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Fine Clocks, Barometers & Scientific Instruments: Including The Dr. John A. Robey Collection Part I
This is a live online auction with auctioneer. For details on registration, bidding, viewing & condition reports, click “Important information” link.
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Auction dates
Sep 10, 2026 10:30 AM BST
Viewing dates
Sep 04, 2026 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM BST
Sep 05, 2026 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM BST
Sep 06, 2026 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM BST
Sep 07, 2026 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM BST
Sep 08, 2026 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM BST
Sep 09, 2026 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM BST
Sep 10, 2026 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM BST
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A RARE FRENCH ONE-PIECE BRASS CASED CARRIAGE CLOCK WITH TWO-PLANE 'CHAFFCUTTER' ESCAPEMENT PAUL GARNIER, PARIS, 'FIRST SERIES' CIRCA 1835 The eight-day two train movement with two-plane 'chaffcutter' escapement regulated by sprung three-arm monometallic balance set between the plates, rack striking the hours on a bell mounted on the backplate signed on an applied plaque PAUL GARNIER, A PARIS towards upper left hand corner and stamped P.G., Brevete over serial number 826 to centre, the inside lower edge of the frontplate also stamped DULO between the barrels, the rectangular engine-turned silvered brass Roman numeral dial with radial design to centre within chapter ring and 'watered-silk' infill incorporating plaque inscribed PAUL GARNIER, H'er DU ROI PARIS towards the lower margin and with Breguet style blued steel moon hands, the gilt brass one-piece caddy moulded case with hinged slender baton handle above upward sliding front glass for winding, on cavetto moulded skirt base with inset rounded angles, (balance staff top pivot broken).15cm (6ins) high with handle down, 12cm (4.75ins) wide, 10cm (4ins) deep. Paul Garnier is recorded in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS Their history and development as born 1801 and studying under Antide Janvier before setting up his own workshops in 1825. Garnier was awarded Silver Medals in the Paris Exhibitions of 1827, 34, and 39; and gold medals in 1844 and 49. He worked from various addresses at Rue Taitbout, Paris and died in 1869 leaving the business to his son of the same name who was still exhibiting carriage clocks in the Paris Exhibition of 1889. In 1916 Paul Garnier's watch and clock collection was bequeathed to the Louvre. Garnier is generally credited for being the first maker to essentially standardise the 'petit pendule portative' which was in effect to become the prototype for the archetypal French carriage clock. The current lot utilises Garnier's 'chaffcutter' escapement - the design of which is based on Sully and Debaufre's frictional rest watch/chronometer escapements. In addition to the escapement, the provision of an engine turned 'watered-silk' dial and the design of the squat one-piece case (incorporating a wooden block insert to underside) conforms to Paul Garniers 'Series I' carriage clocks as described by Charles Allix (see CARRIAGE CLOCKS Their history and development pages 56-7). Condition Report: As catalogued the upper pivot to the balance staff is broken hence clock is not currently running. The mainspring for the going train also appears to be slack hence a new spring is also probably required, the going train otherwise appears free from visible faults. The strike train is operating as it should, and the movement generally has no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. The dial has a small blemish/loss to the silvering towards the upper right-hand corner, and the signature text has most likely been reinstated. Otherwise dial is in fine condition with nice colouring to the silvered finish. The case is generally in very good condition with no visible chips to the glasses although some very slight edge nibbling to the top glass can seen when it is withdrawn from the case (after the front panel is removed). None of this is visible when the glass is fitted and is probably how the glass was finished when originally cut. The lacquer finish has discoloured/mellowed but otherwise the brass frame of the case is in fine condition.Clock is complete with a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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Y A FRENCH GILT BRASS MID-SIZED REPEATING CARRIAGE CLOCK IN A ONE-PIECE CASE AND ROSEWOOD TRAVELLING CASEGROHE, PARIS, CIRCA 