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![[CLASSIC LITERATURE]. ILLUSTRATED Rackham, Arthur, illustrator, & Evans, C.S. Cinderella, Heinemann, London, 1919, cloth](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e64c5203-1910-4634-a16d-abac0103811c/3a90b9d8-45aa-4ca1-87b4-abb1010b5013/468x382.jpg)
Lot 20
[CLASSIC LITERATURE]. ILLUSTRATED Rackham, Arthur, illustrator, & Evans, C.S. Cinderella, Heinemann, London, 1919, cloth-backed pictorial boards, tissue-guarded tipped-in colour frontispiece, full-page and text silhouette illustrations, quarto (covers rubbed; spine ends frayed; spine with 1.25cm tear; corners rubbed and rounded); Rackham, Arthur, illustrator. The Romance of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, abridged from Malory's Morte d'Arthur by Alfred Pollard, Macmillan, London, 1917, dark slate blue cloth gilt, sixteen paper-protected colour plate illustrations (including frontispiece, as called for), further black and white illustrations, small quarto (upper joint partially torn; hinges tender; spine ends nicked and frayed); Rackham, Arthur, illustrator, and Jones, V.S. Vernon, translator. Aesop's Fables, Heinemann, London, 1912, full blind-stamped yapp reverse leather, top edges gilt, thirteen paper-protected colour plate illustrations (including frontispiece, as called for), further black and white illustrations, small quarto (some foxing); and Rackham, Arthur, illustrator, & Barrie, J.M. Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, Hodder & Stoughton, London, no date, original red cloth gilt, sixteen tissue-guarded tipped-in colour plate illustrations, one page of author's other titles, small quarto (spine faded; endpapers browned), (4).
![[HISTORY] S[andys], G[eorge]. Anglorum Speculum, or the Worthies of England, in Church and State, Alphabetically digested in](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e64c5203-1910-4634-a16d-abac0103811c/f3b64f6e-0993-4d4e-a9d8-abb1010b5904/468x382.jpg)
Lot 30
[HISTORY] S[andys], G[eorge]. Anglorum Speculum, or the Worthies of England, in Church and State, Alphabetically digested into the several Shires and Counties therein contained... also An account of the Commodities and Trade of each Respective County, and the most flourishing Cities and Towns therein, for John Wright, Thomas Passinger and William Thackary, London, 1684, later boards, 4 pp. catalogue of books before table at end, octavo (cloth tape repair to spine; lacking lower board; pagination faulty: without pp.225-368 and 597-738 but with matching catchwords and probably no loss).
![[HISTORY] Malvezzi, Virgilio. Discourses Upon Cornelius Tacitus, written in Italian... , translated into English by Sir Rich](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e64c5203-1910-4634-a16d-abac0103811c/ed44f483-c1af-4d2a-b90a-abb1010b5aef/468x382.jpg)
Lot 32
[HISTORY] Malvezzi, Virgilio. Discourses Upon Cornelius Tacitus, written in Italian... , translated into English by Sir Richard Baker, [circa 1645], full leather, large octavo (lacking all before A Table of the Discourses, including title page; lacking pp.11-12; pp.1-10 detached; worm to inner edges, with small loss of text; pp.177-178 with 8.5cm tear, without loss). Note: This lot is sold with all faults, not subject to return.
![[HISTORY] Plutarch. The Lives of the Noble Grecians & Romains... , translated out of Greeke into French , by James Amiot](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e64c5203-1910-4634-a16d-abac0103811c/1e53afcc-6e20-4262-8350-abb1010b5e82/468x382.jpg)
Lot 36
[HISTORY] Plutarch. The Lives of the Noble Grecians & Romains... , translated out of Greeke into French , by James Amiot... , with the Liues of Hannibal & Scipio African; translated out of Latine into French, by Charles del' Esclvse, and out of French into English, by Sir Thomas North... , hereunto are also added the lives of Epaminondas, of Philip of Macedon, of Dionysius the Elder... , of Augustus Caesar, of Plutarch, and of Seneca... , by George Miller and sold by Robert Allott, London, 1631, full leather, decorative headings and initial letters, tall quarto (previously re-backed; boards detached; final page of Table at end detached).
![[RELIGION & THEOLOGY] Basnage, Jacques. The History of the Jews, from Jesus Christ to the Present Time, containing their](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e64c5203-1910-4634-a16d-abac0103811c/4079694c-3123-4a70-97cb-abb1010b7761/468x382.jpg)
Lot 66
[RELIGION & THEOLOGY] Basnage, Jacques. The History of the Jews, from Jesus Christ to the Present Time, containing their Antiquities, their Religion, their Rites, the Dispersion of the Ten Tribes in the East, and the Persecutions this Nation has suffer'd in the West, being a Supplement and Continuation of the History of Josephus, translated into English by Tho[mas] Taylor, for J. Beavor and B. Lintot et al., London, 1708, full panelled leather, the spine with gilt blocked title label, title page printed in red and black, one table (opposite p.189), one engraved plate illustration (opposite p.195), folio (joints cracked; spine ends, corners and edges worn; spine lacking tailband).
![[TRAVEL]. PARIS, FRANCE Delvau, Alfred. Histoire Anecdotique des Cafes & Cabarets de Paris, Dentu, Libraire de la Societ](https://cdn.globalauctionplatform.com/e64c5203-1910-4634-a16d-abac0103811c/bc154a02-d097-4dd6-a2e6-abb1010b84fa/468x382.jpg)
Lot 82
[TRAVEL]. PARIS, FRANCE Delvau, Alfred. Histoire Anecdotique des Cafes & Cabarets de Paris, Dentu, Libraire de la Societe des Gens de Lettres, Paris, 1862, full mid brown morocco leather gilt by Charles de Samblanx, the spine in compartments, inside dentelles, the lower border of the front pastedown blocked with the binder's name and dated 1918, retaining original paper covers, all edges gilt, French text, frontispiece, six headpiece text illustrations, one tailpiece illustration to table of contents (bound at end), octavo.
Lot 37
KAI KRISTIANSEN FOR VILDBJERG MOBELFABRIK - a Mid-Century Danish teak modernist sewing / coffee table, sliding frieze drawer with integral wicker basket, maker's stamp on underside, length 72cm, height 46cm, Very good original condition, no damage or restoration, drawer sliding correctly, maker's mark slightly worn.
Lot 77
SCANDI-FRANCAIS LUMIERE ET GLASS - a unique Art Deco French blue glass table lamp, on wood stem with chrome base, shade circa 1930s, shade width 34cm, height 45cm Very good overall condition, edge of shade has one small chip along with a couple of tiny internal cracks but hardly noticeable, working order but we recommend having PAT tested before use.
Lot 84
MANNER OF MARIAN ZAWADZKI FOR TILGMANS KERAMIK - a tall Mid-Century Swedish Studio Pottery ceramic table lamp, sgraffito background with villagers, painted monogram on base with blank paper label and model no. 511, height excluding fitting 35cm Very good original condition, no cracks or restoration, body has a few very small surface glazing chips, but hardly noticeable, pre-drilled base for wires, currently not wired.
Lot 85
SCANDI-FRANCAIS LUMIERE ET GLASS - a unique French sand glass Coolie Hat table lamp, on wood stem with chrome base, shade circa 1950s, shade width 35cm, height 35cm Good original condition, shade has numerous small chips to the rim but only really noticeable if looking closely, otherwise no condition issues, working order but we recommend having the item PAT tested before use.
