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ID #SA1017281
FOR SALE
£2,250
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A Strut Clock in the Manner of Thomas Cole by Howell, James & Co.
Chalfont Clocks
for sale €2,633     $2,858
£2,250

Chalfont Clocks

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A Strut Clock in the Manner of Thomas Cole by Howell, James & Co.

19th century
For Sale by Chalfont Clocks
Description

This beautiful desk timepiece is a rare strut clock, in the form of a gilded scallop shell, with an engine turned silvered roman dial set behind a bevelled glass with distinctive fleur de lis hands. The the fine movement has an excellent lever escapement. Signed on the back Howell, James & Co and numbered 283, we can date this clock to 1860-1870 based on exhibition catalogues.

This clock may well have been a love token or engagement gift, the scallop shell being a symbol of Venus, Goddess of Love, and would make the perfect romantic gift.

The partnership of Howell and James was founded in 1819 by James Howell and Isaac James. Originally silk merchants and retail jewellers, they were based at 5, 7 and 9 Regent Street, London. Isaac James left the partnership in 1838, with James Howell, Henry Gillett, Thomas Stroud and William Sedgwick continuing the business under the name of Howell, James & Co.

Howell, James & Co exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the International Exhibition of 1862 to great fanfare, they exhibited similar strut clocks to this model. Enjoying heightened success, they opened further display rooms at their premises on Regent Street in 1860. In 1884, the remaining partners, Thomas Buxton Morrish, John Gow and Josiah Willey dissolved the business; it became a limited company and their name changed to Howell & James Ltd. The company was finally closed in 1911.

The two Cole brothers, James Ferguson (1798- 1880) and his younger brother Thomas (1800-1864) made an indelible mark on English horology in the 19th century. J.F.Cole has been dubbed 'The English Breguet' because of the exceptional watches and travelling clocks he produced. Thomas was awarded a medal for "excellence of taste and design" in the 1862 London Exhibition, and the leader of the jury, Charles Frodsham wrote "nothing could exceed the beauty of design and good taste of the varied models and general excellence of workmanship." As well as signing his own name, Thomas was happy to supply various high class retailers including Howell, James &Co. Most of Thomas's output was concentrated on his strut timepieces, usually less than 6 or 7 inches in height.

Physical Dimensions
Height
11.5cm (4.53")
Width
12.5cm (4.92")
Depth
12cm (4.72")
Declaration

Chalfont Clocks has dated this Victorian Gilt Strut Clock to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1017281
Dealers Internal Reference
154
Dealers Notes

All of our clocks come with a 2 year guarantee, all of our clocks are overhauled and sympathetically restored, all of our clocks are authentic and supplied in good original condition.

Description
This beautiful desk timepiece is a rare strut clock, in the form of a gilded scallop shell, with an engine turned silvered roman dial set behind a bevelled glass with distinctive fleur de lis hands. The the fine movement has an excellent lever escapement.
“
Signed on the back Howell, James & Co and numbered 283, we can date this clock to 1860-1870 based on exhibition catalogues.
Chalfont Clocks
fig 1. A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals.
fig 1. A Strut Clock in the Manner of Thomas Cole by Howell, James & Co.

This clock may well have been a love token or engagement gift, the scallop shell being a symbol of Venus, Goddess of Love, and would make the perfect romantic gift.

The partnership of Howell and James was founded in 1819 by James Howell and Isaac James. Originally silk merchants and retail jewellers, they were based at 5, 7 and 9 Regent Street, London. Isaac James left the partnership in 1838, with James Howell, Henry Gillett, Thomas Stroud and William Sedgwick continuing the business under the name of Howell, James & Co.

fig 2. A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals.
fig 2. A Strut Clock in the Manner of Thomas Cole by Howell, James & Co.

Howell, James & Co exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the International Exhibition of 1862 to great fanfare, they exhibited similar strut clocks to this model. Enjoying heightened success, they opened further display rooms at their premises on Regent Street in 1860. In 1884, the remaining partners, Thomas Buxton Morrish, John Gow and Josiah Willey dissolved the business; it became a limited company and their name changed to Howell & James Ltd. The company was finally closed in 1911.

fig 3. A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals.
fig 3. A Strut Clock in the Manner of Thomas Cole by Howell, James & Co.

The two Cole brothers, James Ferguson (1798- 1880) and his younger brother Thomas (1800-1864) made an indelible mark on English horology in the 19th century. J.F.Cole has been dubbed 'The English Breguet' because of the exceptional watches and travelling clocks he produced. Thomas was awarded a medal for "excellence of taste and design" in the 1862 London Exhibition, and the leader of the jury, Charles Frodsham wrote "nothing could exceed the beauty of design and good taste of the varied models and general excellence of workmanship." As well as signing his own name, Thomas was happy to supply various high class retailers including Howell, James &Co. Most of Thomas's output was concentrated on his strut timepieces, usually less than 6 or 7 inches in height.

Height
11.5cm (4.53")
Width
12.5cm (4.92")
Depth
12cm (4.72")
Date of Manufacture

Chalfont Clocks has dated this Victorian Gilt Strut Clock to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1017281
Dealers Internal Ref
154
Chalfont Clocks
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2021

Specialists in antique clocks and their restoration.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Chalfont Clocks Profile Page

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A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals.
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Archive I A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals.

A Strut Clock in the Manner of Thomas Cole by Howell, James & Co.

Archive II A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals. View II
Archive III A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals.
Archive V A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals. View V
Archive VI A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals. View VI
Archive VII A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals. View VII
Archive VIII A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals. View VIII
Archive IX A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals. View IX
Archive X A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals. View X
Archive XI A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals. View XI
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Chalfont Clocks
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Little Chalfont
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Chalfont Clocks
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Location: Chalfont Station Road, Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire, HP7 9PN, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/chalfontclocks
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A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals.
A Strut Clock in The Manner of Thomas Cole by Howell, James & Co.
Ref: SA1017281
A Victorian gilt brass strut clock in the form of a scalloped shell with an engine-turned silvered dial and Roman numerals.
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FAQs

A strut clock is a compact portable timepiece fitted with a hinged rear leg or strut mechanism to support it upright on a flat surface. Originating in 19th-century England, the design was popularised by horologists such as Thomas Cole during the Victorian era.

These clocks were predominantly crafted from cast and chased gilt brass or bronze, often featuring silvered dials with engine-turned guilloche patterns, blued steel hands, and precision spring-driven mechanical movements.

Authentic pieces frequently display maker or retailer engravings on the dial or movement plate, serial numbering on the frame, crisp engine turning, high-quality mercury gilding, and a robust rear folding support arm.

A gilt strut clock can be styled as a focal accent on an executive writing desk, integrated into a curated bookshelf display, or positioned atop a marble mantelpiece alongside contemporary art.

Clean the gilded casing gently using a soft, dry microfibre cloth to remove dust, avoiding liquid polishes or chemical cleansers that strip historic gilding. Mechanical movements should be overhauled periodically by a qualified horologist.
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