1845The eight-day two train movement with silvered platform lever escapement regulated by sprung bimetallic balance and striking the hours on a bell mounted on the backplate signed Grohe, PARIS to lower margin, the rectangular white enamel Roman numeral dial with Breguet style blued steel moon hands, the frosted gilt brass one-piece caddy moulded case with hinged slender baton handle above repeat button to front rail, on cavetto moulded skirt base with inset rounded angles and engraved No. 827 to the underside of the rear rail, the original brass line-strung rosewood protective travelling case with hinged brass handle and plunger for the repeat to the lid, over hinged panel for the dial aperture revealing a red velvet lined interior.The clock 11cm (4.325 ins) high with handle down, 7.5cm (3ins) wide, 6.5cm (2.5ins) deep; the travelling case 13.5cm (5.25ins) high with handle down, 9.5cm (3.75ins) wide. James Grohe is recorded in Loomes, Brian Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, Volume 2 as working in London 1832-81. Leigh Extence notes his address being 7 Wigmore Street and that he retailed clocks supplied by both Holingue and Drocourt. Condition Report: Movement appears relatively clean with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. The mechanism is not currently running or striking however both trains are wound and the escapement appears free from visible faults (pivots are intact). It is therefore most likely that the lubrication has dried-out and become 'gummy' is causing the trains to stick. The dial panel presents as being in fine condition however there is a small edge chip to the lower left-hand corner which can only be seen on close examination from an acute angle. There is also a hairline passing through the II numeral but this again can only be seen on close examination under reflected light. The case is in very good condition with faults limited to a slight corner chip to the lower left-hand corner of the front glass and the handle is a little loose in its joints. The gilding has overall moderate wear and patchy oxidation. The travelling case is generally intact and structurally sound however the top right-hand edge has a losses to the rounded edge (between brass strung borders) and one of four sections of stringing is missing. The right-hand side has stringing missing to the front leading edge and to the rear section within the cover; the left-hand has conforming section missing to the cover at the front edge. There is also some movement and lifting of other runs of brass stringing. The red-velvet lining is generally in good original condition but with some wear/snagging. Faults to the travelling case are otherwise limited to bumps, scuffs, shrinkage and wear commensurate with age and use.Clock has a winding key but no case key for the travelling case. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A GILT AND SILVERED BRASS CARRIAGE CLOCKUNSIGNED, PROBABLY SWISS, MID 19th CENTURYThe rectangular eight-day two train movement with silvered platform underslung lever escapement regulated by sprung gilt three arm monometallic balance, the backplate with external countwheel and pivoted brass hammer sounding the hours on a looped gong, the rectangular silvered Roman numeral dial with blued steel moon hands, the gilt case with hinged faceted carrying handle over recessed rectangular top glass and domed finials set on projecting rounded angles, with conforming angles to the plain frieze over bevel-glazed front and three-quarter Doric column-turned uprights to the angles, the sides with rectangular recessed silvered panels set within canted gilt surrounds and the rear with pin-hinged door fitted with a sprung button clasp, the base with conforming plain skirt over disc feet.14cm (5.5ins) high with handle down, 9.5cm (3.75ins) wide, 7.5cm (3ins) deep. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A SWISS GILT BRASS MINIATURE MINUTE-REPEATINGCARRIAGE TIMEPIECERETAIL SIGNED FOR WEST END WATCH COMPANY,PROBABLY GENEVA, CIRCA 1915The circular frosted eight-day keyless windingmovement with five-wheel going train, straight-line lever escapement regulatedby sprung bimetallic balance and with push button repeat sounding on agraduated pair of gongs the hours on the larger followed by ting-tang quarterson both and finally the minutes on the smaller, the 1.25 inch circular whiteenamel dial indistinctly inscribed WEST END WATCH Co. to centre withinvertically aligned Arabic numerals, with lume hands set behind circular glasswith canted gilt bezel insert, the frosted gilt Anglaise type case of MignonetteNo. 