Rare & Fabulous Victorian English Fusee Striking Clock

19th century

Sold by Clockwise

Description

These twin-train striking drop-dial fusee clocks are becoming increasingly rare but to find an oak-cased example is even rarer. This is an amazing clock both in its size, build quality and its condition. From the twelve inch convex dial, the original cast bezel and convex glass, the original hands and the decorative pendulum this is in every way a superior clock. The dial is signed 'James Hancock, Yeovil', part of the Hancock clock-making dynasty (more information below) and the case is decorated with foliate carving in relief with a U-shaped and glazed aperture flanked by carved acanthus. The twin fusee movement strikes on a gong and the case has two side panelled doors and a lower case door with working lock.

James Hancock was born in Yeovil in 1791, the son of John White Hancock, a Yeovil clockmaker, silversmith and jeweller. James was listed as a 'Watchmaker & Silversmith of Wine Street' in Pigot's Directory of 1824 and in 1830 Pigot's Directory listed 'John Hancock & Son, Watchmaker & Silversmith of Wine Street'. John White Hancock died in Yeovil in 1843 and his son James took over the business. In the 1851 census James and his sister Sarah were listed at the Middle Street premises with their other sister Mary Cox, her son William Cox and a domestic servant. 60-year old James listed his occupation as 'Watchmaker & Jeweller, employing 2 men', Sarah was listed as his housekeeper, Mary was a 'Carpenter's Wife' and William Cox was described as a 'Watchmaker's Assistant' - clearly one of the two men employed by James. In 1850 and 1852 James Hancock & Co of Middle Street were listed in several trade directories as, variously, Watchmakers, Clockmakers, Silversmiths and Jewellers. In 1854 the company was listed as Hancock & Co in the Churchwardens' Accounts. By 1855 James had clearly gone into partnership with his sister's son and long-time assistant, William Cox. The new company of Hancock & Cox, were listed in several trade directories from 1855 until the spring of 1862 when James Hancock died at the age of 71.

This is a stunning clock and has just benefitted from a full movement overhaul with a two year guarantee and is a glorious example of fine provincial Victorian clockmaking.

Physical Dimensions

Height

68cm (26.77")

Width

41cm (16.14")

Depth

19cm (7.48")

Declaration

Clockwise has dated this piece to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA853419

Dealers Notes

Clockwise Clock Sales & Restorations

The Cotswolds Leading Antique Clock Restorer and Dealer

Description

“

From the twelve inch convex dial, the original cast bezel and convex glass, the original hands and the decorative pendulum this is in every way a superior clock.

Clockwise

The dial is signed 'James Hancock, Yeovil', part of the Hancock clock-making dynasty (more information below) and the case is decorated with foliate carving in relief with a U-shaped and glazed aperture flanked by carved acanthus. The twin fusee movement strikes on a gong and the case has two side panelled doors and a lower case door with working lock.

fig 1. Rare & Fabulous Victorian English Fusee Striking Clock

James Hancock was born in Yeovil in 1791, the son of John White Hancock, a Yeovil clockmaker, silversmith and jeweller. James was listed as a 'Watchmaker & Silversmith of Wine Street' in Pigot's Directory of 1824 and in 1830 Pigot's Directory listed 'John Hancock & Son, Watchmaker & Silversmith of Wine Street'. John White Hancock died in Yeovil in 1843 and his son James took over the business. In the 1851 census James and his sister Sarah were listed at the Middle Street premises with their other sister Mary Cox, her son William Cox and a domestic servant. 60-year old James listed his occupation as 'Watchmaker & Jeweller, employing 2 men', Sarah was listed as his housekeeper, Mary was a 'Carpenter's Wife' and William Cox was described as a 'Watchmaker's Assistant' - clearly one of the two men employed by James. In 1850 and 1852 James Hancock & Co of Middle Street were listed in several trade directories as, variously, Watchmakers, Clockmakers, Silversmiths and Jewellers. In 1854 the company was listed as Hancock & Co in the Churchwardens' Accounts. By 1855 James had clearly gone into partnership with his sister's son and long-time assistant, William Cox. The new company of Hancock & Cox, were listed in several trade directories from 1855 until the spring of 1862 when James Hancock died at the age of 71.

This is a stunning clock and has just benefitted from a full movement overhaul with a two year guarantee and is a glorious example of fine provincial Victorian clockmaking.