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.
It has rack striking for the hours and sounds on a high-tone, top mounted bell. It also has pull repeating for the strike and a strike/silent operation. The backplate, backcock and apron, strike/silent return spring and fixing brackets are all engraved with bordering and sweeping floral and folige decoration.
The 7" wide, break-arch silvered dial is crisp and clear. The arch bears the strike/silent circular select ring and the dial square has a plain chapter with outer ring, Arabic 5 minute numerals, marked minute ring, Roman hour numerals and the centre is signed with the maker's mark "Jabez Smith" to the upper and "London" to the lower part in elaborate and swirling text. There is a circular calendar date aperture above the Roman VI numeral. The well-cut shaped steel hands are matching.
The fine 'Dutton' style and quality mahogany case of excellent colour and patina has a break-arch, triple raised pad top and a swinging brass carrying handle. There is a returned, break-arch top moulding and a lower Cavetto moulding over the plain plinth. The full-size door has a quadrant brass inner framing to the glass and brass beading to the side edges. The sides have tall, arched top sound apertures with gold silk-backed, brass fishscale frets and the case sits upon four brass splayed Ogee feet. The repeating cord exits from the lower right hand side.
These repeating clocks with a strike/silent feature were sometimes taken to the bedchamber at night and placed in silent mode using the selector hand. The clock would not then strike the hours and awaken the owner but he could simply pull the repeat cord in the darkness and the clock would strike the last hour. It is for this reason that they were originally fitted with the more robust 'Verge' escapement and even
though there is a 'holdfast' in which to place the pendulum during transit, it was rarely used as time would be lost so, the clock was grabbed by the handle and carried up to bed - still ticking! Once seen, these clocks really fire the imagination as to their history and usage, they were extremely expensive when made and could only be afforded by the wealthy. This is well-priced for a good example of an original clock that is becoming rare.
Jabez Smith is recorded as being a member of the Clockmakers Company from 1786 until 1795. He is a little known maker but his clocks are considered to be a 'cut above the rest'. This example is particularly fine and totally original except for the pendulum holdfast loop which was broken and we have remade. It really would be difficult to obtain a better example for originality and quality.
The dial and case have been restored, the locks work and we have made a new pendulum holdfast. The movement is in full working order and the datework is present. The Verge escapement is original but we feel the the going mainspring has 'set' a little bit so it struggles when fully wound. We cannot fault this clock and absolutely love its appearance.
The price is for the clock in its present condition - 50% less than its recommended retail and fully restored price. If an overhaul is required, then this can be carried out at a further cost.
For further information, please contact us via email on:
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 Verge Escapement Bracket Clock in a Triple Pad, Break-arch Mahogany Case by Jabez Smith of London. Circa 1790