1 size with hinged reeded baton carrying handle over repeat plunder totop, moulded frieze with fluted band insert and stylised fluted three-quarterCorinthian inspired column uprights to angles with satin-gilt panel infillbetween, on stepped moulded skirt base bordered with a conforming fluted bandand with sliding cover to the underside revealing winding/setting crown,micrometer regulation adjustment disc and stamped serial number 257125.8.5cm (3.375ins) high with handle down, 5.5cm(2.25ins) wide, 4.5cm (1.75ins) deep. The ‘West End Watches’ brand was introducedby Alcide Droz and Sons of St-Imier, Switzerland (established 1864) in 1886. They arebest known for supplying the Indian market and are still trading today from theCanton of Valias. Miniature minute-repeating carriage timepieceswere developed by Swiss makers during the last decade of the 19th century, whoutilised their skills as watchmakers to produce high-quality movements such asthat used in the present lot. Miniature carriage timepieces are calledMignonettes or 'little darlings' and mostly come in three graded sizes with No.1 being the smallest. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A RARE VIENNESESILVER CASED MINIATURE CARRIAGE TIMEPIECETHE CASE MARKEDFOR GEORG ADAM SCHEID, CIRCA 1900The French orSwiss eight-day single train movement with platform escapement regulated bysprung balance, the silvered backplate with visible clicks to the windingsquare and engraved R/A regulation scale, the 0.75inch circular white enamel dial with vertically aligned Arabic hour numeralsand blued steel hands set within a satin-finish rectangular silvered mask, theglazed silver case a variant on the anglaise riche design andof just under Mignonette No. 1 size, with hinged fluted-batoncarrying handle over egg-and-dart moulded cornice and paired Corinthian strippilaster decorated corner uprights, the rear with full-width pin-hinged door,on stepped skirt base with conforming egg-and-dart mouldings towards the loweredge, the underside stamped with 'Diana' and town mark A forVienna and G.A.S., 900.7.3cm(2.875ins) high with handle down, 5cm (2ins) wide, 4cm (1.5ins) deep. Georg AdamScheid (1838-1932) was a gold and silversmith who initailly worked alongsidehis father-in-law Michael Markowitsch before setting-up his own business atGumpendorferstraße 85 in 1882. Scheid retired in 1811 leaving the firm in thehands of his two sons and a nephew. Georg Adam Schied is particularly wellknown for his enamel work and for executing designs by Viennese Successionistdesigners. Miniaturecarriage clocks are called Mignonettes or 'littledarlings' and come in three sizes with No. 1 being the smallest. Thepresent timepiece, being a little smaller than Mignonette No. 1, couldbe classified as a 'sub-miniature' timepiece. Condition Report Disclaimer
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AN EDWARDIAN SILVER CASEDCARRIAGE CLOCKMAPPIN AND WEBB, LONDON, 1910The Frencheight-day two train gong striking movement with platform lever escapementregulated by sprung bimetallic balance, the 2 inch circular white enamel Romannumeral dial signed MAPPIN & WEBB, LONDON, FRENCH MADE, with bluedsteel spade hands within a canted silver surround and convex glazedmoulded bezel, the rectangular case with slim hinged angular carrying handle tothe top, over front applied with cast ribbon-tied swags flanked by rosettesissuing bellflower pendants above the dial and with further rosettes to lowercorners, the rear with full-width piano hinged door enclosing a frosted giltinterior, the underside stamped MAPPIN & WEBB, LONDON, on cast ogeebracket feet, marks for London 1910, makers MNWB within a rectangle.12cm (4.75ins)high with handle down, 8cm, (3.125ins) wide, 7cm (2.75ins) deep. Condition Report: Movement is completeand in working order however a precautionary clean/service is advised. We havenot had it on test over a period of time hence cannot vouch for its accuracyhowever it does seem to be keeping time. The dial has a hairline crack acrossthe centre and slight rubbing/fading to the inscription for the retailer, thereare no visible chips or losses to the enamel. The case is generally in finecondition with good strong marks and no significant/notable denting or distortion.There are a few light scratches and the frosted gilt finish to the interior hassome patchy oxidation.Timepiece has awinding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A RARE EDWARDIAN9CT GOLD SUB-MINIATURE TIMEPIECECHARLES ANDGEORGE ASPREY, LONDON 1906The Swiss rectangularfrosted silver-finish single train movement with lever escapement verticallyplanted to the upper right-hand corner of the frontplate regulated by sprungbimetallic balance, the backplate with right-hand corner cut-away to reveal theescapement