its original form with no visible evidence of any alteration however it is most probably that the repeat mechanism has seen significant well-executed restoration or has possibly been faithfully reinstated. There is no visible evidence (filled holes or alteration to pallet arbor slot cut to the top of the backplate) to indicate that the movement was ever converted to anchor escapement although the present escape wheel would appear to be a service replacement. The dial has been electro-gilded (including the rear of the plate) and two of the spandrel securing screws have been replaced. Both hands appear original and are nicely made/sculpted; the hour has had repairs to the scrolls forming the tip and is a little distorted. Dial otherwise is in good clean condition with fine matting showing some slight overall wear. The case is in sound original condition. All the brass mounts have been electro-gilded. The basket top has historic wear through the hight spots most notably to the swags otherwise appears undamaged and with vey little distortion. The finials are probably later additions; the moulding forming the lower edge of the basket has had the corners filed to allow room for the finials. The front door repousse right hand repousse mount is missing a small section from the lower edge and the left hand one is a cast replica which also replicates the same small loss to the lower edge. The leading edge of the top front right-hand corner of the top (adjacent to the finial) has a small veneer chip. The mask around the dial (behind the front door hence only visible when door is open) has overall chipping/wear and losses to the veneer overlap bordering the dial. The right-hand side above the aperture has a crack and slight movement in the carcass and veneer and the lower edge of the moulding bordering the upper edge of the panel has wear/loss. The rear upper moulding has some cracking towards the right-hand ed and the lower rear right-hand corner has a small scarf-type repair to the moulding. The interior of the case has some scooping-out to the carcass to allow room for bells, backcock etc which is to be expected in a clock where the movement is a snug fit in the case (ie. is not indicative of alteration or the clock being a marriage. The base of the case has two additional small holes drilled for a pair of later hooks to further secure the movement (by hooking over the two bottom pillars) in the case. This is in addition to the original system of two latches fitted to the rear of the dial plate engaging with slots cut in the uprights of the dial surround. Front and rear doors appear to retain original locks and hinges albeit with some later securing screws added. Faults to the case are otherwise limited to minor shrinkage and a few are-related bumps, scuffs etc. Condition Report Disclaimer
Y A SWISS TULIPWOOD BANDED BURR WALNUT 'BELLS IN SIGHT' MUSIC BOXFABRIQUE DE GENEVE FOR RETAIL BY J.R. LAFLEUR AND SON, LONDON, CIRCA 1880Playing a choice of eight airs including Le Talisman and Giroffe, Giroffe via a 12.5 inch pinned cylinder on an 84 tooth comb, accompanied by a line of 9 engine-turned graduated bells set behind the gilt painted steel bed incorporating large ratchet-crank wound going barrel to the left opposing governor, start/stop and tune selection mechanisms to the right, set beneath hinged glazed cover with start/stop and change/repeat selection lever to the right and crank wind handle stamped with serial number 22520 to the left, the lid with tune sheet listing the eight-airs in ink within decorative foliate scroll printed surround incorporating text FABRIQUE DE GENEVE to upper margin and applied with pasted retailers label FROM J. R. LAFLEUR & SON, Music Publishers and Instrument Makers, No. 15 GREEN STREET, LEICESTER SQUARE, W.C., LONDON to lower margin, the exterior of the box veneered with book-matched burr walnut veneers within tulip wood banded borders to the ebonised ogee-edged lid, the front and sides with conforming veneers and the rear also finished in walnut but without the banding, on ebonised squab feet.26cm (10ins) high, 58cm (22.75ins) wide, 30.5cm (12ins) deep. J.R. Lafleur and Son were founded in 1861 as musical instruments makers and publishers of music. The were based at Green Street, Leicester Square, London 1862-1911 before moving to 147 Wardour Street in 1912. Lafleur and Son were bought-out by Boosey and Hawkes in 1917 but still continued trading in their name until at least 1931. Condition Report: Mechanism is in relatively clean condition with overall slight oxidation/mellowing to the brass. The comb appears free from damage and it will play with good positive action and clear sound. The bell hammers appear complete and undamaged but are very 'lazy' in their action so are prone to sticking - this is probably due to gummed-up oil rather than being indicative of damage/losses. The operating levers function as they should, the panel around the levers is a little loose and there are no labels denoting their function present. The internal cabinet fittings are present and have probably been re-ebonised. The tune sheet is intact but with some overall browning/staining and has evidence of a pasted label being removed from just beneath the upper margin. The lock to the box is lacking its tongue (previously fitted to the lid) hence is inoperative. Externally the box is in sound original condition with faults limited to slight bumps, scuffs and historic small localised filling within the burrs of the veneers. Condition Report Disclaimer
AN UNUSIAL FRENCH GILT BRASS FRAMED EASEL MIRROR STRUT TIMEPIECEUNSIGNED, LATE 19th CENTURYThe Swiss gilt watch type movement with cylinder escapement regulated by sprung monometallic balance, the oval bevelled mirror glass dial plate engraved with a 1.5 inch Roman numeral chapter ring around a star centre issuing blued steel fleur-de-lys hands towards the upper margin, set within moulded surround and fine foliate scroll pierced and engraved silvered brass border, set behind glass within a conforming cast surround applied with ribbon-tied floral trail crest centred with a seated patinated figure of a putto looking into a mirror, the base with foliate scrollwork applied with a conforming pair of putto, the frosted gilt rear with raised circular section housing the movement and pierced hinged strut, (damage/loses to the clear glass border).23.5cm (9.25cm) high when standing, 18.5cm (7.25ins) wide, 4cm (1.5ins) deep with strut closed.
