It was listed by M. C. Taylor. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.
M. C. Taylor has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
Also having rack and jumper starwheel striking the hours on a top-mounted bell, pull repeating of the hours, strike/silent select, a fully engraved backplate in floral Rococo style and an engraved and lenticular pendulum bob with a slender rod.
Behind a finely executed and attractive, 8 inches wide, break-arch brass dial. The dialplate, chapter rings and date ring are all silvered and wax-filled engraved. The arch has the strike/silent selector chapter with a shaped, blued steel selection hand. The main chapter ring is narrow and has outer Arabic 5's, a divided minute track with triangular hour marks and encompasses the Roman hour numerals. The dial centre has a subsidiary seconds dial with a divided track, Arabic quarters and a finely cut, counterpoised, blued steel hand. The lower area is signed with the makers names "GRAWEIL & TOLKIEN, LONDON" (Graweil being an alternative spelling for Gravell). Below this is a square, chamfered, calendar date aperture. The 4 dial corners and the arch flanks have cast and gilded brass, Rococo style spandrels. The main blued steel, pierced hands are perfectly executed.
Contained in a substantial and superior mahogany case covered in the finest flame mahogany veneer that follows the same grain wherever possible and perfectly laid. The break-arch top has 4 corner plinths bearing solid brass elaborated ball finials and also has a returned, double moulding to all 4 sides that conforms to the arches. The case front has a full-size locking and glazed break-arch door with a quadrant brass frame to the glass. It is flanked with concave edging that carry acanthus leaf applications to the top and bottom. The base has a canted frieze over a large Ogee moulding and a short plinth. These features are repeated to all 4 sides of the case except for the rear door not having the brass frame around the glazing. The case sides have cast and gilded brass swinging carrying handles. These are over arched sound apertures with cloth-backed, cast and gilded brass frets. Finally, the case sits upon 4 large cast and gilded brass, scrolled acanthus feet.
Gravell & Tolkien were a renowned London based partnership that operated between 1792 and 1820. They in fact, succeeded the famous clockmaker Eardley Norton and operated from St. John Street. They were known for producing high quality and often complex timepieces. William Tolkien is believed to be the Great grandfather of J.R.R. Tolkien, the famous author.
Dimensions: 20" total height x 15 3/4" wide x 9 5/8" deep (excluding the feet).
Condition: The case is sound and in extremely good condition as are the mounts. The locks, hinges etc are all original and are working correctly. The colour, patina and the French polish are also excellent though the usual minor signs of age and usage are evident. The dial though beautifully and finely made, has no damage but it would benefit from re-silvering the main chapter ring as signs of tarnish are evident. The movement, though complete and original, would benefit from a long-overdue overhaul to not only clean it and check for wear but also to make sure that all the screws etc match and it is placed into perfect working order. The backplate has an original casting flaw but this has not and never will be detrimental to the clocks operation.
Price: The price is for the clock including all the above mentioned work.
For further information please contact us at
info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk
M. C. Taylor has dated this piece 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 Superb and Magnificent Georgian Mahogany Bracket Clock by Gravell & Tolkien, London. circa 1795.