Lot 105
A Polish gilt and silvered brass hexagonal horizontal table clockJohannes Christian Logan, Thorn, first half of the 18th centuryThe hexagonal six baluster pillar movement with fusee for the going train regulated by sprung three-arm monometallic balance and standing barrel for the rack hour striking train sounding on a bell mounted within the baseplate and with trip-hour pull repeat, the backplate with lattice pierced and foliate cast balance bridge beside regulation dial to centre within herringbone engraved border and signed Johan Chr. Logan. Thorn, to space between, the 3.25 inch wide hexagonal gilt brass dial incorporating banner panels signed J. Ch Logan, Thorn the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes to outer track, with blued steel arrow hands and foliate engraved infill to the apex of each corner, the case with moulded dial surround incorporating sculpted lobes at the angles over raised rectangular glazed silvered panels to sides with stepped ogee moulding to lower edge, on three cast silvered brass winged cherub mask paw feet around a hinged base panel fitted with hour bell to centre, 11cm (4.25ins) wide. Although the maker of the current lot appears not to be recorded in the usual sources it is most likely that it was made in the Northern Polish town of Torun by an immigrant German maker, hence the clock was signed with a German interpretation of the town's name. The movement of the current lot is particularly well finished for a clock of this type and has survived in good original condition. Condition Report: Movement appears complete and fundamentally original with no evidence of alteration or significant replacements. The contrate wheel appears to have had repairs to the teeth requiring it to be removed and re-applied to its arbor with a new collet (the wheel now is in operational condition). The pallet arbor top pivot (which engages in a hole in the backcock/bridge) has lost its tip hence balance arbor is now loose at the top and will not beat. Going train is therefore not running. The strike train is in working condition.The dial is a little rubbed and discoloured but otherwise is undamaged; the hands are probably replacements. The case is generally in similar good original condition retaining original gilt and silvered finishes with faults limited to an old solder repair to the angle between the glazed side apertures at XI and a loss to the wing tip of one of the feet castings. The movement securing screws are also lacking. Clock has a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 106
The remnants of a fine and rare German Renaissance small gilt brass steel-framed table clockInitialled D.M. and D. H., third quarter of the 16th centuryThe posted movement lacking all wheelwork but retaining front and back pivot plates (the centre lacking), set between steel top and bottom plates with square section uprights incorporating finely worked capitals and bases to angles, the dial plate engraved with winged cherub mask upper spandrel ornaments above vacant section for the hour and alarm dials (lacking) and dial for age of the moon over scene engraved after Heinrich Aldegrever with the creation of Eve and the angles applied with fine crisply chiselled fluted square pilaster uprights incorporating integral plinths and moulded capitals, the right hand side with panel engraved with armorial crest within a laurel wreath for a German aristocratic family over scene of the temptation of Adam and Eve, the left hand side with sacred Hebrew YHVH text for God over a temple with architectural alcove flanked by a column surmounted by a putto opposing an obelisk incorporating the initials DM to base, the lower margin with Ouroborus snake flanked by the initials D and H over scroll-crested panel engraved SVMM SALVS PVRO, VENERARI PECTORE, MEN HO CHRISTVM . ET GERNORE., BONVM ERE INCOLVMINO, the rear further engraved after Aldergrever with Adam and Eve toiling over hour strike dial and scene of the expulsion from paradise and with further conforming pilasters to angles, the gilt brass case top plate applied with vase finials to angles around a curved bellstand with conforming surmount, on stepped baseplate with moulded bun feet, (probably originally constructed with fixed spring-barrel drive), 14.5cm (5.75ins) high. Provenance: Sold at Sotheby's, London, 22nd May 1967 (lot 124) for £420 hammer.The exterior of the current lot incorporates four engraved scenes based on versions selected from a series of six entitled 'The Story of Adam and Eve' executed in around 1645 by Heinrich Aldegrever (German, in born Paderborn circa 1502, worked in Soest from circa 1525 until 1558/61). The quality of the engraving is particularly fine, this coupled with the very detailed crisp rendering of the corner columns and the overall architectonic structure of the clock is reminiscent of clocks made in Strasbourg (see Cardinal, Catherine and Vingtain, Dominique TRESORS d'HORLOGERIE page 68) or perhaps Innsbruck. Although it would appear that the current lot was weight-driven prior to the removal of the wheel trains it is most likely that it was originally constructed with direct spring (non-fusee) drive perhaps fixed 'standing' barrels and possibly with stackfreed to the going train. When sold at Sotheby's in 1967 the movement was largely intact although converted to pendulum regulation and with a later silver chapter ring. It would appear that the clock has subsequently been dismantled for restoration, possibly with the intention to restore to spring drive, but for some reason the work has not been completed and the trains regrettably lost. The clock does however present as an extremely interesting example with very fine engraving and as of yet unidentified 'noble' provenance hence would warrant reinstatement of the trains or could be appreciated as is for its significant academic and decorative qualities.
Lot 107
The remnants of a rare German Renaissance small gilt brass steel-framed weight-driven chamber clockUnsigned, early 17th century The posted movement lacking all wheelwork except hour wheel and balance but retaining pivot plates (the centre gilt brass), strike-work detents and vertical hammer arbor set between steel top and bottom plates with square section uprights, the rectangular dial with starburst engraved centre and sculpted steel hand within silvered Roman numeral chapter ring beneath grotesque eagle mask and foliate scroll engraved infill centred with a naked female term over winged cherub-head and scroll decoration to lower margin, the sides with side doors centred with an open arch (formerly glazed) within architectural engraved surround decorated with winged cherub mask centred fruiting foliage to arch over Solomonic pilaster uprights and stylised tiled floor, the top with oval and C-scroll pierced and engraved 'strapwork' gallery frets flanked by ovoid spire finials set on rectangular plinths to front and sides around an arched steel bellstand surmounted by a matching finial applied to the upper brass top panel enclosing balance beneath, on repeating foliate motif engraved canted skirt base with toupe feet, 24cm (9.5ins) high; with a copy of Maurice, Klaus and Mayr, Otto THE CLOCKWORK UNIVERSE German Clocks and Automata 1550-1650 Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC 1980, dj, (2). The current lot is particularly interesting in that it was made as a weight-driven chamber clock rather than a spring table clock. Whilst the overall form resembles that of a table clock, complete with arched side panels reminiscent of Nuremburg and Augsburg table clocks of the late 16th century, some of the detailing, such as the sunburst-centred narrow silvered chapter ring and the pierced frets, are more akin to chamber clocks made in Northern Europe. Indeed the frets appear to be of a form often seen in English Elizabethan and Jacobean architecture as exemplified by an over-door ornament at Aston Hall, Birmingham, illustrated in Cooper, Nicholas THE JACOBEAN COUNTRY HOUSE on page 69.Although the current lot has lost its wheel-work it is still and interesting example which would certainly warrant reinstatement of the mechanism or could just be appreciated as is for its academic and decorative qualities.Condition Report: As catalogued all wheelwork except for the hour wheel and balance wheel (later restoration) are missing. The bell, back panel, one packing sleeve (for upright between movement top plate and case top panel) and three of the case top securing nuts are also missing as well as two from the underside. Otherwise all appears present including the strike detents and hammer arbor (no hammer). The parts of the mechanism that are present appear to have survived without substantial alteration/butchering with evidence of conversion to pendulum escapement swinging at the rear being minimal.The case elements have been re-gilded but are otherwise are intact and in good condition. The chapter ring appears original, the hand is a replacement.Interestingly the front movement bar is inscribed 'FG', however we believe these initials to be much later than the movement of the clock. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 108
A rare Danish Renaissance gilt brass steel-framed table clock Daniel Kersten, Odense, late 16th century The posted movement now with back-wound fusee, flanged spring barrel and verge escapement regulated by sprung three-arm brass balance to the going train, the strike train of single-arbor warnless type with nag's head lifting, gilt foliate scroll band engraved decoration to the standing barrel, steel great wheel, hammer wheel, countwheel and fly pivoted within gilt brass movement plates set between brass top and bottom plates with square section steel uprights, the dial plate with fine stylised foliate scroll engraved centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with tied asterisk half hour markers, with floral sprays to upper spandrel areas over conforming scrolling to lower section incorporating blanked winding hole labelled GA WERK over signature DANEL KERSTEN y ODENSE to lower margin, the angles with fluted three-quarter Corinthian columns over plinths applied with grotesque masks and the sides engraved with standing female figures emblematic of Charity and Justice, the rear engraved with hour-strike dial within further scrolling flowering foliage and with one of the winding holes labelled SCHA WERK towards the lower margin, the brass case top plate concealing the balance and mounted with the hour bell beneath rococo scroll band decorated domed cover with leafy knop and attachment lugs over each corner, on spread ogee moulded base engraved with repeating leaf decoration over small disc feet, (strike train lacking overlift and locking wheels, the going train with early conversion to fusee), 21.5cm (8.5ins) high. Daniel Kersten of Odense appears not to be recorded however the form and construction of the current lot