Smith & Sons of Clerkenwell, London

A high quality late Victorian Grandfather Clock with Regulator and Quarter Striking movement.

The impressive and substantial 8 day duration Regulator movement features large thick plates, deadbeat escapement and maintaining power. Mounted to the rear of the movement two pin barrels control the quarter striking mechanism. A tune selection dial is situated in the arch of the dial which depicts Whittington and Westminster. The quarters are struck on eight chrome plated tubes hanging from a brass frame work which is supported by cast iron brackets. The hour is struck on a larger chrome plated tube positioned next to the movement. The pendulum is also of a larger than normal construction. The dial has a separate silvered brass chapter ring with applied brass Arabic numerals, seconds and two subsidiary dials to the arch controlling the strike/silent and tune selection. The dial is elaborately decorated with applied brass fretwork which is engraved to a high standard. The makers name of J. Smith & Sons, Clerkenwell, London is engraved on a small silvered brass cartouche above the number 6. Also with blued steel hands.

The mahogany case has a single shaped plinth to the carved panelled base and canted corners. The trunk features quarter pillars with unusual capitals which depict lions feet to the base and acanthus leaves to the top. The substantial weights and pendulum can be viewed through the glazed panel door which also has a carved lion to the centre. The hood has solid wooden pillars with Corinthian capitals and an elaborate swan neck top. Also with sound frets to the sides and a carved lions head to the centre. The dial can be accessed through a glazed and lockable door.

Note: J. Smith & Sons were one of the most successful clocksmakers based in Clerkenwell, London. The specialized in Turret Clocks and Skeleton Clocks but also made longcase clocks. They exhibited a year going calendar clock at the Great Exhibition in 1851. This is an interesting example as although large in stature its unusually much smaller in height than you would expect to see.

Height: 6'11"

OUR MAIN WEBSITE

Please visit our main website http://www.british-antiqueclocks.com where you can also listen to our clocks. Every striking antique clock on our main website has its own individual sound file. This is particularly useful if you are unable to view our antique clocks in person. Other information regarding the history of the longcase/grandfather clock and how to setup a longcase/grandfather is also a feature of our website.

LAPADA MEMBER

We are a member of LAPADA, The Association of Art and Antique Dealers, which is the UK's largest association of professional dealers in antiques and works of art. We therefore follow a strict Code of Practice upheld by LAPADA which gives further confidence for future purchasers.

Open by appointment only. Please call or email to make arrangements to view our collection of fully restored antique clocks & barometers.