A FINE ENGRAVED GILT BRASS GORGE CASED REPEATING ALARM CARRIAGE CLOCKTHE MOVEMENT STAMPED FOR LOUIS-ALFRED BAVEAUX POSSIBLY FOR HENRI JACOT, PARIS, CIRCA 1875-80The eight-day two train gong striking movement with frosted silvered platform lever escapement regulated by sprung split bimetallic balance and alarm mechanism planted between the plates at eleven o'clock sounding on the same gong, the backplate stamped with serial number 3028 to lower left-hand corner and the inside stamped with AB trademark over further indistinct number to lower margin, the circular white enamel Roman numeral dial with Arabic five minutes beyond the outer minute track and blued steel spade hands set within fine foliate scroll engraved rectangular mask enclosing circular conforming subsidiary alarm setting dial to lower margin, the engraved gilt brass gorge case with hinged lobed carrying handle over rectangular top glass within trailing scroll spandrel swag surround over foliate panel engraved bands to top mouldings and channel-moulded uprights, the rear with pin-hinged door over ogee-outline base further engraved with palmettes issuing foliate scrolls within a matted ground.13cm (5.125ins) high with handle down, 8.5cm (3.375ins) wide, 7cm (2.75ins) deep. Louis-Alfred Baveaux is recorded by Leigh Extence as born in 1846 to Claude-Louis Napoleon Baveaux (born in Dieppe 1806) who is thought to have probably worked alongside Henry Jacot in the Saint-Nicholas-d'Aliermont workshops during the 1850's. Louis-Alfred Baveaux followed in his father's footsteps latterly supplying the Jacot family with blanc-roulant movements which mostly bore his initials 'AB' and a serial number to the inside of the frontplate. Baveaux no longer used the 'AB' stamp after 1883 presumably due to going into partnership with other members of his family; the business subsequently became 'Baveaux Freres' after Louis-Alfred's death in 1891. Details such as the vertical uprights to the handle together with the overall feel and quality of the present timepiece very much echoes Henri Jacot's 'house style' suggesting that it may have been finished in his workshops for retail in Paris. Henri Jacot is recorded by in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS, Their history and development as working from 31 Rue de Montmorency, Paris as well as possibly having a factory in Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont. The business was awarded Bronze Medals at the Paris 'Exposition' in 1855 and in London 1862; Silver in Paris 1867, 78 and 89 and Gold, again in Paris, 1890. Although Charles Allix notes that Henry Jacot senior died in 1868 and was succeeded by his nephew of the same name further research by Leigh Extence has revealed that after his death Henri's business was actually continued by his brother Julien who was essentially only 'keeping the bench warm' until his son, and Henri's nephew Albert, was able to take over and move the concern forward in 1874. The business is thought to have continued until around 1920. Condition Report: Movement is in relatively clean fully working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. The dial is free from visible damage as are the case glasses. The gilding is generally very good with only minor wear and some noticeable thinning to the high spots. Generally this clock is in excellent condition.Clock does not have a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A FINE ENGRAVED GILT BRASS STRUT TIMEPIECE IN THE MANNER OF THOMAS COLE W. VASEL FOR RETAIL BY CARRINGTON AND COMPANY, LONDON, CIRCA 1880 The Swiss-made circular eight-day three-quarter plate movement with lever escapement regulated by sprung bimetallic balance, the 2.75 inch wide silvered brass Roman numeral dial with fine symmetrical repeating Baroque cartouche and strapwork engraved horizontal line hatched centre within narrow Roman numeral chapter ring and with fine blued steel fleur-de-lys hands, the upper and lower margins engraved with foliate scrolls and floral motifs incorporating central raised shaped extensions of the gilt canted bezel further engraved with fan motifs to upper surfaces set behind bevelled oval front glass, the frosted gilt case with hinged lancet-shaped pendant applied to a leafy scroll panel engraved crest over repeating oval cartouche and leafy spray line-hatched decorated dial surround, the periphery with strapwork panel decoration, and the rear panel profiled to match the front and fitted with regulation shutter, hand setting screw, integral winding key, pivoted looped strut and engraved with the initials W.V. to upper margin; in original velvet lined gilt tooled Morocco protective easel case inscribed with CARRINGTON & CO., BY APPOINTMENT, 130 REGENT STREET, W. around the Royal crown to the cream silk-lined interior of each of the opening front panels.The timepiece 12.5cm (4.875ins) high with handle down, 9cm (3.5ins) wide, 2cm (0.75ins) deep; the leather case 17cm (6.75ins) high, 12.5cm (4.875ins) wide, 3.5cm (1.375ins) deep. Although not apparently listed in the usual sources W. Vasel was known as a fine maker who worked from several addresses in London from 1881-1907. Vasel appeared to specialise in continuing the production of high-quality decorative timepieces made popular by Thomas Cole who submitted several examples both under his name and on the stand of Hunt and Roskell at the Great Exhibition in 1851. Thomas Cole died abruptly of typhoid fever in 1864 no doubt leaving a 'gap' in the market for others to continue with the production of finely made timepieces in his style. The firm of retail Jewellers and silversmiths, Carrington and Company, was founded by John Bodman Carrington in 1873. They traded from 130 Regent Street, London, and in 1880 were incorporated as a Limited Company. The business became one of the leading silversmiths in London with John Bodman Carrington being appointed Prime Warden of the Goldsmith's Company in 1902. The firm continued trading throughout the 20th century until being acquired by Collingwood and Company in 1970. The present lot would appear to be the smaller variant of two timepieces made by William Vasel to this design. An example of the slightly larger model (with dial measuring 3.5 inches across), this time made by Vasel for retail by Hamilton and Inches of Edinburgh, was sold in these rooms 7th March 2023 (lot 114) for £3,200 hammer. Condition Report: The movement is in fine original working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements; a gentle clean/service is however is advised. The dial has overall oxidation and some wear/rubbing to the chapter ring otherwise is in good original condition. The case has overall moderate wear of the original gilt finish with the brass beneath discolouring where the gilding is now thin. All screws holding the case together are present and are most likely all-original. The leather case has some fraying to the silk lining over the hinge points of each front panel and to two small localised areas of the left hand flap. The exterior is very 'dry' with some rubbing, light scuffs and edge wear. The rear has a small loss within a shaped stain patch in the shape of a sticky label Otherwise is in good original condition. Clock has integral winder and hand setting key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A FINE GEORGE III BLACK CHINOISERIE JAPANNED TAVERN WALL TIMEPIECEPHILIP LLOYD, BRISTOL, CIRCA 1775The four pillar weight-driven movement with five-wheel train, anchor escapement regulated by seconds pendulum and tapered plates, the 24 inch wide gilt on black painted shield-shaped Roman numeral dial with Arabic five minutes beyond the outer minute track and brass spade hands, the lower margin with foliate scroll painted spandrel decoration over signature P. Lloyd, BRISTOL, within gilt line and leaf painted break-arch cavetto moulded surround applied with gilt finials to upper corners and secured to the drop-trunk case with four steel pins, the case with lift-out panels to the side apertures over concave throat moulding and break-arch door decorated in polychrome and gilt with oriental figures within a garden trellis landscape, line borders and raised edge mouldings, the surround with diamond trellis infill to upper quadrants over chevron and leafy trail banded borders, the