appears very closely related to Germanic work. It is perhaps worth noting that Odense is only a relatively short Baltic boat journey from the important Hansiatic Port of Lubeck, which through its strategic importance, had become one of most sophisticated Renaissance cities in Northern Europe during the 14th-16th centuries. This proximity naturally assisted passage of the latest skills and knowledge into the wealthy Danish Kingdom (despite their unrelenting rivalry with their Baltic neighbours). This included the clockmaking trade with makers conversant in the latest technology and designs becoming established in major regional capitals of the Danish provinces as well as Copenhagen itself. Danish table clocks dating from the 16th century are particularly rare although other known examples include a stunning complex astronomical table clock by Steffen Brenner, Copenhagen, dated 1558 is illustrated in Maurice, Klaus and Mayr, Otto THE CLOCKWORK UNIVERSE German Clocks and Automata 1550-1650 on pages 216-17; and a quarter-striking example by Jorgen Eckler (ex. Rothschild collection at Mentmore Towers) which was sold at Sotheby's New York sale of MASTERPIECES FROM THE TIME MUSEUM, PART FOUR, VOLUME I 13th October 2004, lot 510. The combined use of steel and brass in the movement of the present clock would most likely date it to the last quarter of the 16th century as by around 1600 steel was generally as only used for pinions, arbors and detents. The engraved panels depicting Justice and Charity appears are very much in the style of mid 16th century German engravers such as Hans Sebald Beham (c. 1500-50) and Virgil Solis (1514-62) although they do not appear to directly follow designs by any of the better known engravers. The pleasing scrolling foliate decoration to the dial, back panel and strike barrel is notable in that it departs from the more structured strapwork designs seen on most other Germanic examples of the period suggesting that the decoration could be more reflective of the clocks regional Danish origins. Although the clock has seen some relatively early updating work to the mechanism (conversion to fusee drive and sprung balance to the going train) it has never been adapted to pendulum regulation and enough of the original movement survives for accurate restoration to be undertaken if desired. Condition Report: As catalogued the going train has been updated by replacing the original standing barrel with a fusee which is wound from the rear (necessitating an additional hole to be drilled into the backplate). The going train weelwork is contemporary with the fusee conversion as is the present sprung balance. The going train is basically intact and will no doubt run after a gentle clean and once escapement has been adjusted. The original hour wheel and strike lifting are present on the front of the movement (hand is missing). The strike train is missing the second and thrird wheels out of the train however barrel, hour hammer wheel, fly and all detents are present and appear original. The countwheel to the rear of the movement appears to be a replacement. The winding hole to the dial has been plugged with a ring-turned 'button' otherwise dial is in good condition and appears original (with the exception of the gilding which is probably later). The side panels are in good condition and of fairly heavy construction with faults limited to very slight casting cracks visible to the rear of one plate. The rear panel has an additional hole drilled for the fusee winding square and another small hole (probably to allow access for tripping of the hour strike) otherwise is in good condition. The frame of the movement is in good condition with significant traces of original gilding. The top plate shows no signs of the clock ever being converted to pendulum regulation. The base of the clock is intact but all corners have had their tips filed back and the front right hand is a little bent. The screws holding the two plates of the base together are later additions and there is one missing. The top panel of the case is original and in good condition, the domed bell cover is later (probably contemporary with fusee conversion) but is undamaged. Generally the case is lacking some screws and securing pins causing the elements to be a bit loose which no doubt can be easily addressed. Clock has a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 164
A George III brass mounted mahogany table clockThe dial signed for John Chance, Chepstow, circa 1800The five pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with half deadbeat escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum, with trip-hour repeat and geometric border engraved backplate, the 8 inch single-sheet silvered brass Roman numeral break-arch dial with subsidiary calendar dial and inscribed Joh'n Chance, Chepstow to centre, with delicate pierced blued steel hands and subsidiary STRIKE/SILENT selection dial to arch, the break-arch case with hinged brass carrying handle to the single brass-edged pad to top over conforming brass fillet inset glazed aperture to front door and rectangular brass fish scale sound frets to sides, the rear with break-arch glazed door set within the frame of the case, on cavetto moulded skirt base with brass ogee bracket feet, 43cm (17ins) high excluding handle. The dial of the current lot is inscribed for John Chance who is recorded in Loomes, Brian Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, Volume 2 as working in Chepstow circa 1760-91.Condition Report: The movement appears essentially complete and original and is in relatively clean condition however the centre-wheel arbor is broken (snapped) at the pinion end hence will require a new centre arbor with pinion to be made before clock will run. The strike train is operational. The dial is a little dull/tarnished in appearance otherwise appears free from noticeable faults. The movement and dial appears original to the case and the case is in fine condition and of good colour exhibiting minor shrinkage to mouldings and veneers, and light historic bumps, scuffs and other minor blemishes commensurate with age.Clock has winder and a case key. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 166
Y A rare North Italian padouk wood 'night and day' table timepiece with silent-pull quarter-repeatUnsigned, mid 18th centuryThe rectangular back-wound movement with four baluster turned pillars pinned through the backplate, with spring barrel and verge escapement regulated by short pendulum cranked to clear the winding square to the four-wheel going train and the silent-pull quarter-repeating train of early Knibb type sounding the hours and quarters on demand only via twin hammers, the frontplate with motionwork behind iron falseplate fitted with three radial arms for mounting the dial around the separate disc centre now fixed and pierced with an fleur-de-lys shaped pointer within pierced Roman numeral chapters to the 8.75 inch square dial plate, the front with matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised sword-hilt half hour markers and five minutes to outer track, with pierced steel hands and fine foliate scroll cast gilt brass spandrels to angles, the gilt brass mounted padouk case with hinged carrying handle to the domed caddy flanked by pedestals surmounted with urn finials to the front over crisp cornice mouldings and foliate scroll cast and pierced mount to frieze, the square hinged glazed dial aperture applied with urn-cast mounts to upper rail, the sides with conforming frieze mounts over blind panels, the rear finished flush with simple door cut with a circular aperture now blanked-off with fabric covered panel, on cavetto moulded skirt base dressed with rosewood to lower edge, 52cm (20.5ins) high excluding handle. Although unsigned the present clock, in particular the case, can be compared to a hour-striking clock with alarm in a 'mulberry' (lampblack stained burr field maple) veneered case by Antonia Fenici of Modena illustrated in Brusa, Giuseppe La misura del tempo, L'antico splendore dell'orlogora italiana dal XV al XVIII secolo on page 546. The Fenici clock shares strong similarities with the case of the current lot in particular both have the same handle casting and double-skirt arrangement at the base. Another related clock, this time a silent-pull quarter repeating timepiece with alarm, was offered at Hampel Auctions, Munich in their auction of CLOCKS AND WATCHES held on Wednesday 7th December 2016 (lot 975). This second comparable is notable in having strong detail similarities in the movement including the back cock casting and pillars as well as the same pattern of spandrel ornaments to the dial. The design of 'silent-pull' repeat mechanism used in the current lot is of the earliest type which is believed to have been invented in around 1676 by Edward Barlow and/or Daniel Quare which, in practice, seems to have been first put to use by Joseph Knibb (see Dawson, Percy G., Drover, C.B. and Parkes, D.W. Early English Clocks pages 343-4). This mechanism will sound the last hour and quarter on two bells on demand only and is thought to have been devised 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. The invention of pull-quarter repeat mechanisms rendered nigh clocks obsolete hence few were made in England after the mid 1670's however in Italy it seems that they persisted for longer. In addition to having a silent-pull quarter repeat mechanism the present timepiece was originally constructed with a dial which enabled time to be read both during the day and at night. This took the form of a rotating hour disc pierced with an arrow to serve as the hour hand reading against a fixed chapter Roman numerals pierced in the dial plate. It is possible that the current minute hand is original hence would allow the time to be read in tandem with the hour pointer during the day and by the hour pointer against the pierced chapter ring at night facilitated by lighting the clock from the rear by placing a light source beyond the circular aperture to the back door.What is particularly unusual with the current timepiece is that it is also provided with a silent-pull quarter-repeat mechanism which essentially acts as an alternative to a 'night dial' hence would seem to render the provision of latter redundant. The only logical reason why both systems for the telling of time at night were provided was to enable the clock to be used either within easy access or out of reach of an individual sleeping in a larger bed chamber of an Italian Palazzo. Although the dial has been modified with the provision of a silvered chapter ring and fixing the central disc to allow the hour to be indicated via the traditional arrangement of an hour hand, all of the original elements appear to survive hence it would seem that the clock could be restored back to its original configuration without having to resort to conjectural reconstruction.
