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 19th Century.
The 8 day duration, 5 pillar, double fusee movement with attached pendulum Verge escapement.
The backplate, fixing brackets, return springs and backcock are all engraved with a floral Rococo design and the movement also has a silent feature.
Behind an exquisite 8" wide, brass break-arch dial with finely cast, gilded brass Rococo spandrels to the corners and arch. The well executed silvered chapter ring has outer Arabic 5's, minute track and inner, Roman hour numerals. The arch has a strike/silent silvered chapter and the upper centre of the dial has a chamfered axe-head aperture containing the silvered maker's cartouche being well engraved with the maker's signature of "Gravell & Tolkien, London" and numbered "2610". The chapter centres are extremely well matted and the area above the VI has a chamfered calendar date aperture. The matching blued steel hands are of typical pierced lattice design.
Contained in a mahogany break-arch, single pad-top case. The top raised panel having a quadrant brass frame with cast brass swinging handle. The break-arch returned top moulding is over a full-size locking glazed door also with a cast brass quadrant frame. The case sides have high rectangular sound apertures with red cloth-backed, brass fishscale frets. The rear has a full, locking and glazed break-arch door and the case has a short plinth with moulded top and sits upon 4, splayed Ogee brass feet.
This is a superb clock for the money - high quality, quarter chiming, good makers, originality, unspoilt - the list goes on. The partnership of Gravell & Tolkien lasted from 1795 until 1820 and they actually succeeded Eardley Norton. It is extremely rare to find a high quality, 2 train but quarter chiming Georgian table clock. This example is exquisite.
Dimensions: 17 3/4" high including the handle x 12" wide x 7 1/2" deep.
Condition: The movement is fully working and keeping to time but would greatly benefit from a recommended complete overhaul. The datework is complete and working. The dial and hands are in good condition but the silvering is tarnishing because of the breakdown of the lacquer. The case is sound but has small pieces of missing veneer (see pictures). The original locks are present but require keys. The case is of excellent colour and patina, has never been restored but the sound frets have been re-clothed. All in all, this is a great clock of high quality that is unspoilt and has so much extra to offer than is usual.
Price: The price is for the clock in its present working condition. A price and timescale for any work required by the purchaser can be advised upon enquiry.
For further information please contact us at info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk
M. C. Taylor has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
Clockmakers and restorers established 1987
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the M. C. Taylor Profile Page
A Verge Escapement, Quarter Chiming, Georgian Bracket Clock by Gravell & Tolkien, London. Circa 1800.