sides with oversize floral sprays and the base of stepped ogee profile decorated with further conforming foliate decorated panels; together with copies of Gatto, Martin THE TAVERN CLOCK Tavernicus Publishing Bath 2010, dj; Gatto, Martin THE TAVERNICUS TAVERN CLOCK ARCHIVE, Together with Random Jottings Bath 2017, softbound; Gatto, Martin THE TAVERNICUS TAVERN CLOCK ARCHIVE, EXTENDED EDITION Bath 2021, and Rose, Ronald E. English DIAL CLOCKS Antique Collectors' Club, Woodbridge 1994, dj, (5).155cm (61ins) high, 75cm (29.5ins) wide, 20cm (8ins) deep. Provenance:From the private collection of a professional sportsman and commentator. The life and work of Philip Lloyd is discussed by Brian Loomes in his article PHILIP LLOYD of Llawhaden and Bristol published in the July 2022 issue of 'CLOCKS' magazine. Loomes notes the Lloyd was a Quaker born in Llawhaden in around 1726 where he set-up business as a clockmaker. He is thought to have married Elizabeth Beverstock at St. Martin's in the Fields, London, 1758, and it is likely that he was already working in Bristol by this time. He was a fine maker producing longcase clocks in the high 'Bristol' style often incorporating lunar and tidal indications and at least one more tavern clock by him is known. He was recorded as a 'Watchmaker of Clifton Parish' on his death in 1783. His widow, Sarah, died at the age of 65 in 1789 and was buried at Love Street, Bristol. The present timepiece is recorded in Gatto, Martin THE TAVERNICUS TAVERN CLOCK ARCHIVE, EXTENDED EDITION page 178. Condition Report: Movement is in clean working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. The movement has had some historic re-bushing and the steelwork has slightly aged appearance (evidence of minor historic corrosion) but has been well-conserved. The movement to seatboard securing bolts have been renewed (probably due to wear in the threads) but the original bolts are included. The seatboard is a well-made replacement however we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are original to the case. The hands appear most likely original. The dial panel is in very good original condition with fine surface and colour. There is some slight historic movement along the joints within the panel (to be expected) but all appears stable. There has been some very light restoration to address some corner bumps and scuffs to the outer edges and moulded surround but otherwise panel appears very well conserved with no visible re-touching to the dial and only relatively minor historic wear/rubbing. The trunk carcass has been given a light wash of linseed oil hence carcass elements are dark and have a slight sheen (rather than being dry/dusty). The panels for the side apertures appear to be very well made replacements. The surface to the sides and front of the trunk is in fine original condition with good surface. Noticeable re-touching appears to be essentially limited to the strengthening of the vase of fern foliage to the lower right-hand corner of the door panel and a coach line bordering the scene to the door. The door retains its original lock and hinges. The right-hand side of the ogee-shaped base section has a small historic loss/chip within the panel. The upper part of the trunk has some old flaking/losses to the japanned finish however this cannot really be seen as it is behind the dial. The hanging hole to the backboard has historic wear and there is also a minor split to the panel nearby, both of these are not problematic in any way. Faults to the case are generally otherwise limited to minor bumps, scuffs, shrinkages and wear commensurate with age and use. Generally a fine example in very good original condition.Timepiece is complete with pendulum, oval section weight, case key and a winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
A FINE GEORGE I/II GOLD VERGE QUARTER-REPEATING REPOUSSE PAIR-CASED POCKET WATCH THOMAS VERNON, LONDON, THE REPOUSSE OUTER CASE BY AUGUSTIN HECKEL, CIRCA 1725-30The gilt full plate single fusee movement with four columnar fronted pillars pinned through the backplate, stop-iron block and verge escapement regulated by sprung three-arm brass balance with Tompion type regulation, the quarter repeat-work operated via plunger to the suspension post sounding the hours followed by the quarters with a single pivoted hammer engaging with a bell fitted to the interior of the case, the backplate with fine symmetric foliate scroll pierced, chased and engraved balance cock with faceted diamond endstone and grotesque mask at the junction with conforming pierced broad wedge-shaped scroll engraved foot, flanked by silvered regulation disc set within adjacent applied scroll engraved panel infill opposing signature Tho. Vernon, LONDON and numbered 280, with gilt brass dust cover similarly signed T: Vernon, LONDON and numbered 280, the slightly convex white enamel Roman numeral dial with Arabic five minutes to outer track and finely worked beetle and poker hands, the inner case with fine leafy strapwork pierced and engraved deep fretwork band interrupted by a grotesque mask at six o'clock opposing suspension post and bow at engraved with repeat serial number 280 at the base at twelve o'clock, the outer case repousse decorated with a Classical scene possibly depicting Aeneas Departing from Dido within repeating S-scroll surround adorned with figures emblematic of the four seasons at the quadrants with fine pieced foliate scroll fretwork panels between, the bezel with circumference pierced and engraved with four conforming into a matted ground adorned with symbols emblematic of the signs of the zodiac Libra, Sagittarius, Aries and Cancer, and with moulded collar to outer edge, the inner case makers mark WS only. Provenance:The Leonard Fuller Collection. Purchased from Camerer Cuss and Company, London, 7th August 1974 for £1,400. Thomas Vernon is recorded in Loomes, Brian Clockmakers of Britain 1286-1700 as born in 1684, apprenticed to Charles Halstead in 1701 and gaining his freedom of the Clockmakers' Company in 1708. Vernon was made a Company Assistant in 1726 when he was noted as trading at the sign of the Ship in Fleet Street (believed to have been Charles Gretton's former premises); he died in 1731 and was buried at St. Dunstan's in the West on 14th October of that year. The repousse decoration to the outer case is signed for Augustin Heckel who was of born in Augsburg before coming to London sometime between 1715 and 1720. He set-up business as a watch case engraver, painter and draughtsman; considered one of the finest casemakers of the period he worked until circa 1770. Condition Report: Watch is in fine, clean, fully working condition with no visible evidence of any alteration or noticeable replacements. The gilding to the trains, backplate and fittings is in fine condition with next to no wear and minimal scratching. The dust cover is in fine original condition. The dial enamel has a series of light hairline cracks as well as two small areas of filling to the lower margin and a very small enamel loss next to the latch lever at six o'clock. The inner case is in fine condition with only minor indenting and other slight distortion to the fretwork band to the waist. The outer case is in good original condition but with some noticeable wear to the figural scene including a couple of 'pin prick' holes.Watch has a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A VICTORIAN BRASS INLAID DROP-DIAL FUSEE WALL TIMEPIECE WITH TEN-INCH DIALTHE DIAL INSCRIBED FOR W.H. INGHAM, EAST DULWICH, SECOND HALF OF THE 19th CENTURYThe four columnar pillar single fusee movement with anchor escapement regulated by half-seconds lenticular bob pendulum, the 10 inch cream painted Roman numeral dial inscribed W.H. INGHAM, EAST DULWICH to centre, with steel spade hands behind hinged glazed moulded cast brass bezel, the conforming moulded wooden surround secured via pegs to the rear box case with door to right hand side and the lower section visible beneath the dial fronted with a brass fillet edged shaped glazed aperture for the pendulum within a brass rosette and brass line inlaid fascia flanked by scroll-carved ears over curved base incorporating pendulum access flap to underside.43cm (17ins) high, 31cm (12.25ins) wide, 14.5cm (5.75ins) deep.