Lot 170A
Y A fine and rare George II miniature ebony table clockHenry Fish, London, mid 18th centuryThe six pillar twin chain fusee bell-striking movement now with anchor escapement regulated by disc-bob pendulum incorporating rise/fall regulation beam to suspension, the backplate finely engraved with asymmetric foliate rococo scrolls, the 4 inch gilt brass break-arch dial with blanked-off false-bob aperture to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes to outer track, with scroll pierced steel hands and unusual gilt palmette and scroll cast spandrels to angles beneath arch centred with shaped recessed silvered plate signed Henry Fish, LONDON flanked by subsidiary STRIKE/SILENT selection and regulation dials with calendar aperture to lower margin between, the ebony veneered break-arch case with hinged brass carrying over generous single curved ogee-moulded raised pad to top, cavetto cornice and raised mouldings bordering the glazed dial aperture to the front door, the sides with conforming concave topped windows and the rear with full-width break-arch glazed door, on cavetto moulded skirt base with squab feet, (formerly with quarter-repeat work), 23cm (9ins) tall excluding handle. Henry Fish senior is recorded in Loomes, Brian Clockmakers of Britain 1286-1700 as working in London when he took his son (of the same) name as an apprentice in 1709. Henry Fish junior is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working from (4 Sweetings Alley) Royal Exchange, London, 1736-74. Miniature table clocks are particularly scarce and are generally defined as being less than 12 inches in height for a break-arch dialled example. The current lot measures only 9 inches high excluding the handle.Condition Report: As catalogued the movement has been converted from verge escapement to anchor escapement hence the current third and escape wheels are replacements. The pivoted rise/fall regulation assembly is almost certainly a 19th century replacement of different design to the original, the backcock is also 19th century as is the pendulum holdfast. Again as catalogued the pull-quarter repeat mechanism that was originally fitted to the clock has been removed. The redundant holes have been filled however these are reasonably visible due to engraving to the backplate being interrupted and the brass being of different colour. Movement in its current state is clean and fully operational including the strike/silent and calendar functions and employs chains for the fusees. The dial appears to be in good original condition retaining strong gilding to the plate and spandrels, although the hands may be replacements and the pendulum false bob aperture has been blanked-off using apparently the original engraved backing plate. The silvering has some patchy oxidation.The case is generally intact and structurally sound but in dirty/neglected condition. The interior has cut-outs to the lower rear corners of the sides to allow for pendulum swing (maybe original -such details are often seen on miniature clocks) and is fitted with the original seatboard. The rear section of the baseboard has had a slot cut to allow for the current pendulum which has been blanked-off with a thin slip of timber to the underside. The front has a small loss to the arch cornice moulding and there are some shrinkage cracks to the curvature of the top around the pad which appears free from noticeable shrinkage. The rear of the case is finished flat/flush and some losses to the ebony veneers to the rear of the top mouldings and to the rear of the lower right base moulding. The rear door glass has a small chip to the upper left hand corner.Clock has pendulum, case key and winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 171
A fine George III green japanned table clock with pull-quarter repeat on six bellsMarmaduke Storr, London, circa 1760The six pillar twin fusee movement with verge escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum incorporating rise/fall regulation to suspension, with pull-quarter repeat on a graduated nest of six bells and hour strike on a further larger bell , the backplate with fine symmetrical foliate scroll engraved decoration around a central reserve signed Marm: Storr, London, the 8 inch brass break-arch dial with curved false bob over calendar aperture to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes to outer track and signed Marm: Storr, London, to lower edge, with pierced steel hands and rococo scroll 'Indian mask' cast spandrels to angles incorporating offset N S strike/silent selection switch to upper left beneath arch with subsidiary STRIKE/SILENT selection dial flanked by conforming mounts, the green japanned bell-top case with brass carrying handle and generous finials to the superstructure decorated in raised polychrome and gilt with chinoiserie garden landscape panels incorporating boating figures within lattice borders, over cavetto top mouldings and break-arch glazed front door with conforming decoration to surround and scroll pierced frets to upper quadrants, the sides with circular over concave-topped glazed apertures and the rear with further break-arched glazed door set within the frame of the case, on generous cavetto moulded base incorporating bracket feet with shaped apron between, 52cm (21.5ins) high excluding handle. Provenance: The beneficiaries of the estate of a private collector, Wiltshire. Marmaduke Storr is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as an 'eminent' maker working in London 1724-75.The current clock is particularly rare survivor retaining its original decoration untouched and with the movement and dial reflecting the case's originality.Condition Report: Movement is in fine original condition and will run, strike and repeat. There is no visible evidence of alteration or significant replacements including the escapement which appears to be original. Although fully operational the movement would probably benefit from a precautionary gentle clean/service. The dial is in fine original condition with only minor spotting and mellowing to the gilding and silvered finishes; the hands appear original. The movement and dial are original to the case and rest on the original seatboard.The case is in very fine original untouched condition having overall light to moderate wear to the original lacquered surface commensurate with age and careful use. The only notable faults are limited to the rear skirting which has an old repaired break through the cavetto moulded section and the lower portion of the vertical section beneath which is heavily rubbed hence no decoration is visible. Surface generally has very nice mellow patination with age related wear most noticeably to high spots of the more major mouldings only. Case retains original locks and hinges.Clock has a case key and winder and overall is a very fine 'survivor' in lovely country house condition! Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 172
An unusual George II black japanned table clock with Dutertre`s duplex escapement Attributed to Robert Breckenrig, Edinburgh, circa 1725 The five pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with escapement composed of two escape wheels of varying diameter mounted on the same arbor which alternately engage with cranked pallets regulated by a standard verge type short bob pendulum, the backplate finely engraved with a grotesque mask within Ho-Ho bird inhabited foliate scrolls and a narrow ropetwist border, the 7 inch brass break-arch dial with calendar aperture to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring and Indian mask and scroll cast spandrels to angles, the arch now with silvered circular signature boss inscribed Robert, Breckenrigg, EDINBURGH within herringbone border within a herringbone border and flanked by conforming mounts, the inverted bell-top case with foliate cast brass carrying handle above front door with scallop shell and scroll cast brass frets to upper quadrants, the sides with ruby glazed windows above blanked break-arch apertures, the rear with conforming glazed upper quadrants over break-arch aperture, the exterior decorated in raised polychrome and gilt with chinoiserie designs within foliate borders throughout, the cavetto moulded base with later brass bun feet, (the original signature boss bearing re-engraved script Tho. Tompion, LONDINI over erased indistinct traces of original signature is present with the clock), 44cm (17.75ins) high excluding handle. Provenence: Almost certainly the clock described by Thomas Reid of Edinburg in his 18 work A TREATISE ON CLOCK AND WATCH MAKING on page 238. Previously sold in these rooms (unattributed) on Tuesday 22nd February, 2012, lot 251. The escapement in the current lot appears to be an early/contemporary application of the duplex arrangement as designed by the French horologist Jean Babtiste Dutertre (worked 1715-42), and was perhaps conceived as attempt to improve on the tic-tac escapement. The principle benefit is that the wear rate is greatly reduced as the pallets only engage once with each tooth for each rotation rather than twice (once from either side) for the standard tic-tac arrangement. In essence one wheel provides the entry action of a recoil arrangement and the second controls the exit. This division of the function of the escapement between two wheels allows the teeth on each wheel to be of a heavier profile than on the single escape wheel of a tic-tac escapement, further improving reliability and longevity. Dutertre`s design is illustrated in Reid, Thomas A TREATISE ON CLOCK AND WATCH MAKING plate IX/48 and is briefly described on page 238. More importantly on the following page Reid also comments: "It is more than fifty years since we saw a small spring clock having this escapement, made by a very ingenious clock-maker of this place whose name was Robert Breckenrig." When this is considered alongside the overall style, design and layout of the present