and numbered 1453 to lower centre, the 0.625 inch circularwhite enamel Roman Numeral dial with dot outer minute track and bluedsteel spade hands, set within a rectangular brushed mask surround withina canted gold frame set behind the front glass, the rectangular case with full-widthpiano hinged door to rear stamped ASPREY, LONDON to interior, marks forLondon 1906 makers CA.GA within a lozenge.3.8cm (1.5ins) high, 2.5cm(1ins) wide, 2.2cm (1.875ins) deep.The maker’s mark forCharles and George Asprey used for the current lot was first registered inFebruary 1891 and was in use up until 1909. Condition Report: Movement is inrelatively clean condition. The mainspring will wind but the train ‘runsthrough’ indicating an issue with the escapement. The balance wheel willoscillate indicating that the pivots/staff etc are sound and the escape wheel isalso turning in its pivots hence issue is most likely to be the pallets/lever.The backplate has some very slight oxidation and rubbing. The dial has a verylight hairline to the across the centre of the enamel disc (only visible onclose examination with a loop) and the numerals are faded. The mask is a littledull/mellow in finish so may benefit from a gentle clean. The movement and diallean backwards very slightly in the case indicating that some slight adjustmentof the seating is required. The case is generally in good condition withnotable faults limited to very slight denting to the bottom front right corner anda few patches of oxidation (will probably polish out). Timepiece does nothave a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A GEORGE V ENGINE-TURNED SILVER GILT MINIATURE TIMEPIECEASPREY AND COMPANY, LONDON 1926TheSwiss rectangular frosted silver-finish single train movement with leverescapement vertically planted beneath cocks to the upper left corner of thebackplate regulated by sprung bimetallic balance, over visible winding clicksand numbered 102437 to lower margin, the 1 inch circular white enamel dialwith vertically aligned Arabic hour numerals and gilt dot outer minute track,with scroll-pierced gilt hands set behind a convex glazed moulded bezelincorporating collar surround to interior, the rectangular case decorated withdiamond grid engine-turned panels to all sides except the underside, the rearwith full-width piano hinged door and the base stamped ASPREY, LONDON, marksfor London 1926 makers A&Co.LTD partly overstamped W.D withina rectangular lozenge.5cm (3ins)high, 3.8cm (1.5ins) wide, 3.2cm (1.25ins) deep.Themaker’s mark for Asprey and Company used for the current lot was firstregistered in 1909 and was in use up until at least 1956. Condition Report Disclaimer
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AN EDWARDIAN SMALL SILVERBALLOON-SHAPED DESK TIMEPIECEMARKS FOR WILLIAM COMYNS ANDSONS, LONDON 1902The French rectangular eight-day singletrain movement with platform lever escapement regulated by sprung bimetallicbalance, the 1.5 inch circular white enamel dial with vertically aligned Arabichour numerals and blued steel spade hands set behind a convex glazedmoulded bezel incorporating collar surround to interior, the waisted case with roundedtop over front framed with applied ribbon-tied reeded mouldings, the rear withcircular hinged door, on out swept bracket feet, marks for London 1902 makers WCwithin a shaped lozenge.12.5cm (5ins) high, 8.5cm (3.375ins)wide, 5cm (2ins) deep.Themaker’s mark for William Comyns and Sons used for the current lot was firstregistered in November 1890 and was in use up until 1915. Condition Report: Movement is completeand in working condition however a clean/service is advised. The dial is a littledirty/dusty but appears free from visible damage or other faults. The movementis slightly misaligned in its fitment within the case hence dial is presentlysitting a little high. The case is generally in good original condition withnoticeable faults limited to a small dent to the top and another to the reardoor.Timepiece is completewith a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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Y AN EDWARDIAN SILVER MOUNTED TORTOISESHELLCARRIAGE CLOCK WITH PUSH-BUTTON REPEATTHE MOUNTS WITH MAKERS MARK FOR HARRISADELSTEIN, LONDON 1902The French eight-day two train gong striking movementwith replaced platform lever escapement regulated by sprung bimetallic balance,the 2 inch circular white enamel Roman numeral dial with blued steel spade handsset within a silver collar and a convex glazed bezel decorated with Baroque foliatestrapwork, the case with hinged leaf cast silver carrying handle and repeatplunger to the top over rounded upper and lower side edges and applied with scrollpierced repousse corner cap mounts to the front angles, the rear with full widthpiano hinged door, the handle and mounts marked for London 1902, makers HA withina rectangular lozenge.12cm (4.75ins) high with handle down, 8cm (3.25ins) wide,7cm (2.75ins) deep.Themaker’s mark for Harris Adelstein used for the current lot was first registeredin March 1900. A very closely related carriage clock by Harris Adelstein wassold a Bonhams, London THE GENTLEMAN'S LIBRARY SALE, 12thFebruary 2020 (lot 165) for £2,422.50. Condition Report Disclaimer
