An Original Working George III "Sedan" Clock

Name: An Original Working George III "Sedan" Clock
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA886949
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

Description

A quite rare and totally original George III period ‘SEDAN CLOCK’ in perfect working order. This pretty clock, within its solid mahogany circular case with beaded decoration and vase-shaped cast brass hanging hook, retains its original 30-hour verge movement numbered 2354 with a beautifully engraved watch-cock. (This is the elaborately engraved and pierced plate which supports the balance staff pivot and protects the balance wheel.) Behind the convex glass with its cast brass bezel, the convex enamel dial is perfect and the brass hands original. Perfect working order. 6ins (15cms) wide. c1790-1820.

** Although called “Sedan Clocks” there is little or no evidence they were ever used in sedan chairs. Rather it is more likely they were used by wealthy people in their own person horse-drawn carriages. The clock might be kept in the hall of a country house pending the arrival of the carriage, when it would be hung inside. A particularly wealthy family might have a row of these clock displayed in the hall ~ thus advertising their ownership of a number of carriages! Most of these had watch movements, but a few (such as this example) were fitted with movements specifically made for sedan clocks, which would be much too large for a watch.

Physical Dimensions

Height

15cm (5.91")

Width

16cm (6.30")

Depth

6cm (2.36")

Declaration

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this piece to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA886949

Dealers Internal Reference

5167/k

Dealers Notes

Shop Open: 10.00am - 6.00pm Monday-Saturday (Closed Sundays)

Description

“

(This is the elaborately engraved and pierced plate which supports the balance staff pivot and protects the balance wheel.

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

) Behind the convex glass with its cast brass bezel, the convex enamel dial is perfect and the brass hands original. Perfect working order. 6ins (15cms) wide. c1790-1820.

fig 1. AN ORIGINAL WORKING GEORGE III — fig 1. An Original Working George III "Sedan" Clock

Although called “Sedan Clocks” there is little or no evidence they were ever used in sedan chairs. Rather it is more likely they were used by wealthy people in their own person horse-drawn carriages. The clock might be kept in the hall of a country house pending the arrival of the carriage, when it would be hung inside. A particularly wealthy family might have a row of these clock displayed in the hall ~ thus advertising their ownership of a number of carriages! Most of these had watch movements, but a few (such as this example) were fitted with movements specifically made for sedan clocks, which would be much too large for a watch.