movement (which is typical of English/British work and can be confidently be dated from the second quarter of the eighteenth century) it would seem highly appropriate to suggest that it is the 'spring clock' to which Reid refers above. This is further supported by the fact that when previously offered in these rooms it had been consigned from a vendor who resided near Loch Ness, Scotland. In light of the above the vendor has gone to the trouble of having a signature boss made and engraved with Breckenrigg's name to replace the previous boss from which then original signature had been erased and replaced with that of Tompion however the earlier boss is also included in the current lot. Overall the current lot has survived in original condition (including the escapement which is unaltered and has always been with the clock) and would appear to have historical significance in the context of Scottish horology and escapement development. Condition Report: Movement appears to be in fine original condition with no evidence of alteration or significant replacements including the escapement which appears to be entirely original. The only notable fault to the movement is a small loss to the upper left hand corner of the front plate (viewed from rear) around the dial foot hole. Although the mechanism appears a little dull/neglected it has been kept in good working condition by the vendor. The dial is in good original condition having nice slightly mellow appearance to the gilt and silvered surfaces. The signature boss in the arch is a replacement; another boss signed for Tompion which was previously fitted to the dial is included with the clock. The case is in good original condition with a pleasing overall mellow/rubbed appearance to the japanned decoration. Faults are very much limited to minor bumps, scuffs and include a small historic veneer patch repair to the rear door escutcheon. Unfortunately front door is locked and we don't have a key, there is a winding key with the clock. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 176
A gilt brass mounted black japanned quarter-chiming table clockUnsigned, circa 1770 and laterThe four pillar triple fusee movement with anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum, chiming the quarters on a graduated nest of eight-bells and sounding the hours on a further larger bell, the backplate engraved with rococo scrolls around a pagoda, with a 7 inch brass break-arch dial with matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring, with pierced blued steel hands and rococo scroll cast spandrels to angles beneath subsidiary Strike/Silent selection dial flanked by conforming mounts to arch, in a bell-top case with hinged brass carrying handle, brass mouldings and ball finials to the gilt chinoiserie decorated ebonised superstructure over cavetto top mouldings and brass fillet inset break-arch glazed front door incorporating scroll cast brass upper quadrant frets and decorated with further chinoiseries infill to the frame, the sides with conforming decoration and with circular over concave-topped brass fishscale sound frets, the rear with break-arch glazed rectangular door set within the frame of the case, on cavetto moulded skirt base with cast brass ogee bracket feet, (movement originally two-train hour striking only), 47cm (18.25ins) high excluding handle. The movement of the current lot was originally made as a two-train hour striking clock but has been cleverly re-worked into a three-train quarter chiming clock with. This work appears to have been executed relatively early in the clocks life (perhaps circa 1830) and it is also most likely that the gilt japanned decoration to the case was added at that time.
Lot 179
A George III mahogany table clockUnsigned, circa 1770The five pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with verge escapement regulated by short bob pendulum and plain backplate, the 7 inch brass break-arch dial with curved false bob over calendar aperture to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes to outer track, with scroll pierced blued steel hands and cast rococo scroll pierced spandrels to angles beneath arch centred with subsidiary STRIKE/SILENT selection dial flanked by conforming mounts, the bell-top case with hinged brass carrying handle and cavetto top mouldings over front door with raised mouldings to the glazed dial aperture and upper quadrant frets, the sides with circular over concave-topped rectangular brass fishscale sound frets and the rear with break-arch glazed rectangular door set within the frame of the case, on cavetto moulded skirt base incorporating shaped apron to lower edge, (lacking nameplate to dial), 47cm (18.5ins) high excluding handle.
Lot 180
A George III brass mounted mahogany quarter-chiming table clock with concentric calendarThe dial signed for James Tregent, London, circa 1775The six pillar triple fusee movement with verge escapement regulated by short bob pendulum, chiming the quarters on a graduated nest of eight-bells and sounding the hours on a further larger bell, the backplate engraved with rococo scrolls around an oval cartouche centred with a rosette beneath a basket of flowers, 8 inch brass break-arch dial inscribed James Tregent, London concentric calendar scale to the silvered centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring, with pierced blued steel hands and rococo scroll cast spandrels to angles beneath subsidiary STRIKE/SILENT selection dial flanked by conforming mounts to arch, the bell-top case with hinged brass carrying handle and pineapple finials to superstructure over cavetto top mouldings and raised border moulded break-arch glazed front door incorporating scroll cast brass upper quadrant frets and repeating rosette cast brass mounts to angles, the sides with circular over concave-topped glazed apertures and the rear with break-arch glazed rectangular door set within the frame of the case, on cavetto moulded skirt base with cast brass ogee bracket feet, 51cm (20ins) high. 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.Condition Report: Movement appears to be complete and essentially all-original with no obvious evidence of alteration or significant replacements. The verge escapement appears to be the original configuration and there is no evidence in the plate to suggest an earlier conversion to anchor. The movement is in working condition however a precautionary service is advised. The dial is in good condition with visible faults limited to repaired minute hand and slight overall mellowing/tarnishing to the silvered areas. The fact that only the dial is signed for James Tregent suggests that the current clock was supplied by another maker for retail by him rather than being made in his own workshops.The movement and dial appears original to the case and the case is in fine condition and of good colour exhibiting minor shrinkage to mouldings and veneers, and light historic bumps, scuffs and other minor blemishes commensurate with age. The mounts are a little rubbed/discoloured in places.Clock is complete with winder and case key. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 181
An unusual salmon pink japanned quarter chiming table clock originally made for the Middle Eastern marketThe dial signed for George Clarke, London, circa 1760 and laterThe substantial six pillar triple chain fusee movement with plates measuring 8 by 7.25 inches, later deadbeat escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum incorporating transverse rise/fall beam regulation to suspension, and now chiming the quarters on a graduated nest of eight bells with eight hammers and striking the hour on an additional larger bell, the symmetrical floral scroll engraved backplate now with external fly for the chiming train and signed George Clarke, Leaden Hall Street, LONDON to a basket of flowers surmounted oval cartouche, the 9 inch brass break-arch dial with curved false bob over calendar aperture to the matted centre within silvered 'Turkish' numeral chapter ring with crescent surmounted fleur-de-lys half hour markers and conforming five minute markers to outer track, with scroll pierced blued steel hands, obliterated mask and scroll spandrels to lower angles and with subsidiary Strike/Not Strike and Chime/Not Chime selection dials to the upper spandrel areas, the arch now with FAST/SLOW regulation sector to the upper margin over recessed shaped plate signed George Clarke, Leaden Hall Street, London and three engraved lunettes to lower edge incorporating blued steel regulation adjustment hand, the bell-top case overall decorated in polychrome and gilt with panels of foliate sprays onto a muted salmon-pink ground with brass vase finials set on plinths to the bell-top superstructure finely painted with floral trails to borders, over cavetto top moulding and front door incorporating glazed dial aperture and fan decorated upper quadrants flanked by canted angles, the sides with hinged brass carrying handles over break-arch windows within conforming borders and the rear with full-width door matching the front, on shallow cavetto moulded base with brass ball feet, (the movement formerly musical with tune selection to dial), 63.5cm (25ins) high. Provenance: The beneficiaries of the estate of a private collector, Wiltshire. George Clarke is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working in London from 1725; the British Museum website records his address as being 'at the Dial and Wheel, over against the Mount in White Chapel, London Leadenhall Street', where it is believed he worked until his death in 1766. George Clarke specialised in making clocks for the Middle-Eastern market in particular lantern clocks and musical clocks. The current lot was almost certainly made as a musical clock with verge escapement and tune selection in the arch of the dial but has been updated (most likely during the mid 19th century) to quarter-chiming with deadbeat escapement incorporating a rise-fall regulation function (replacing the melody selection to the dial). The decoration to the case appears to have survived in fine condition and is unusual in having a salmon pink ground (now appearing light brown due to age). The lack of figural representations in the decoration coupled with the obliterated masks to the dial spandrel ornaments, is typical of clocks made for the Middle-Eastern market which were required to adhere to Islamic principles with regards to the prohibition of figural representations in art.Condition Report: As catalogued the movement has had alterations undertaken. The quarter striking train would have originally been a musical train sounding a choice of melodies. This train from the fusee upwards has been reconfigured to now chime the quarters with one fixed melody. This modification has necessitated approx. 