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671
Quantity
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Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
A FINE SWISS ORMOLU EIGHT-DAY GRANDE-SONNERIE STRIKING PENDULE D'OFFICIER WITH TRIP-REPEAT AND ALARMSIGNED FOR BREGUET FILS BUT PROBABLY BY COURVOISIER AND COMPANY, LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS, CIRCA 1815The circular four pillar three-in-two train movement ting-tang striking the quarters on a graduated pair of bells and sounding the hour every quarter on the larger of the two, the going train with lever escapement set between the plates regulated by sprung monometallic balance planted beneath a star-pierced bridge incorporating A/R regulation scale to the rim positioned towards the top right of the backplate, and the alarm with pull-wind standing barrel and sounding on the smaller bell, the backplate with visible hour and quarter strikework and stamped with serial number 1016 to lower left hand margin, the 4 inch circular slightly convex white enamel dial inscribed Breguet & Fils to centre within vertically orientated Arabic hour numeral chapter ring and incorporating conforming quarter annotations within the outer minute track, with steel oval moon hands and third straight alarm setting hand set behind a convex glazed hinged engine-milled gilt brass bezel decorated with ropetwist inner and outer borders, the case with hinged leaf decorated scroll-cast handle to the concave-sided superstructure surmounted by a band of ogee-outline lappet leaves and applied with twin cornucipiae to front and laurel sprays to sides, over simple shallow-arch projecting pediment, reeded pilaster applied angles and leafy scroll cast infill to the quadrants beneath the dial, the sides adorned with laurel entwined musical trophy mounts and the rear with circular hinged door inset with a concentric grille sound fret within ropetwist outer border, on shallow skirt base with lion's paw feet, the underside with three-position strike selection lever annotated Non Sonne/Petite Sonnerie/Grande Sonnerie.21cm (8.25ins) high with handle down, 14cm (5.5ins) wide, 10cm (4ins) deep. The current lot is a fine textbook example of an early design of pendule portative termed 'Pendule d'Officier'. Although this form of portable timepiece originated during the 1780's they apparently became popular during the period of the Napoleonic wars, particularly amongst the officer class, hence the term 'Pendule d'Officier'. A clock of closely related design signed for Robert and Courvoisier was sold at Christie's sale PROPERTY FROM THE PRIVATE COLLECTION OF COUNT TEOFILO ROSSI DI MONTERELA New York, 6th February 2013 for $4,750. Another signed for Courvoisier and Company was also sold by Christie's FURNITURE AND SCULPTURE INCLUDING THE PROPERTY OF A ROMAN COLLECTOR London, 13th September 2007 for £6,250. The second of these two examples differed in the having slightly different mounts to the case and an engine-turned gilt dial however shared the same positioning of the winding holes (rather than the asymmetric arrangement of the other example).The Courvoisier family of clockmakers partnership between Louis Courvoisier (1758-1832) and his father-in-law Captain Louis-Benjamin Robert (1732-1781) was established in 1781. In 1787 Robert died leaving his share of the business in control of his widow, Charlotte. This arrangement continued until 1811 when Louis Courvoisier took his son, Frederic Alexander took to form 'Courvoisier et Cie'. The Courvoisier family were the leading makers of this type of portable timepiece during this period and became important in the establishment of carriage clock making industry in the Chaux-de-Fonds region of Switzerland. Condition Report: Movement is in relatively clean working condition with the grande-sonnerie striking operating as it should including the functions of the selection lever to the underside. The alarm mechanism will trip and sound correctly however the alarm hand can only be set by moving it counter-clockwise as it relies on engagement with the hour hand (to 'pump' the latter back and forth