A GEORGE III MAHOGANY FUSEE DIAL TIMEPIECE WITH SIXTEEN-INCH WOODEN DIALTHE DIAL INSCRIBED FOR J. AND T. FARR, BRISTOL, LATE 18th CENTURYThe four knopped pillar single fusee movement with tapered cavetto-shouldered bottle-shaped plates and anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum, the backplate engraved with a letter B, the 16 inch slightly convex circular wooden cream painted Roman numeral dial inscribed J & T FARR, BRISTOL to centre, with generous brass spade hands set behind heavy hinged convex-glazed cavetto moulded bezel, with narrow caddy moulded dial surround secured via pegs to the rear box case incorporating door to right hand side and pendulum access flap over decorative shaped pendant back panel to base, (dial finish retouched).53.5cm (21ins) high, 46cm (18ins) wide, 20cm (8ins) deep. Provenance:The inside of the backboard has an indistinct ink stamp for STRIKE ONE, ...Camden Walk London N1. J. and T. Farr are recorded in Moore, A.J. THE CLOCKMAKERS OF BRISTOL 1650-1900 as working in Bristol in 1822. It is most likely that this records a working arrangement between John Farr, who worked as a goldsmith and watchmaker from Claire Street, Bristol, 1771 until at least 1801; and Thomas Farr who was apprenticed to John in 1784. Condition Report: Movement is fine clean working condition with no evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. The dial has been refinished to a high standard most probably replicating the original text. There is a slight shrinkage crack towards the upper margin, the hands appear original. The bezel lock is either a replacement or has been of and re-attached. The glass has been relatively recently re-set in fresh plaster. The rear of the dial panel has had a slip of additional timber applied to the rear to facilitate stronger anchoring of the bezel hinge screws. The box case is in sound original condition although the side flap is a replacement. The interior has had quarter-round mouldings applied to the rear edges to brace the joint between the backboard and the sides. The drop apron has a filled hole (from where a nail was driven through in the past), and a small well executed veneer path repair to the lower edge. The lower flap has replacements to the applied edging slips. Faults are otherwise limited to moderate age-related bumps, scuffs and shrinkage. Overall timepiece is essentially a good original example in ready to use condition and has a pendulum key and winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
A GEORGE III BRASS MOUNTED MAHOGANY TABLE/BRACKET CLOCK WITH MOONPHASETHAMAS WAGSTAFF, LONDON, CIRCA 1785The five pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with verge escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum incorporating transverse pivoted beam rise/fall regulation to suspension and with holdfast, the foliate engraved backplate decorated with a circular cartouche containing a basket of fruit on a rococo shelf to centre over leafy swag to lower margin, the 8 inch single sheet silvered brass dial with subsidiary calendar dial over signature Tho's Wagstaff, Gracechurch St., LONDON and unusual rolling moonphase aperture with lunar disc calibrated for the lunar month to circumference to the centre, within narrow Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes beyond the minute track, with pierced blued steel hands and leafy scroll engraved infill to spandrel areas beneath arch with twin subsidiary STRIKE/SILENT and regulation dials, the break arch case with hinged brass carrying handle applied to a single brass fillet bordered raised 'pad' to top and complex cornice mouldings, over hinged front incorporating brass fillet mouldings bordering the glazed dial aperture, the sides with arched brass fish scale sound frets and the rear with break-arch glazed door set within the frame of the case, on cavetto moulded skirt base with brass ogee bracket feet.44cm (17.25ins) high with handle down, 31cm (12.25ins) wide, 19.5 (7.75ins) deep. Thomas Wagstaffe is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working from Carey Street and Grace-Church Street, London 1756-93. Wagstaffe was a devout Quaker with strong ties with his brethren in Philadelphia, U.S.A. He is known to have supplied movements and dials for casing locally in Philadelphia, with examples noted in Moore, George and James, Arthur Thomas Wagstaffe, Quaker Clockmaker published in the December 1976 issue of the 'National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors Bulletin' (pages 534-35). Condition Report: Movement is in relatively clean working condition and appears fundamentally all-original with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. The dial is in fine condition with nice even silvering. There is some very slight scuffing around the winding holes and the lunar disc has probably been re-touched at some point in the past. The case is in sound original condition. The curved top surface shows evidence of movement in the carcass hence there are splits flanking the raised pad running in-line with the front edge f the panel itself. The rear edge also shows movement behind the rear right-hand corner of the pad with a veneer loss approximately 2cm square at this point. The curvature of the pad itself also has historic shrinkage cracks and a small old veneer patch repair across the rear left-hand corner. The mask around the dial (behind the front door) has had a small section of veneer re-attached to the left-hand side of the arch; the front door is in good original condition. The sides both have localised small veneer patch repairs to the surround/overlap bordering the brass fret apertures and the rear door has a similar small patch repair bordering the glass. Faults to the case are otherwise to minor bumps, scuffs, light shrinkage and other age-related blemishes.Clock has pendulum, winder and a case key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A DUTCH INLAID MAHOGANY MERCURY CONTRA-BAROMETER ANTONIO PEIA, AMSTERDAM, CIRCA 1800The two-section urn surmount-outlined pewter scales with husk swag decorated oval signature cartouche engraved BAROMETER, THERMOMETER, en CONTRALEUR, door Ant, Peia, te Amsterdam, above applied spirit Fahrenheit and Reaumur scale spirit thermometer to the left hand scale, the centre tube flanked by compressed scales for both English and French barometric inches at the top and the right hand main scale annotated with additional amplified English barometric inches incorporating the Dutch `36` scale calibrated 20-0-16 with the 0 representing the mean pressure at sea level in The Netherlands, the case with parquetry banded open triangular pediment and later vase finial above chevron banded frieze panel and glazed front door with conforming inlay to surround, the base with three bell-shaped caps to the recessed waist above cistern box faced with chevron banding above an inlaid conch shell cartouche, over two vase shaped pendant finials.120cm (47.25ins) high, 28cm (11ins) wide, 10cm (4ins) deep. Provenance: From a Private Collection. Antonio Maria Carlo Abindio Peia was born in Como, Italy in 1769. He worked in Amsterdam from 1790 first 'In the Gravenstraat above the Spekslager' then, from 1797, at the St. Nicolaasstraat; before finally moving to Wijdsteeg 4 in 1820 - where he presumably worked until his death in 1845.
A GEORGE IV STYLE INLAID MAHOGANY MANTEL CLOCKTHE MOVEMENT SIGNED FOR ROUDIL, PARIS, 19th CENTURYThe French eight-day circular countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating silk suspension, the backplate engraved Roudil, a Paris beneath punch stamped number 8, the 5 inch circular silvered brass Roman numeral dial with steel moon hands within ogee moulded surround set behind a hinged bevel-glazed cast brass bezel, in a brass inlaid figured mahogany case with triangular pediment decorated with stylised leafy spray to tympanum over slender cavetto cornice and conforming foliate motif decorated shaped-panel infill around dial, flanked by brass inset canted angles over further line-bordered leafy scroll inlaid apron panel, the sides with foliate ring handles and the rear flush with rectangular glazed door, on moulded skirt base with ball feet.37cm (14.5ins) high, 25cm (9.75ins) wide, 14cm (5.5ins) deep.