1.5 inch shaped sections of the plates (front and backplate) being cut out and replaced from the top left hand corner. In addition to this there are a few spare holes including a largish hole from the removal of a movement pillar. The going train has been converted from verge escapement to anchor with lenticular bob pendulum and has had rise/fall regulation added to top of the plates above the pallets. The strike train appears to have survived unaltered. The movement is in working order however the strike train sounds three additional blows every hour (hence four times at 1 and fifteen times at 12).The dial has survived in relatively good condition and is clean, however the upper margin would have originally been applied with a banner/sector listing a selection of tunes for selection by the pointer which has been converted to adjust the rise/fall regulation of the pendulum. The selection switches to the upper spandrel areas are operational as are the false bob and calendar functions.The case appears original to the movement and dial and is generally in good original condition retaining its original finish. The mask around the dial has wear and losses to the edges most significantly above the shoulders of the dial. The door locks are missing and the escutcheon holes plugged. The brass bun feet are replacements. Faults otherwise are limited to overall light to moderate wear, crazing/unevenness in places, light srinkage and relatively light localised chipping.Clock has pendulum and a winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 183
An ebonised table timepiece with silent pull quarter repeatThe dial bearing a signature for Henry Rycroft, Liverpool, late 17th century The five finned pillar single fusee movement with verge escapement regulated by short bob pendulum and silent pull quarter repeat on two bells, the asymmetrical scrolling tulip bloom engraved backplate with pendulum holdfast hood, herringbone border and foliate scroll pierced and engraved backcock apron, the 7 inch square brass dial with single winding hole and high-position calendar aperture to the matted centre within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised sword hilt half hour markers, Arabic five minutes within the outer track and engraved Henry Rycroft, Liverpoole fecit to lower margin, with scroll pierced sculpted steel hands and the angles applied with winged cherub head cast spandrels, the case with hinged looped cast brass carrying handle to the caddy surmount and two-tier top mouldings over glazed front door applied with mitred bolection mouldings to frame, the sides with short lozenge over long rectangular scroll-pierced sound frets and the rear with rectangular glazed door set within the frame of the case, on stepped ogee moulded base with block feet, 30.5cm (12ins) high excluding handle. Provenance: The beneficiaries of the estate of a private collector, Wiltshire. 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 closely related to the system used by Joseph Knibb as described and illustrated in Allix, Charles and Harvey, Laurence HOBSON'S CHOICE pages 36-7. Condition Report: Movement is in clean working condition and is presented in its original configuration however the escapement is almost certainly a reconversion to verge from and earlier anchor/recoil conversion -hence the contrate, escapewheel, pallets, backcock and apron are replacements. The reconversion work has been well executed with evidence of any previous recoil escapement being carefully addressed. The repeat-work is complete and appears fundamentally original. The backplate is in in good clean condition with visible faults limited to a small casting fault below the backcock apron. The frontplate has spare holes from repositioning of the bell-stand; the motionwork is complete although the wheel driving the calendar ring is a replacement. The dial is in clean condition. The plate has a casting crack to the lower right hand corner which has been stabilised by riveting a strengthening plate to the rear. The chapter ring is almost certainly a replacement hence we cannot offer any assurance that the engraved signature is that of the maker of the clock. Indeed the presence of linkages for the quarter-repeat hammers and perhaps the style of the engraving to the backplate suggest that the movement may have Dutch origins. The hands may be original although the hour has been repaired at its root. The spandrels appear to be modern casting hence are most likely replacements.The case carcass is mainly constructed from what appears to be ebonised poplar (or similar timber) with oak reserved for the caddy. The exterior is ebonised onto fruitwood veneers. The use of poplar-type timber for the carcass is also indicative of possible Dutch origins for the clock as English examples invariably utilised oak. The baseboard of the case has been replaced -almost certainly due to the original being cut to create room for a larger pendulum required for use with an earlier anchor/recoil escapement conversion. The seatboard is also a replacement (for the same reason) made from ebonised mahogany. The case otherwise is in fine condition having been cosmetically restored. The side frets are well executed restorations but are undamaged, faults are generally very much limited . Timepiece has a winder but no case key(s). Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 185
A rare Charles II eight-day longcase clock movementJohn Fromanteel, London, circa 1675The four finned and latched pillar movement with plates measuring 7.5 by 5 inches, the going train with bolt-and-shutter maintaining power and anchor escapement for regulation by seconds pendulum incorporating long one-piece brass crutch, the strike train with internal countwheel and great wheel positioned forward next to the frontplate and striking on a vertical bell mounted above the plates, with a dial measuring 9.125 by 9.375 inches incorporating calendar aperture and shuttered winding holes to the matted centre within narrow applied laminated brass and silver Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised trident half hour markers and Arabic five minutes within the outer minute track, with pierced sculpted steel hands and fine gilt winged cherub mask spandrels to angles over an engraved signature Johannes Fromanteeel Londini Fecit to lower margin, (no pendulum or weights). The current lot can be closely compared to an eight-day longcase clock with one-and-a-quarter seconds pendulum by John Fromanteel described and illustrated in Garnier, Richard and Carter Jonathan The Golden Age of English Horology -Masterpieces from the Tom Scott COLLECTION on pages 386-87. In particular both movements share the same layout with four pillars and strike greatwheel fitted with countwheel set forward adjacent to the frontplate rather than side-by-side at the rear (presumably to allow the mechanism to be more compact). This configuration is sometimes seen on other clocks by John Fromanteel including a three-in-two quarter striking table clock movement signed 'Johannes Fromanteel..' (formerly at Cassiobury Park) which was sold at Sothebys, London sale of Important Clocks, Wristwatches and Barometers 13th October 1988 (lot 178). In addition to this the pronounced projection of the movement pillars where they pass through the frontplate are mirrored in both the current lot and the example from the Scott collection. The long one-piece brass pendulum crutch is also of a type often used by the Fromanteel workshop as is the single-footed back-cock, although the pendulum suspension block extension has been removed with suspension now from a shaped bracket set above the plates. The illustrious Fromanteel family of clockmakers has its roots with Ahasuerus Fromanteel who was born in Norwich in 1607 and was apprenticed there to Jacques van Barton before moving to London in 1631 where he became a freeman of the Blacksmiths' Company. The following year he was admitted as a Free Brother to the newly formed Clockmakers' Company. Fromanteel initially worked from East Smithfield but by 1640 he had moved to the Parish of St. Mary's Whitechapel and then finally to St. Saviour's, Southwark by 1650. His son John Fromanteel was born in 1638 and was apprenticed to his father in 1654 as were his brothers Abraham in 1662 and Daniel in 1663 (not freed). As part of his apprenticeship John was sent to The Hague to work with Saloman Coster from whom he acquired the knowledge of the first pendulum clocks. Subsequently, in September 1658, Ahasuerus Fromanteel posted his now famous advert in Mercurius Politicus announcing the introduction of the pendulum clock to England. The first of these timepieces appear to have been spring-driven however the longcase clock was subsequently developed/introduced within a year. This sequence of rapid technological advancements can almost entirely be attributed to the Fromanteel workshop leading many to describe Ahasuerus Fromanteel as the 'Father of English clockmaking'. Ahasuerus Fromanteel is believed to have left London in fear of the plague in