to release the alarm). Setting the alarm hand clockwise can cause it to 'lock' against the hour hand resulting in the latter coming loose on its friction fit. The movement has no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. The dial presents as being in fine condition but appears to have been restored to a high standard. With this in mind we cannot offer any assurances that the clock started out with the 'Breguet & Fils' inscription to the centre. The case is generally in fine original condition with overall light to moderate wear and oxidation to the fire-gilt finish. The front glass has some slight scratching and the rear door fret has some more noticeable oxidation as well as having one small break within the fret as well as slight distortion to the shallow convex profile. Case otherwise appears free from notable faults.Clock has two winding keys. Condition Report Disclaimer
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500 - 800 GBP
A SWISS ORMOLU GRANDE-SONNERIE STRIKING PENDULED'OFFICIER WITH PUSH-BUTTON REPEAT AND ALARMSIGNED FOR W. SCHWINTZER, BERLIN, BUT PROBABLY BY COURVOISIERAND COMPANY, LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS, CIRCA 1815Thecircular four pillar three-in-two train movement ting-tang striking thequarters on a graduated pair of bells and sounding the hour every quarter onthe larger of the two, the going train with verge escapement set between theplates regulated by sprung monometallic balance planted beneath a six-spokepierced bridge next to a bright-cut A/R regulation disc positionedtowards the top right of the backplate, the alarm key-wound through the dialand sounding on the smaller bell, the backplate with visible hour and quarterstrikework, the 4 inch circular slightly convex white enamel dial withvertically orientated Arabic hour numeral chapter ring and signed W:SCHWINTZER, A BERLIN to lower margin within an outer minute trackincorporating Arabic fifteen minute quarter markers, with steel oval moonhour hand and alarm setting hand set within a hinged engine-milled gilt brassbezel decorated with ropetwist outer border, the case with hinged twin serpent casthandle to the concave-sided superstructure surmounted by a band of lappetleaves and applied with floral motifs to front and musical trophy to sides,over simple shallow-arch projecting pediment, reeded pilaster applied anglesand leafy scroll cast infill to the quadrants beneath the dial, the sidesadorned with laurel musical trophy mounts and the rear with circular hingeddoor inset with a diamond grille sound fret within cavetto moulded bezel, onshallow skirt base with lion’s paw feet, the underside with three-positionstrike selection lever annotated Non Sonne/Petite Sonnerie/Grande Sonnerie,(lacking minute hand and front glass).21cm(8.25ins) high with handle down, 14cm (5.5ins) wide, 10cm (4ins) deep. Aclockmaker with the name W. Schwintzer does not appear to be recorded in theusual sources as working in Berlin during the early years of the 19thcentury. Thecurrent lot is a fine textbook example of an early design of pendule portativetermed 'Pendule d'Officier'. Although this form of portable timepieceoriginated during the 1780's they apparently became popular during the periodof the Napoleonic wars, particularly amongst the officer class, hence the term'Pendule d'Officier'. Aclock of related design signed for Robert and Courvoisier was sold atChristie’s sale PROPERTY FROM THE PRIVATE COLLECTION OF COUNT TEOFILO ROSSIDI MONTERELA New York, 6th February 2013 for $4,750. Anothersigned for Courvoisier and Company was also sold by Christie’s FURNITURE ANDSCULPTURE INCLUDING THE PROPERTY OF A ROMAN COLLECTOR London, 13thSeptember 2007 for £6,250. TheCourvoisier family of clockmakers partnership between Louis Courvoisier(1758-1832) and his father-in-law Captain Louis-Benjamin Robert (1732-1781) wasestablished in 1781. In 1787 Robert died leaving his share of the business incontrol of his widow, Charlotte. This arrangement continued until 1811 whenLouis Courvoisier took his son, Frederic Alexander took to form 'Courvoisier etCie'. The Courvoisier family were the leading makers of this type of portabletimepiece during this period and became important in the establishment ofcarriage clock making industry in the Chaux-de-Fonds region of Switzerland. Condition Report: Movement appearscomplete except for the quarter bell hammer with no visible evidence ofalteration or noticeable replacements. Both trains and the alarm are wound but allare not currently working. The clock appears to have been dormant for quite awhile so we suspect that it is probably gummed-up rather than having any seriousfaults as the mechanism itself