A FINE GEORGE III ENGRAVED GOLD AND BASSE-TAILLE ENAMEL PAIR-CASED CYLINDER POCKET WATCH THOMAS MUDGE AND WILLIAM DUTTON, LONDON, 1773The gilt full plate single fusee movement with four square section baluster pillars pinned through the backplate, scroll-pierced stop-iron block and cylinder escapement regulated by sprung three-arm steel balance with Tompion type regulation, the backplate with fine asymmetric foliate scroll pierced and engraved balance cock with faceted diamond endstone, herringbone bordered rim and grotesque mask at the junction with wedge-shaped leafy scroll engraved foot flanked by silvered regulation disc set within adjacent applied scroll engraved panel infill opposing signature Tho: Mudge, W. Dutton, London and numbered 979, with gilt brass dust cover similarly signed Tho: Mudge, W. Dutton, London, with slightly later circular white enamel Arabic numeral dial with vertically aligned numerals and gold arrow hands, the inner case with suspension post with bow at twelve o'clock, the outer case engraved and parcel cobalt blue enamel decorated with floral spray within oval panel and tied-ribbon and leafy-spray inhabited surround within white heighted repeating lozenge outer border, with conforming border to bezel and bright-cut mouldings to circumference, marks for London 1773, maker PM possibly for Peter Mounier.The pillar plate 3.6cm (1.375ins) diameter; the outer case 4.8cm (1.875ins) diameter. Provenance:The Leonard Fuller Collection. Purchased from Malcolm Gardner, Sevenoaks, 29th August 1967 for £265. Thomas Mudge was born in Exeter, Devon in 1717 and was apprenticed to George Graham before setting himself up in business at 151 Fleet Street, London in 1748. At around the time of the death of his former Master in 1751, Mudge was joined in partnership by a fellow former apprentice of Graham, William Dutton, who is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as apprenticed in 1738 and gaining his freedom of the Clockmakers' Company in 1746.The business subsequently traded from 148 Fleet Street and Mudge, whilst in partnership with Dutton, rapidly acquired a reputation as one of England's outstanding watchmakers. In around 1755, if not earlier, Mudge invented the detached lever escapement, which he first applied to a clock, but when incorporated into a watch became the greatest single improvement ever applied to them.In 1765 Mudge published the book, Thoughts on the Means of Improving Watches, Particularly those for Use at Sea, and the following year, alongside Dutton, was elevated to Liveryman. In around 1771 Thomas Mudge retired to Plymouth in order to spend more time to pursue his development of a marine timekeeper. The first of these went on trial in 1774 where it performed superbly leading to an award of 500 guineas. Mudge went on to complete two others in 1779 in the continuing attempt to satisfy the increasingly difficult requirements set by the Board of Longitude. They were tested by the Astronomer Royal, Nevil Maskelyne, and declared as being unsatisfactory. There followed a controversy in which it was claimed that Maskelyne had not given them a fair trial. A similar controversy had arisen when John Harrison had been denied the full amount of the 1714 prize by the Board of Longitude. Eventually, in 1792, two years before his death, Mudge was awarded £2,500 by a Committee of the House of Commons who decided for Mudge and against the Board of Longitude, then headed by Sir Joseph Banks.In around 1775 Dutton took both his sons (Thomas and Matthew) into the business forming a second partnership of William Dutton and Sons however the name Mudge and Dutton was often still used (mainly for watches) up to around 1790. William Dutton died in 1794 leaving the business to be continued very much in his tradition by his sons Thomas and Matthew. The cylinder escapement was developed in around 1695 by Thomas Tompion and further refined by George Graham in 1726. This new escapement was perhaps the first developed exclusively for watch work and, as well as being a better rate keeper, the cylinder escapement also allowed movements to be made more compact (due to the escapement operating in one plane only). However, being a form of frictional rest escapement, the cylinder escapement was prone to relatively heavy rates of wear hence was less reliable than the verge (until hardened steel escape wheels and ruby cylinders were developed later in the 18th century).An essentially identical movement to the present lot, also by Mudge and Dutton (number 1207 dated to 1781) but retaining original dial and gold pair-cases and benefitting from single family ownership since new, was sold in these rooms on 6th October 2021 (lot 225) for £9,000 hammer. Peter Mounier was a specialist maker of engraved and enamelled watch cases who is believed to have worked form circa 1761. Condition Report: Movement is in fine original working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or significant replacements. The gilding to the escapewheel appears to be mostly rubbed/cleaned off (hence perhaps could be a 'service replacement') otherwise gilding to wheelwork, backplate etc exhibits next to no wear/scratching. The dust cover is in very fine original condition. As catalogued the dial is a slightly later replacement (circa 1800) but is in fine condition with no visible damage. The inner case is in fine condition with no discernible denting or notable scratching. The outer case has some small losses to the enamel infill (most notably to the leafy spray infill to the left-hand side) and overall light wear. The clasp release button is worn/dented otherwise appears to be in fine original condition.Watch has a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A FINE GEORGE III WOODEN-DIALLED FUSEE WALL DIAL TIMEPIECE WITH PROVENANCE TO SOMERSET HOUSEJAMES TREGENT, LONDON, CIRCA 1800The four pillar single fusee movement with tapered plates and anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum, the 14.5 inch circular cream painted wooden Roman numeral dial signed JAMES TREGENT, LONDON to centre and with pierced brass hands, set behind heavy hinged cast brass cavetto moulded glazed bezel, applied to the dial panel incorporating narrow complex moulded wooden surround fitted via pegs onto rear box case with door to the right hand side and pendulum access flap to the curved base; the side door applied with paper labels inscribed in ink 16580, J.(or I.)R.O. Somerset House, Room 141 Sub G. and 7533, 11-4-49., J.(or I.)R.O. Somerset House, Centre Block Room 141, Stamping Room, Repair 1-14 Dial Block.43cm (17ins) diameter, 16cm (6.25ins) deep. James Tregent is recorded in Britten, F.J. Old Clocks and Watches & Their Makers as a famous maker who worked in London from 35 Strand in 1775 and then at 29 Cranborne Street, Leicester Square by 1780. He was appointed an honorary fellow of the Clockmaker's Company in 1781 and became watchmaker to the Prince of Wales. Tregent and was intimate with Garrick, Sheridan and other notabilities of the theatre, Kelly refers to him as 'Mr. Tregent the celebrated French watch maker' and relates how Sheridan by attributing his proverbial unpunctuality to the lack of a timepiece obtained from Harris, proprietor of Covent Garden Theatre, a watch of Tregent's make. The Duke of Sussex paid him £400 for a repeater and alarm travelling watch; a bracket clock by him was in the in the Wetherfield collection, and another with Battersea enamel dial (possibly made by his brother the enameller Anthony Tregent) was in the Schreiber collection. James Tregent died in 1804. The present timepiece would have been made at around the same time as extensive building works at Somerset House (under James Wyatt who succeeded George Chambers in 1796) were coming to an end in 1801. It is tantalising to think that this timepiece was supplied for use in the building at around this time; indeed James Tregent would have been a suitable candidate for supplying a timepiece for use in such a prestigious location. A cursory search has not revealed the location of room 141 within the centre block, nor the meaning of 'J.R.O.'. However the reference to the 'Stamping Room' may indicate that the initials may actually be 'I.R.O' relating to the Inland revenue Office, and that the present timepiece may have been located in the room traditionally used for General Duty embossing/stamping. Condition Report: The movement is in relatively clean working condition, the train has been repinioned (no doubt to address wear from 200 years of constant use) but there is no visible evidence of any alteration from the original layout. The backplate has spare screw holes for a pendulum holdfast clip which is no longer present. The dial is in fine condition retaining pleasing old surface; the black numerals and signature has been carefully 'strengthened' and there is a horizontal shrinkage crack across the centre. The brass bezel is in good condition with sound hinge and retaining its lock. The wooden surround has some old age-related cracking. Shrinkage and few minor bumps and scuffs. The rear box case is in good original condition. Then curved base has a small veneer patch repair to the rear left hand corner; the flap also has a small veneer patch repair and s section of very slender cockbeading missing from the leading edge. Otherwise faults to the case are limited to minor bumps, scuffs, shrinkage and other age-related blemishes.Timepiece has a pendulum and a case key but no winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
A GEORGE III BLACK CHINOISERIE JAPANNED TAVERN WALL TIMEPIECEBURT WADE, LONDON, LATE 18th CENTURYThe four pillar weight-driven movement with five-wheel train, anchor escapement regulated by seconds pendulum and tapered plates, with a 19 inch circular gilt on black painted Roman numeral dial with pierced brass hands, within integral gilt-line painted ogee moulded surround and secured to the teardrop-shaped drop-trunk case by four pins, the case with twin side apertures set behind the dial, over throat signed in gilt Burt Wade, LONDON flanked by leaf-painted shaped ears and concave-topped caddy moulded trunk door polychrome and gilt decorated with game birds before a willow tree within gilt line borders, the baluster profile side sections gilt painted with further foliate panels and the sides with oversize floral sprays, the concave moulded base decorated with a further conforming foliate panel within gilt line borders, (the case except for the signature redecorated).114cm (45ins) high, 57cm (22.5ins) wide, 20cm (8ins) deep. Provenance:The beneficiary of a deceased estate. Purchased in these rooms The Collection of the late John Fane 26th November 2009 (lot 41) for £4,500 hammer. Burt Wade is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working in London1764-c.1800. The present timepiece is recorded in Gatto, Martin THE TAVERNICUS TAVERN CLOCK ARCHIVE, EXTENDED EDITION page 300.
