M. C. Taylor has dated this Georgian Ebonised Bracket Clock to the 18th Century.
Also having strike/silent, pull hour and quarter repeating on a nest of a further 6 bells and calendar datework. The substantial backplate, backcock, apron and quarter pull wheel are all profusely engraved with early floral Rococo design and a lined border. The peardrop pendulum transit hook is also particularly beautifully made. The movement is held in place with 2 base bolts.
Behind a small 5 7/8" wide, brass break-arch dial with early Rococo style cast brass corner and arch spandrels, finely matted chapter centres to the silvered strike/silent chapter ring in the arch and the main silvered chapter ring with large outer, Arabic fives, minute track and inner Roman hour numerals. The lower dial centre having a nicely executed, curved and silvered maker's name plate bearing "An.d(rew) Marchant" (of) "London" in fine, script. Below this is a square and chamfered calendar date aperture. Above the centre is a curved and chamfered 'false pendulum' aperture with a silvered backplate, the circular bob is engraved with a rose design. The blued steel hands are finely pierced with a 'poker' selector hand to the arch for the strike/silent.
In an ebonised fruitwood veneered oak case with an inverted bell top on which is mounted a cast brass, swinging carrying handle. The return-moulded top sits over the full-sized locking front door that has quadrant sound frets to the upper arch sides. The side apertures retain their original, tall, inverted-arched, cast brass 'fish scale' sound frets that sit below round frets and are backed with red cloth. The rear of the case has a rectangular and glazed locking door. The short plinth has all-round concave top moulding and short block feet to the corners. The repeat pull exits from the right side.
Andrew Marchant is recorded as working from Gerrand Street and prior to 1762.
Originally, these clocks could be carefully carried from room to room still ticking as to not lose any time because of their very robust 'Verge' escapement with attached pendulum or more importantly, to the bed chamber at night whereas the silent option would be selected so the sleeper would not be awoken at each and every hour. If the time was required then the repeat cord would be tugged and the previous hour and quarters would be sounded.
I would like to explain a few points as to why (though unrestored) this clock is a better example than is usual: It is smaller than usual making it more appealing to the eye, the quality and amount of engraving is a pleasure to behold, the dial matting is very well executed, the originality including the verge escapement and also, the complicated, expensively made and functioning quarter work....to name a few!
Condition: The movement is complete, fully working and keeping time. The crown wheel has broken at some stage and been soldered back together (see picture). It has been maintained historically but would benefit from a carefully carried out restoration; it has mis-matched screws, the rear fusee bushes are not engraved (which I would do) etc. and other minor issues.
The dial has areas of missing or bubbled wax from the engraving but otherwise is crisp however, this too would benefit from a careful restoration and re-waxing.
The case is very tired, there are small pieces of wood missing such as around the dial and the front door lock is missing, the ebonising is worn with the fruitwood veneer showing through in areas that have been rubbed also, the fret cloth is worn and faded. The case would also look stunning if repaired, re-ebonised, re-clothed and a bespoke door lock made from antique metal.
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M. C. Taylor has dated this Georgian Ebonised Bracket Clock to the 18th Century.
Clockmakers and restorers established 1987
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the M. C. Taylor Profile Page
A Good and Slightly Smaller, Quarter Repeating, Verge Escapement Bracket Clock by Andrew Marchant of London. circa 1745.