around 1665, first travelling to Colchester, then onto Amsterdam where he set up in business in 1668. The fact that John Fromanteel took-on apprentices in 1670 (Thomas Crettenden) and 1673 (William Coward) suggests that he remained in London to run the family business during his father's absence. By 1676 Ahasuerus Fromanteel was back in England (presumably leaving the Amsterdam business primarily in the hands of his son, Ahasuerus II). John Fromanteel appears to have split his time between Amsterdam and London until his death in 1689 when his burial at St. Bartholemew's the Less. He was outlived by his father who died in 1692/3 and was buried at St. Mary's Whitechapel on 31st January 1693. Condition Report: The movement presents in its original configuration with no evidence of alteration and is in working condition. The strike train hammer wheel has a different pattern of collet from the others suggesting that the wheel has been reset on its pinion; the fourth wheel is not crossed-out hence is probably a replacement. The bellstand is probably a restoration and the bell itself is modern. The escape wheel and pallets are restorations using the original pivot holes. The maintaining power appears to be a restoration although the main arbor appears to have age. The backplate two spare holes adjacent to the bellstand foot almost certainly for a bracket to secure the movement into a case. The extreme upper right hand corner of the backplate (viewing from the rear) has a tight group of three filled holes, again most likely for a different securing bracket. The pillars and dial feet retain all of their latches with no evidence of being drilled. The bottom movement pillars are filed with slots to the inside edges of the knops for locating the movement onto a seatboard (most likely via corresponding lugs applied to the top of the board. The dial is intact and in relatively clean condition with no evidence of alteration. The chapter ring is constructed from silver laminated onto brass (rather than chemically silvered). The engraving is relatively clear with little evidence of wear and the general feel is such that we cannot rule-out that it is a well-made restoration although there is no direct visible evidence to support this view. The dial plate appears to have genuine age with all fittings to the rear appearing as they should with wear/patination commensurate with the apparent age of the dial. The spandrels are fine quality castings with highly detailed hand finishing and gilt finish. The centre of the plate has slight distortion towards the centre hole and the matting feels relatively sharp hence it would seem that work has been done to strengthen the matting. The calendar aperture however would appear to retain old gilt finish to the chamfered border. The signature is finely executed and exhibits no details which would cause us to doubt it. The hands are reasonably well made replacementsGenerally the movement and dial appears genuine but the appearance of the front of the dial (in particular the relatively 'fresh' feel of the chapter ring and the matting to the centre) will no doubt cause some to perhaps doubt its originality. We are willing to state that we are of the opinion that the dial has age and appears original to the movement but for the reasons stated above cannot offer any categorical assurances/guarantees to this effect. Indeed it is probable that opinion will most likely be divided depending on whether these details are viewed as attempts at honest restoration or evidence of the dial being later purpose made for the movement. Movement does not have pendulum, pulleys, weights or seatboard.The present lot has been consigned by an individual acting on behalf of a widow of an antiquarian horologist. Consequently we do not have any indication of long-term provenance and do not know how it came into his possession although it is believed that it was acquired without a case. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 186
Y A fine and rare small William III ebony table timepiece with silent pull quarter repeatSamuel Watson, London, circa 1695 The five finned pillar single fusee movement with verge escapement regulated by short bob pendulum and silent pull quarter repeat on two bells, the symmetrical foliate scroll engraved backplate signed Samuel Watson, LONDON to a central shaped cartouche beneath conforming rectangular panel backcock apron, the 5.25 inch square brass dial with single winding hole and curved false bob aperture backed with scroll engraved infill to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised sword hilt half hour markers and outer track unusually divided and numbered 0 to 60 twice with the motionwork geared so that the minute hand completes a revolution every two hours, the lower edge with repeat signature Sam. Watson, London, with scroll pierced sculpted steel hands and the angles applied with small winged cherub head cast spandrels, the case with hinged foliate scroll cast gilt carrying handle and fine vase centred foliate decorated repousse mount to the caddy surmount with ball finials to corners above moulded cornice and foliate scroll pierced lozenge sound fret to the upper rail of the front door and the uprights with scroll decorated cast brass escutcheon mounts, the sides with short over long rectangular scroll-pierced sound frets with the latter being glazed and with open panels to centres, the rear with rectangular glazed door set within the frame of the case, on moulded shallow skirt base with block feet, 28cm (11ins) high excluding handle. Samuel Watson was an important clockmaker and mathematician who is recorded in Loomes, Brian Clockmakers of Britain 1286-1700 as initially working in Coventry from around 1680 where he was Sheriff in 1686 before moving to Long Acre ('nest door to the Bagnio in the Parish), London, in around 1691; he was admitted to the Clockmakers' Company as a free Brother in 1692. He was supposedly 'Mathematician ordinary' to Charles II for whom he made an astronomical clock in 1682 followed by another clock which he did not finish until after the King's death. This clock was eventually sold to Queen Mary on its completion in 1690 and is preserved at Windsor Castle albeit in a later case. He also made two further complex astronomical clocks for Isaac Newton and invented five minute repeating for watches. In November 1712 Samuel Watson approached the Clockmaker's Company with an instrument to 'discover the houre of the day at sea and several other useful mathematical matters' but to no avail. 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 closely related to the system used by Joseph Knibb as described and illustrated in Allix, Charles and Harvey, Laurence HOBSON'S CHOICE pages 36-7. The present timepiece belongs to a small series of small table clocks with dials marked for 0-60 twice to minute track as described in Jagger, Cedric ROYAL CLOCKS The British Monarchy and its Timekeepers on page 44 and includes an almost identical example sold in these rooms on 4th September 2012 (lot 220). The reasoning behind the gearing of the motionwork for the minute hand to complete one revolution every two hours is unknown however it is known that Samuel Watson experimented with the development of unusual dial configurations as exemplified by his astronomical clock in the Royal collection and a longcase clock movement and dial configured with concentric lunar calendar functions which was sold at Bonhams, New Bond Street, London sale of Fine Clocks 15th December 2009 (lot 112) for £2,880.The current lot presents as a particularly attractive small timepiece made during the 'Golden Age' of English clockmaking by one of the most interesting and enigmatic makers of the period.Condition Report: Movement is currently presented in its original configuration and is in relatively clean working condition although a precautionary clean and overhaul is advised. The escapement appears to be a re-conversion back to verge with short bob pendulum hence the contrate and escape wheels together with respective potances are restorations. The centre wheel and second wheel also appear to have been re-pinioned. The reconversion work has been executed well with practically no visible evidence in the plates. The repeat work appears to be all-original and unaltered with the exception of the second wheel (driving the fly) which may have been re-pinioned. The frontplate has a few filled holes to the region upper right of the centre (opposite side the repeat work), the purpose of these holes is not obvious and certainly do not suggest that any significant alterations have been done to the movement. The fusee employs a chain rather than a gut line, the rear pivot for the barrel has a pronounced bush visible on the backplate.The dial is in good clean condition with the only noticeable faults being two pairs of threaded holes either side of the false bob aperture backing plate suggesting that the plate may have originally been secured with alternative fixings. The engraving chapter ring is a little rubbed hence 'London' script of the signature is now a little faint. The hands appear original however the minute has been solder repaired.The movement seatboard appears original however the rear edge has been cut away to allow space for a larger pendulum bob from when the clock was converted to anchor escapement. The inside of the lower rail of the rear door has been shaved as has the section of the case below to allow clearance. The baseboard of the case also now has corresponding filled slot towards the rear edge. Case otherwise is in good original condition with the only significant faults being losses to both frets to the left hand side. The veneers show some movement and shrinkage cracking (commensurate with age) and feet are later ebonised replacements. Case retains original locks, hinges and movement securing bolts.Timepiece is complete with a case key and a winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
