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 pendulum has micrometer regulation from above and a transit holdfast.
Behind a 4 1/4" visible width, break-arch brass dial with calendar date work disguised as phases-of-the-moon in the arch which also has engraved hemispheres. The dial corners have gilded winged cherub spandrels. The applied silvered chapter ring has outer Arabic 5’s, divided minute track and inner Roman hour numerals. The dial plate centre is silvered and wax-filled engraved in Rococo style with a Ho-Ho bird and the signature of “Widenham LONDON”. The hands are pierced and blued steel.
Contained in a small and stunning in appearance ormolu embellished, Tortoiseshell veneered case. The bell-top has a cast ormolu swinging carrying handle upon an ormolu plate. The top bell section bears ormolu frets to all 4 sides in fact, ALL of the styling, decoration and moulding is copied to all 4 sides. The bell top is separated with an ormolu moulding and the trunk top also has stepped mouldings that incorporate 4 'Flambeau' finials on plinths to the corners. The trunk has canted corners and the break-arches are below Tortoiseshell friezes with cloth-backed cast metal frets whilst the corners have well-cast floral metal scrolls. The break-arches have returned Tortoiseshell mouldings that are separated by ormolu protruding plate inserts. The break-arch glazed doors are flanked with full-size metal scroll caryatids that sit upon a protruding, moulded Tortoiseshell plinth that conforms to the main plinth. The 4 lower protrusions have 2 ormolu scrolled feet each (8 in all). The case sides have tall break-arch, cloth-backed cast metal frets and both doors have cast ormolu 1/4 round framing around the inner edges.
Please note: Where I refer to "metal" on this case description it is always 'Ormolu' which is gold plated brass. The photographs of this clock do not quite serve it justice and it looks extremely expensive and rare 'in the flesh'.
Provenance: Bought privately in Hampshire.
Dimensions: 13" high (handle down) x 11" wide x 8" deep at the feet protrusions (approx).
Condition: The movement is in unworn and well-maintained, working conditon. It is keeping to time, striking correctly and the arch calendar datework moon disc is also operating however, the movement would benefit from a full overhaul. The dial is extremely good including the wax filling and the silvering. The case is very good with the heavy gold plating to the brass work in excellent condition however, the right hand side break-arch and the front door break-arch ormolu inserts have been lost. These however can be re-made to match. Apart from blemishes and slight damage commensurate to its age and usage and slight opening of the joints, the Tortoiseshell is in fine condition.
Price: The price is for the clock in its present and 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
Very Small Tortoiseshell Bracket Clock Embellished with Gilded Mounts and Having a Good Movement. circa 1890.
