A Georgian, Verge Escapement Bracket Clock in an Ebonised Case by Bartholowmew Devis, London. Circa 1745

This is a very aesthetic, classic table clock of exceptional quality.

The eight day duration, six pillar movement with verge escapement and rack striking the hours on a top-mounted bell. Also having strike/silent and calendar datework. The backplate, backcock, apron, sprung pendulum holdfast and fixing brackets are all exquisitely and fully engraved with a floral Rococo design.

PLEASE NOTE: The movement was formerly quarter repeating however, the parts have been removed and the backplate holes filled and carefully engraved over to match. This fact is reflected in the price of this fine example.

Behind a 6 3/4" wide, brass break-arch dial with early design Rococo, 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 centre having an upper, lavishly executed, curved and chamfered aperture revealing the hatched 'false bob' with an engraved and silvered backing plate also, below centre is an applied, silvered, maker's cartouche signed "Bartho(lome)w Devis (of) London" and a tapered and chamfered calendar date aperture. The blued steel hands are finely pierced.

In an ebonised, fruitwood veneered oak case with 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 brass quadrant sound frets to the upper arch sides and a brass quadrant section frame applied to the break-arch glass. The front edges are recessed moulded that terminate with 'lamb's ears'. The sides retain their original cast brass 'fish scale' sound frets within the upper circular and lower rectangular, concave-top apertures. The rear of the case also has moulded side edges and a rectangular and glazed locking door with break-arch and quadrant apertures. The short plinth has all-round concave top moulding and short block feet to the corners. The frets are backed with gold cloth.

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.

This is a very fine example of what is an iconic Georgian-period clock. The quality is superb and if it still had its original quarter work then I would be asking at least double the price that it is being offered at. To many, the alteration to the striking is part of the history of the clock that is otherwise totally original and would not be used anyhow also, it may be something that can be re-instated at a future date nonetheless, this is an exceptional clock of fine quality, the dial and engraving are exquisite and the case is finely constructed.

Bartholomew Devis was born in 1718 in Preston, Lancashire and was the fourth child of Anthony Devis and Ellen Rauthmell. Between 1758 and 1785 he was Town Bailiff, Councilman, Alderman and was elected three times as Town Mayor. He was a Watch and Clockmaker by trade and worked in London before returning to Preston. He was a fine maker and his brothers - Henry and William and his half brother John, were also noted Clock/Watchmakers. His remaining brother Arthur Devis was an accomplished artist whose children also became famous painters.

The case and dial have been fully and beautifully restored, the movement is working well but is long overdue an overhaul. The price is for the clock in its present condition and any further work that you require will be subject to a further cost and waiting time, which can be discussed upon enquiry.

The purchased item can be collected at a time mutually agreed, or if required, delivery