Lot 187
An important Charles II/James II ebonised eight-day longcase clockEdward East, London, circa 1685The six finned and latched pillar movement with plates measuring 7 by 5 inches enclosing fine delicate wheel-work, the going train with bolt-and-shutter maintaining power and anchor escapement regulated by seconds pendulum and the strike train with internal locking integral with the rim of the and great wheel and striking on a domed bell mounted above the plates, the 10 inch square brass dial with subsidiary seconds dial and scroll border-engraved chamfered calendar aperture to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised sword hilt half hour markers and Arabic five minutes within the outer minute track, with fine pierced and sculpted steel hands and winged cherub head cast spandrels to angles over engraved signature Edwardus East Londini to lower margin, the ebonised case with bold projecting ogee cornice and foliate scroll pierced frieze to the finely moulded entablature over glazed dial aperture flanked by solomonic columns, the sides with rectangular windows and conforming quarter columns each set against bargeboards each rising up to the underside of the cornice projection, the trunk with convex throat over 42 inch rectangular door applied with two long and one short raised panels each bordered with fine architectural mouldings within a half-round moulded surround, the sides also veneered and applied with matching finely moulded panels, the box plinth base with stepped ogee top moulding and raised rectangular outline mouldings to fascia, on bun feet, 191cm (75ins) high. Provenance: Acquired by the vendor approximately thirty years ago from a beneficiary of the estate of Charles Smith who, by repute, was a collector of early English clocks and member of The Antiquarian Horological Society from its founding in 1953. 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. The movement of the current lot is particularly well made with six finned and latched pillars and delicate wheelwork. The backcock is unusual in that the pendulum suspension block is cast separate and drops into a dovetail slot, a detail which is mirrored on the movement of a petite-sonnerie longcase clock illustrated in Darken, Jeff (editor) HOROLOGICAL MASTERWORKS page 129-30 which also shares the same basic casting for the backcock itself. This detail is noteworthy as it facilitates the end-float of the pallet arbor to be checked hence allowing the pivot to run more efficiently. The positioning of the backcock fairly low down in the plates is also mirrored in both the current lot and the petit-sonnerie striking movement and allows for the bracket that secures the movement in the case to be positioned in the centre of the top edge of the backplate - a detail often employed by Edward East. The dial with its scroll border engraving to the calendar aperture can be directly compared to that seen on a month clock previously offered by Ben Wright (www.benwrightclocks.co.uk/clock.php?i=138). The signature across the lower edge of the dial is confidently and finely executed in East's typically florid style.The case is particularly fine in that it is veneered throughout in ebonised pear wood and the quality of the mouldings are equal to those seen on contemporary ebony table clocks. The panelling to the trunk is reminiscent of a series of cases housing particularly fine three-month or Roman striking movements by Joseph Knibb, however differs in that the small raised panels of the latter tend not to be bordered by fine mouldings and are framed within recessed moulded surrounds to the sides (see Darken, Jeff ed. HOROLOGICAL MASTERWORKS page 114). The configuration seen on the present case can perhaps be more closely compared to a case veneered in an unknown exotic wood housing a quarter-chiming movement by John Fromanteel illustrated in Dawson, Percy G.; Drover, C.B. and Parkes, D.W. Early English Clocks on page 246 (Plate 329). Another even more closely related case , this time housing a movement by Edward Bird, is also illustrated in Early English Clocks on page 278 (Fig. 378). Interestingly the signature to the dial of this example (can just be made out in the image) appears to be executed in a similar florid style as that of the current lot.Overall the current lot presents as a fine example Edward East's work housed in a particularly sophisticated case with exceptional detailing.
Lot 189
Y A George I brass mounted ebony table clock with pull-quarter repeat on six bells Robert Markham, London, circa 1720 The five finned pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with verge escapement regulated by short bob pendulum and pull-quarter repeat on a nest of six graduated bells, the backplate engraved with symmetrical foliate scrolls incorporating narcissus blooms around an unusual central figure depicting a Classical warrior waving a union flag pennant over cartouche reserve signed Robert Markham, LONDON, the 8 inch brass break-arch dial with false bob and calendar apertures to the matted centre within applied Roman numeral chapter ring with diamond lozenge half hour markers and Arabic five minutes to outer track, with pierced steel hands and angles applied with female bust and scroll cast spandrels beneath arch centred with herringbone-bordered silvered boss signed Robert Markham, LONDON over switch labelled Silent/Strike and flanked by foliate strapwork cast mounts, the brass mounted ebony veneered inverted bell-top case with hinged carrying handle to the superstructure, brass urn finials and cavetto top mouldings over brass fillet inset glazed dial aperture and conforming foliate scroll upper quadrant frets to front door, the sides with D-ended lozenge over brass fillet-bordered break-arch scroll-pierced sound frets the rear with square brass fillet bordered window beneath arched fret and upper quadrants to a rectangular door set within the frame of the case, on cavetto moulded skirt base, 50cm (19.75ins) high excluding handle. The maker of the current lot was the son of a clockmaker also named Robert Markham. Brian Loomes records (on his website) that Robert Markham senior was born in Buckinghamshire the son of Richard Markham and was a member of the Curriers' Company in London from 1666 and died in 1715 leaving everything to his wife and only son, Robert junior. His bequests included plate and jewels but also any moneys owing from the government or any 'body politick', which implies he had trade with government departments. Robert junior was probably born about 1680 and was made free of the Curriers in 1700 after having served an apprenticeship. He married Catherine Markwick, the daughter of the clockmaker James Markwick senior, before entering into partnership with his brother-in-law also called James. On the death Robert in 1741 bequests were made to his wife, his only son, James, and two unmarried daughters Elizabeth and Anne. These included household goods, 'plate and jewells', but also considerable stocks in Old South Sea Annuities and Million Bank stock. The business appears to have continued under the name 'Markwick Markham' entering into subsequent often short-lived partnerships with makers such as Francis Perigal and Henry Borrell producing timepieces mainly for Export. The current clock is unusual in that it is signed for Markham alone rather than in partnership with Markwick. Details such as the strike/silent switch above the XII numeral, sophisticated engraving to the backplate and design of the case mirrors those seen on contemporary clocks signed by Markwick alone (including a green japanned example in the Victoria and Albert Museum) which confirms that they originate from the same workshop. Condition Report: Movement appears to be in fine original condition with the only noticeable replacement being the backcock which has been replaced to facilitate silk suspension for the pendulum (rather than the pendulum being directly fixed to the pallet arbor). There is no evidence to suggest that the movement was ever converted to anchor escapement -this is further supported by the positioning of one of the movement pillars which would not allow room for an anchor escapement. The movement is running and striking however is a little dirty/neglected hence a clean and overhaul is advised. UPDATE -11/06/2020 -the hour bell is a replacement; the larger two of the quarter bells have been repaired but sound good, all quarter bells appear original. The dial has some tarnishing/discolouration to the finishes and is a little dirty otherwise is in fine original condition. The movement retains its original seatboard which has holes for bolts to secure the mechanism to case via treaded holes in the lower two movement pillars, the bolts are no longer present but all holes line-up properly. The base also has a hole for an alternative route for the repeat line and two others (at the rear left and front corner) -the purpose of these last two is not obvious but the most likely explanation is that were used to locate the clock on a wall bracket at some point (they are definitely not indicative of another movement and dial being fitted to the case at some point). From this evidence we are very confident that the movement and dial are original to the case. The case is generally in fine original condition with noticeable faults limited to some chipping to the veneer overlap of the dial mask (not visible when front door is closed) and a small veneer chip to the front door veneers at the left hand shoulder of the arch. The finials are 20th century replacements and the frets are probably restorations. The veneers have a few historic patch repairs and exhibit light shrinkage and wear in places; the finish would benefit from a polish to 'revive' the surface. Clock has winder but no case key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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