A VERY FINE GEORGE I GOLD REPOUSSE PAIR-CASED POCKET WATCH WITH CYLINDER ESCAPEMENTGEORGE GRAHAM, LONDON, NUMBER 5438, 1732The gilt full plate single fusee movement with four Egyptian pillars pinned through the backplate, scroll-pierced stop-iron block and cylinder escapement regulated by sprung three-arm steel balance with Tompion type regulation, the backplate with fine symmetric foliate scroll pierced and engraved balance cock with faceted diamond endstone, herringbone bordered canted rim and with wedge-shaped scroll engraved foot flanked by silvered regulation disc set within adjacent applied scroll engraved panel infill opposing signature Geo: Graham, London and numbered 5438, with gilt brass dust cover similarly signed Geo. Graham, London, the slightly convex white enamel Roman numeral dial with Arabic five minutes to outer track and finely worked beetle and poker hands, the inner case with shuttered winding hole to rear cover and suspension post with bow at twelve o'clock, the outer case repousse decorated in the manner of George Moser with Diana the huntress seated within a woodland landscape with a hound within repeating S-scroll surround adorned with scallop shells at the quadrants within further scroll-bordered reserves alternating with floral panels, the bezel with circumference engraved with further scrolls into a matted ground and with moulded collar to outer edge, the inner case with marks for London 1732 maker IW for John Ward and stamped with repeat serial number 5438.The pillar plate 3.5cm (1.375ins) diameter, the outer case 5cm (2ins) diameter. Provenance:The Leonard Fuller Collection. Purchased from Malcolm Gardner, Sevenoaks, 29th August 1967 for £265. George Graham was born in around 1673 in Kirklinton, Cumberland, but by 1688 he had moved to London and entered into an apprenticeship with Henry Aske. Graham gained his freedom of the Clockmakers' Company in 1695 and went to work for Thomas Tompion, whose niece, Elizabeth, he married at St. Mary le Bow in September 1704. After the Tompion's failed partnership with Edard Banger Graham was trusted to become his successor with the two makers entering into a formal a partnership in 1711. On Tompion's death in 1713 George Graham inherited the business 'on the corner of Water Lane in Fleet Street' and continued there until 1720 when he relocated to 'the Dial and One Crown' further up Fleet Street, nearer Fleet Bridge.George Graham maintained the same exacting standards as his former master and also continued the serial numbering system established in around 1680/81. In 1722 he served as Master of the Clockmakers' Company and went on to establish himself as one of the most important clockmakers of his generation. Amongst his achievements was the further development of the deadbeat escapement, invention of the mercury compensated pendulum and the cylinder watch escapement. As well as clocks and watches George Graham was also a highly accomplished maker of scientific instruments with perhaps his most famous creation being the planetarium made for Charles Boyle, Earl of Orrery. He also produced the great mural quadrant for Edmund Halley at Greenwich observatory, also a fine transit instrument and the zenith sector used by James Bradley in his discoveries. Through his observations in testing his very highly regarded compasses Graham also discovered the diurnal variation in the terrestrial magnetic field in 1722/23.George Graham also became an ardent supporter of John Harrison in the development of his marine chronometers to the extent that he forwarded an interest free private loan of £200 to Harrison to facilitate the building of H1. George Graham died in 1751 and was buried next to his former master in Westminster Abbey, leaving the business in the hands of a former apprentices, Samuel Barclay and Thomas Colley. George Graham's legacy is perhaps best reflected by the subsequent work of another former apprentice, Thomas Mudge, who went on to continue in the development of the marine chronometer after Harrison, and to invent the lever watch escapement. The cylinder escapement was developed in around 1695 by Thomas Tompion and further refined by George Graham in 1726. This new escapement was perhaps the first developed exclusively for watch work and, as well as being a better rate keeper, the cylinder escapement also allowed movements to be made more compact (due to the escapement operating in one plane only). However, being a form of frictional rest escapement, the cylinder escapement was prone to relatively heavy rates of wear hence was less reliable than the verge (until hardened steel escape wheels and ruby cylinders were developed later in the 18th century). George Graham's faith in this new design of escapement was such that he incorporated it into all of his watches from around 1725/6 (between serial numbers 5175 and 5182). The present lot is a fine relatively early example of a Graham cylinder watch in fine condition complete with finely worked heavy outer repousse case. Condition Report: The watch is in fine clean working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements however it is possible that the escapewheel and cylinder may be 'service' replacements. The mechanism retains its gilt finish with minimal wear and with other faults limited to a couple of small scratches to the backplate. The dust cover is in fine condition. The dial appears to be in perfect condition including the hands which are vey finely made. The inner case is in fine original condition with minimal wear and no discernible denting. The outer case has some slight wear to the high spots to the rear cover otherwise in in fine original condition.Gross weight 133g. Watch has a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
A FRENCH GILT BRASS AND SEVRES STYLE PORCELAIN SMALL BOUDOIR TIMEPIECEPROBABLY BY A. DUMAS, PARIS, LATE 19th CENTURYThe circular eight-day single train movement with replaced frosted gilt platform lever escapement regulated by sprung monometallic balance vertically planted on the backplate over small stamp A.D. within an oval to lower margin, the 2.25 inch circular powder blue ground porcelain dial with gilt rosette to centre and Roman cartouche numerals, with gilt spade hands set behind fixed bevel glazed leaf cast bezel, the case formed as a drum with leafy bud finial to the scroll pierced surmount, with leafy band to circumference, hinged rear door and raised on conforming twin strapwork scroll cast side supports, over a tray base inset with porcelain plaque polychrome painted with a reclining cherub within gilt-edged floral trail and blue banded borders, set into a leaf moulded surround over turned feet.18cm (7ins) high, 13.5cm (5.25ins) wide, 10cm (4ins) deep. The 'A.D.' oval trademark stamped to the backplate of the current lot is noted in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS, Their history and development as appearing on the gong blocks of French carriage clocks. Allix also notes in his biographical entry for A. Dumas that the eminent French horologist, Claudius Saunier, commented that Dumas specialised in Mignonettes and that he also even made cases and gongs. With this in mind it would be logical to speculate that the oval stamp that appears on gong blocks, as well as the backplate of the current lot, is for A. Dumas.
