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.
The fixing brackets are nicely shaped and the substantial pendulum has a heavy lenticular bob with top-adjusting micrometer regulation. The brackets, backcock, pendulum bob and the backplate are all engraved with a symmetrical floral design and the plate bears the maker's signature of "Rich(ar)d Comber (of) Lewes".
The 7" wide break-arch brass dial is extremely thick. It has cast and gilded Rococo spandrels to the corners and arch. The arch has a fine, silvered, strike/silent chapter ring with the centre being matted and having an arrow shaped steel selector hand. The main dial has a silvered chapter ring with small Arabic fives, divided minute track and low Roman hour numerals. The finely matted centre has a lower rectangular calendar date aperture and an upper, curved 'axehead' shaped aperture backed with the silvered maker's nameplate with conforming signature. The hands are steel 'open diamond' shaped.
The ebonised, bell-top case has a cast brass swinging handle to the top and four cast brass pineapple finials to the corners. There is a returned moulding over the full-size locking doors the front of which has brass quadrant framing to the glazing. The upper quarters have cloth backed, brass frets. The case sides have tall break-arch conforming brass frets that are also framed with quadrant. The short plinth has a moulded top and short, cast brass Ogee feet.
Richard Comber is listed as a "Good maker". He was born in 1742 and died in 1824 (82 years old). Clocks by this maker are considered fine and are highly collected.
The movement has had its Verge escapement replaced with an Anchor Recoil escapement for greater accuracy. The clock has been knocked which has bent on of the fixing brackets slightly and chipped the right hand edge of the wooden dial surround. Both door locks are present and working. The movement is in full working order but would benefit from a complete overhaul. The minute hand tip has been replaced and the dial silverware would be greatly enhanced if it was re-waxed and silvered. Also, a new diamond tip to the minute hand would transform it.
The price is for the clock in its present condition and any work required will be subject to a further cost and waiting time, which can be discussed upon enquiry. Please note that the full retail, restored price of this clock would be around £14,000.
The purchased item can be collected at a time mutually agreed upon, 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
Comber of Lewes Bell Top Bracket Clock Ebonised Case
