George III Enamel Dial Bracket Clock with Ebonised Case and Brass Fittings

Name: George III Enamel Dial Bracket Clock with Ebonised Case and Brass Fittings
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA926993
Availability: SoldOut

18th century

Sold by Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

Description

An imposing and impressive George III enamel dial Bracket clock by William, Mathews and Thomas Best. Contained within a large ebonised case with brass carry handle, ogee feet and edge trim.

The circular enamel dial displays both Roman and Arabic numbering, plus an inner ring with days of the month. There are two subsidiary dials one for Strike/Silent, the other for front adjustable pendulum speed setting. Surrounding the dial is a gilded mask with gilt spandrels to the bottom corners. The elaborately decorative brass hands are typical of this age, as is the third brass hand for the day of the month.

The twin fusee movement is inscribed by the maker Thomas Best who is believed to have collaborated with William and Mathews on this clock (see below). Thomas Best was known for making a large number of clocks and watches for both the Dutch and English markets. At one stage he went bankrupt (1789). He worked between 1770-1794 (Brittens clock and watch makers, p371. Although ballies quotes Best as working from 1761), this would coincide with William Mathews who finished working in 1776 an overlap of six (or 11) years depending who is correct. This was also interestingly the beginning of the period during which enamel dials were trialled and very occasionally used.

Dimensions: Height: 20 inches: Width: 14 inches, Depth 10.5 inches

Date: c.1785-90.

Our own view is that this clock was made by Thomas Best of London, around 1785-90 at the latest and that the enamel dial (difficult to make at this time and very expensive) was made to follow the new owners specific instructions. As such this may well be an example of a clock which shows the retailer on the dial - a common practice both before and after) whilst reataining the clockmakers name on the movement.

There is no evidence of a 'marriage' between case and movement. If the intention was to marry the two, there is no way anyone could ever find a dial to exactly fit such a complex movement, with its two subsidiary enamel dials. An absolute impossibility.

Physical Dimensions

Height

51cm (20.08")

Width

35.5cm (13.98")

Depth

26.5cm (10.43")

Declaration

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath has dated this piece to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA926993

Dealers Internal Reference

703/2019/PFK

Dealers Notes

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

Description

An imposing and impressive George III enamel dial Bracket clock by William, Mathews and Thomas Best. Contained within a large ebonised case with brass carry handle, ogee feet and edge trim.

“

The circular enamel dial displays both Roman and Arabic numbering, plus an inner ring with days of the month.

Quiet Street Antiques of Bath

There are two subsidiary dials one for Strike/Silent, the other for front adjustable pendulum speed setting. Surrounding the dial is a gilded mask with gilt spandrels to the bottom corners. The elaborately decorative brass hands are typical of this age, as is the third brass hand for the day of the month.

fig 1. George III Enamel Dial Bracket Clock with Ebonised Case and Brass Fittings

The twin fusee movement is inscribed by the maker Thomas Best who is believed to have collaborated with William and Mathews on this clock (see below). Thomas Best was known for making a large number of clocks and watches for both the Dutch and English markets. At one stage he went bankrupt (1789). He worked between 1770-1794 (Brittens clock and watch makers, p371. Although ballies quotes Best as working from 1761), this would coincide with William Mathews who finished working in 1776 an overlap of six (or 11) years depending who is correct. This was also interestingly the beginning of the period during which enamel dials were trialled and very occasionally used.

fig 2. George III Enamel Dial Bracket Clock with Ebonised Case and Brass Fittings

Dimensions: Height: 20 inches: Width: 14 inches, Depth 10.5 inches

Date: c.1785-90.

Our own view is that this clock was made by Thomas Best of London, around 1785-90 at the latest and that the enamel dial (difficult to make at this time and very expensive) was made to follow the new owners specific instructions. As such this may well be an example of a clock which shows the retailer on the dial - a common practice both before and after) whilst reataining the clockmakers name on the movement.

fig 3. George III Enamel Dial Bracket Clock with Ebonised Case and Brass Fittings

There is no evidence of a 'marriage' between case and movement. If the intention was to marry the two, there is no way anyone could ever find a dial to exactly fit such a complex movement, with its two subsidiary enamel dials. An absolute impossibility.