AN INTERESTING INLAID MAHOGANY TWIN FUSEE DROP-DIAL WALL CLOCK WITH TWENTY-ONE INCH DIALTHE MOVEMENT BY JAMES DRURY, THE DIAL SIGNED FOR THWAITES AND REED, LONDON, EARLY 19th CENTURYThe substantial five pillar twin chain fusee movement with thick plates measuring approximately 9.5 inches by 8.25 inches and anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum incorporating transverse pivoted beam rise/fall regulation to suspension, the backplate indistinctly signed Ja's Drury to centre and with hour-revolving yoke to allow take-off for a remote dial to pass through an aperture in the pendulum rod and a hole in the case back panel, fitted to a 21 inch circular white painted Roman numeral dial inscribed Thwaites & Reed, Clerkenwell, LONDON to centre, with rise/fall adjustment square at twelve o'clock and brass hands, set behind a hinged glazed ogee-outline cast brass bezel applied to a cushion-moulded wooded surround, secured via pegs onto the rear box case with doors to both sides, over line inlaid figured mahogany veneered fascia to the drop-trunk and pendulum access flap to the curved underside.73cm (28.75ins) high, 61cm (24ins) wide, 24cm (9.5ins) deep. James Drury is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as apprenticed in 1741 and gaining his Freedom of the Clockmakers' Company in 1751; he worked in Clerkenwell, London, up until 1811.The clockmaking firm Thwaites and Reed can be traced back to 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. His son, John, was born in 1757 and took over the business presumably on the death of Ainsworth in 1780 before moving to Bowling Green Lane. He entered into partnership with Jeremiah Reed in 1808 and the firm subsequently 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 interesting in that the present movement is signed for James Drury but is fitted to a dial signed for Thwaites and Reed (with the painted signature appearing original). Evidence to the rear of the metal dial plate indicates that dial feet for a smaller movement were originally fitted prior to the present arrangement, however, there is no evidence of any other winding holes being drilled through the plate. This would suggest that a decision was made to use the present movement prior to the completion of the timepiece with a smaller, probably single train, movement. If this is the case it may be appropriate to speculate that the present mechanism may have been acquired by Thwaites and Reed on the cessation of James Drury's business in 1811, and was subsequently 'repurposed' for the present lot. The current clock is also unusual in having the facility for a second dial to be driven form the movement (via the hour-yoke to the backplate). This suggests that it was a one-off commission destined for a semi-public environment where a second dial (possibly on the other side of the wall on which the clock was hung) was required.
A MAHOGANY AND BRASS SEDAN TIMEPIECEUNSIGNED, THE DIAL AND CASE EARLY 19th CENTURY, WITH LATER SWISS EIGHT-DAY MOVEMENTThe frosted nickel finish three-quarter plate movement with lever escapement regulated by sprung split bimetallic balance, with push-on brass cover stamped 226795 incorporating shuttered regulation adjustment aperture and with knurled hand setting and winding knobs, the inside of the case applied with an ivorine trade label COUSENS, 61 George St., Portman Sqr., LONDON, now fitted to a 4 inch convex white enamel Roman numeral dial with blued steel spade hands, set behind cavetto moulded hinged convex-glazed cast brass bezel applied to a cavetto moulded wooden surround bound with brass to the circumference, the rear with circular hinged brass cover secured with a pivoted enclosing applied with an ivorine trade label COUSENS, 61 George St., Portman Sqr., LONDON to the interior beneath a shield-shaped hanging loop; with a small French gilt brass wall timepiece, unsigned, circa 1900, with eight-day movement incorporating replaced platform lever escapement regulated by sprung monometallic balance applied to the backplate stamped 12204 over MADE IN FRANCE, the 2.25 inch circular convex white enamel dial with vertical Arabic hour numerals within a floral festoon decorated band, with fine rococo scroll cast gilt hands set behind hinged laurel cast convex glazed gilt brass bezel, the circular case of deep bead-bordered cavetto form applied with mounts cast as tied laurel sprays with the upper incorporating a ribbon bow beneath further laurel hanging loop, (2).The sedan timepiece 15cm (6ins) diameter, 5.5cm (2.25ins) deep; the gilt timepiece 16.5cm (6.5ins) high, 11cm (4.25ins) diameter, 5.5cm (2.25ins) deep. Although no specific records are noted in the usual sources Cousens were a fairly prolific firm of clockmakers active during the latter half of the 19th century. It is most likely that they were responsible for converting the present sedan timepiece from the usual short duration watch-type movement to the present eight-day configuration. Condition Report: The movement of the sedan timepiece is in good clean working condition. The dial appears free form visible damage but has proably been restored to a very high standard. The case is in fine condition with only minor oxidation to the brass evident. The French timepiece is in working condition however the escapement platform is a replacement and the mechanism is a little dull/oxidised so may benefit from a gentle clean/service. The dial is missing a tiny 'dot' of gilding between the 5 and the 6 numerals and has some very slight surface scratching otherwise appears free from visible faults. The case is in very good original condition with some slight oxidation and rubbing to the gilding only.Both timepieces are complete with winding keys. Condition Report Disclaimer
A QUEEN ANNE WALNUT EIGHT-DAY LONGCASE CLOCKGEORGE WENTWORTH, OXFORD, CIRCA 1715The four finned pillar rack and bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by seconds pendulum, the 12 inch square brass dial with calendar dial and subsidiary seconds dial to the matted centre, within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with fleur-de-lys half hour markers, Arabic five minutes beyond the outer minute track and signed George Wentworth, Oxon, to lower margin, with scroll-pierced blued steel hands and female mask and scroll cast spandrels within a herringbone engraved outer border, the case with ogee moulded cornice and plain frieze over glazed dial aperture to the hinged front applied with three-quarter columns to the front angles, the sides with rectangular glazed apertures and conforming quarter columns set against bargeboards at the rear continuing up past the frieze to meet the underside of the cornice, the trunk with concave throat moulding over 42 inch rectangular quarter-veneered door with herringbone banded border and caddy edge moulding, the rectangular plinth base with cavetto upper moulding over herringbone bordered book-match veneered panel within crossbanded surround, on cross-grain moulded skirt.223.5cm (88ins) high, 52cm (20.5ins) wide, 28cm (11ins) deep. George Wentworth of Oxford is recorded in Loomes, Brian Clockmakers of Britain 1286-1700 as baptised at St. Thomas's in Salisbury in 1690 the youngest son of the well-known Salisbury clockmaker Thomas Wentworth senior. He was apprenticed through the Clockmakers' Company to John Knibb of Oxford in 1706 gaining his freedom the same year he married in Dinah Mose 1713. In addition to being a clockmaker George Wentworth was also a goldsmith who served as constable for a year in 1715, then Councillor in 1719 and Mayor's Chamberlain in 1727. In 1730 he repaired the Christ Church Cathedral clock and purchased a property there in 1738. He was