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.
Also having strike/silent and calendar datework. The backplate, backcock, apron, fixing brackets and silent return spring are all engraved with a floral Rococo design and having a centre oval cartouche depicting a tall pillared urn of flowers.
Behind a 6" wide, brass break-arch dial with Rococo style, 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 upper dial centre having a nicely executed, curved and chamfered aperture revealing the silvered maker's name plate bearing "Robert Brown" (of) "London" in fine, old English script. Below the centre is a square and chamfered calendar date aperture. The blued steel hands are finely pierced with a selector tailed hand to the arch for the strike/silent.
In a good, well-figured, mahogany veneered case with a 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. The sides retain their original, tall-arched, cast brass 'fish scale' sound frets. The rear of the case has a rectangular and glazed locking door. The short plinth has all-round concave top moulding and short block feet to the corners. The frets are backed with red 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. If the time was required then the repeat cord would be tugged and the previous hour struck would be sounded.
This is an exceptional clock of good quality, smaller proportions than usual and in good, original condition, all this adds value. There are two makers of this name listed as being members of the Clockmakers Company in 1768 and 1771, it is not known which made this fine example.
The case and dial are excellent and both locks are original and working. The movement is in full working order and keeps time, however it would greatly benefit from an overhaul and the hourly repeat lever has been removed (this would be simple to re-instate).
The price is for the clock in its current and working condition. Any work required by the purchaser can be discussed upon enquiry.
Once restored the price for this item will be £10,500.
For further information please contact 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
A Georgian Verge Escapement Bracket Clock in a Bell-top Mahogany Case of Small Size by Robert Brown of London. Circa 1775.
