M. C. Taylor has dated this piece to the 18th Century.
The tapered plates having four knopped pillars and the short, attached pendulum rod having an adjustable 'tear drop' bob and a transit housing hook.
Fixed to a twelve inch diameter, silvered brass dial with engraved and wax-filled Roman hour numerals within a minute circle and divisions. The above centre portion has the maker's signature "JOHN WICKES Cannon Street" and below centre the city "LONDON" - all well-executed and displays the matching hilted-heart shaped blued steel hands perfectly. The dial is behind a Sheraton style, polished, cast brass locking bezel with flat glass.
Mounted in a good and virtually undamaged, hand carved, gilt-wood, sunburst style case with the three dimensional rays tapering back towards the wall.
It cannot be stressed enough how rare this clock is especially in such good and original condition. The gilding has been restored sympathetically and painstakingly with pure gold leaf to patch worn and blemished areas then toned down with a lacquer. The maker, John Wickes, was apprenticed in 1771 and was a liveryman of the Clockmakers Company in1784. He died in 1807 - probably only about 50 years old.
The sunburst style of 'English Cartel' is the rarest of these clocks that were only made during a 15 year period. Most of them were later re-cased in typical 'English Dial' mahogany cases. To find a sunburst (also incorrectly called 'Starburst') example is rare and to find one that has not had the Verge escapement converted to Anchor Recoil is even rarer. No other example can be found for sale and I am considering withdrawing this clock as I feel that I may regret selling it.
The price is for the clock in present, working condition and any further restoration work that you may require to this item will be subject to a further cost and waiting time.
The purchased item can be collected at a time mutually agreed or if required, delivery can be arranged for which we are happy to provide a quotation.
For further information, please email 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
An Extremely Rare, Gilded 'Sunburst' Style, English Cartel Fusee Timepiece with Original Verge Escapement