appointed senior Bailiff that year and was the Fairmaster from 1740-43. He died in 1746/7. Condition Report: Movement is in relatively clean working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. There is some historic rebushing and light hammering around one of the movement pillar fixing points on the backplate, and a gentle clean/service is advised if intending to put into long term service. The dial is in fine condition with only slight oxidation to the silvering; hands appear original and undamaged. The movement rests on what appears to the original seatboard at the correct level in the case with no visible evidence of adjustments to the cheek uprights of the case. With this in mind we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are original to the case. The case is generally in good original condition. The slips applied to the rear of the quarter columns of the hood are later additions and there is some slight bowing to the sides and movement to the trunk door surround. The left-hand hood glass is broken. Faults to the case are otherwise limited to historic scuffing, shrinkage and a few localised veneer repairs and some variance within the colour (most noticeably towards the lower part of the base).Clock is complete with pendulum, two weights, case key and winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
A GEORGE III BRASS MOUNTED EBONISED TRIPLE-PAD TOP TABLE/BRACKET CLOCK THE DIAL SIGNED FOR FRANCIS SHUTTLEWORTH, SALISBURY, CIRCA 1780-85The five pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with trip-hour repeat and anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum, the backplate engraved with delicate symmetrical foliate scrolls around a central floral spray, the frontplate stamped BEST over serial number 1054, the 7 inch brass break-arch dial with crescent-sector shaped recessed silver plate engraved Fra's Shuttleworth to the matted centre, within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes beyond the outer minute track, with pierced steel hands and rococo cast spandrels to angles beneath arch with subsidiary Strike/Silent selection dial flanked by conforming mounts, the triple-pad top break-arch case with hinged brass carrying handle to the brass fillet-bordered central top panel over generous ogee and cavetto arch mouldings, and hinged front door inset with conforming brass fillet surround to the glazed aperture and with brass mouldings to front angles, the sides with break-arch windows and the rear matching the front but without the brass fillet moulding to the aperture, on cavetto moulded skirt base fitted with ogee-shaped cast bracket feet.40cm (15.75ins) high with handle down, 28cm (11ins) wide, 19cm (7.5ins deep). Francis Shuttleworth is recorded in Snell, Michael Clocks & Clockmakers of Salisbury as taking-on part of the business of the late James Bradford in 1773. Shuttleworth apparently trained in London and by 1774 worked from an address on Blue Boar Row. In July 1776 he advertised a raffle for an organ clock and married Sarah Williams the following year. In July 1772 Francis Shuttleworth announced his retirement announcing former apprentice, Thomas Fitz as worthy of taking on his work. However, in 1797 he set-up back in business using Henry King of 'Mrs Davis's Woolen Draper' based in the Market Place as an agent to liaise with clients on his behalf. He then promptly moved to London the following year where he is recorded from 23 Duke Street, Piccadilly he remained until at least 1810. Characteristics within the movement are reminiscent of the work of John Thwaites (later Thwaites and Reed) and the serial number would date it to around 1782 for one of his movements (see Rose, Ronald E. ENGLISH DIAL CLOCKS page 182). It may therefore be that the name 'Best' relates to a journeyman/workman for John Thwaites. Condition Report: Movement has been converted form verge escapement regulated by short bob pendulum to anchor escapement with lenticular bob pendulum. This work has been done with minimal intervention to the plates so there would be next to no evidence of this conversion having taken place if a choice was made to restore it back to its original specification. The movement otherwise survives in its original configuration; it will run and strike however it is dirty/discoloured hence a gentle clean/service/lubrication will be required if intending to put the clock into service. The dial is in good original condition however it generally has dirty/tarnished patination. The case is generally in fine original unrestored condition. The apex of the top has a slight shrinkage crack to the leading edge and the top pad has wear to the veneer overlap nearby; the same pad has a veneer chip to the rear left hand corner. The mask around the dial (behind the front door) has a loss to the veneer overlap to the left-hand side and a section coming loose along the lower edge. The rear door has a small veneer loss bordering the glass to the left-hand edge of the arch and the keyhole is worn. Otherwise faults to the case are limited to rubbing, wear, slight shrinkage and relatively minor bumps and scuffs. The surface is generally worn and faded but the case itself is generally in very good original condition.Clock has pendulum, case key and a winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
A REGENCY MAHOGANY FUSEE DROP-DIAL WALL TIMEPIECETHE DIAL SIGNED FOR THOMAS PACE, LONDON, CIRCA 1820The four pillar single fusee movement with tapered plates and anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum, the 12 inch circular convex white painted Roman numeral dial signed THO'S PACE, LONDON to centre and with steel spade hands set within a hinged convex glazed cast brass caddy moulded bezel applied to a conforming caddy moulded wooden surround, secured via pegs to a rectangular rear case with door to right hand side over figured mahogany veneered drop-trunk with rectangular pendulum access flap to the curved underside (glass lacking). 36cm (14.25ins) wide, 44cm (17.25ins) high, 16.5cm (6.5ins) deep. Thomas Pace is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working in Whitechapel, London 1784-1825. Condition Report: Movement is complete with no visible evidence of alteration however is a little dirty/neglected. The mainspring barrel cap has popped-off the barrel but is present - this should be straightforward to re-attach, movement otherwise is essentially in working condition. The movement is fitted to the back of the dial via a falseplate, the holes for pinning the feet applied to the rear of the dial to the falseplate appear a little large which may cause some to believe that the movement may not be original to the dial; however, as both fit perfectly well together, we are inclined to give it the benefit of the doubt (ie. are of the belief that the movement is most likely original to the dial but probably not the case). The dial retains nice old surface with overall light crazing. The bezel is lacking its glass and has been re-attached with visible solder at the junction with the hinge. The wooden surround has a shrinkage crack at three o'clock otherwise is in fine condition. The rear has a veneer patch repair to the curved underside between the front edge and the door. The top has a sound fret fitted and the inside of the trunk has a small notch cut to the upper left hand side - these details would suggest that the case was originally intended to be fitted with a striking (two train) movement. Case is otherwise in good original condition with only minor age-related shrinkage and blemishes.Timepiece has a pendulum and case key but no winder. Condition Report Disclaimer

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