has the appearance of being in good conditionwith no evidence of heavy-handed attempts to repair etc. However, in theabsence of more thorough detailed examination of the movement removed from the case,we cannot offer any firm assurances as to the degree of work required to bringit back into working condition. The dial has some chipping around the windingholes and areas of slight enamel loss around the securing screws to the edgeswhich also radiate light hairlines. The signature area also has a slight surfacechip and there are other minor scratches and other blemishes. The minute hand, colletand pin are missing. The bezel is currently without its glass and is detachedwith losses to the tubes that formed the hinge integral to the casting. The grilleto rear door is currently loose and has some slight distortion however is inserviceable condition. Otherwise case is in sound original condition albeitwith overall rubbing and oxidation to the gilding.Clock does not have awinding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A SWISS NEUCHATEL LOUIS XVI GREEN JAPANNED QUARTER-STRIKING BRACKET CLOCK WITH PULL-QUARTER REPEATTHE DIAL SIGNED FOR FREDERIC SCHWEBEL, BARRE, CIRCA 1790The four columnar pillar twin going barrel movement with verge escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum, the 'two-in-one' strike train with visible strike-work to the backplate incorporating countwheel cut for both the hours and the quarters, ting-tang sounding the quarters on a graduated pair of bells mounted within the superstructure of the case and the hour on the larger of the two at the hour only, the additional pull-quarter repeat train also with visible strike-work to the backplate and sounding the hours and quarters on the same pair of bells on demand only, the lower edge of the backplate stamped HLR and numbered 3, the 9.5 inch circular convex white enamel Roman numeral dial signed Frederic Schwebel, A-BARRE to centre, with Arabic five minutes beyond the minute track and fine gilt looped pierced hands, the green japanned waisted case with gilt ball finial to the ogee-shaped superstructure gilt painted with leafy sprays, over giltwood-framed front door incorporating a convex glass over shaped panel set within surround painted with a series of conforming gilt floral motifs, the sides with arch-glazed windows incorporating shaped lower margin and further gilt motifs, the rear undecorated and incorporating a shaped hinged panel door, on integral giltwood scroll feet; with original cavetto-shaped wall bracket en-suite incorporating gilt mouldings and painted floral sprays over ogee-shaped base and ball pendant.87.5cm (34.5ins) high overall, 35.5cm (14ins) wide, 14cm (5.5ins) deep. Provenance:Previously sold at Christie's Amsterdam THE DECORATIVE ARTS SALE 4th April 2012 (lot 498) for EUR 1,500. A clockmaker with the name Frederic Schwebel of Barre does not appear to be recorded in the usual sources suggesting that he was probably a lesser-known regional maker. The visible strike-work positioned on the backplate of the movement of the current lot is typical of Swiss practice and is most often seen on bracket clocks made in the Neuchatel region from the 1770's onwards. Condition Report: Movement is in relatively clean working condition and appears fundamentally original with no obvious replacements. There is a spare hole to the backplate beneath the backcock and another couple beneath the repeat mechanism, although the purpose of these is not clear we do not believe them to be indicative of significant alteration. The movement would benefit from a precautionary clean/service if intending to put into service. The dial has some slight chipping around the left-hand winding hole and another tiny edge chip towards the bottom right, otherwise dial is free from visible damage/faults including the hands. The case is in generally in very good original condition retaining old surface with minimal wear/degradation. The front door frame is very slightly distorted but is free form noticeable breaks or obvious repairs. The bracket is in the same condition as the case ie. with faults otherwise limited to very minor age-related shrinkage, bumps, scuffs etc commensurate with age and use.Clock is complete with a pendulum, case key and a winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
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1,500 - 2,000 GBP
Y A FRENCH GILT BRASSMOUNTED GREEN PAINTED TORTOISHELL DECORATED BRACKET CLOCK WITH WALL BRACKETTHE CASE PROBABLY PARIS,MID 18th CENTURY AND LATER, THE MOVEMENT BY DAVID FREDERICK DUBOIS, LATE18th CENTURYThe four columnar pillartwin going barrel movement now with anchor escapement regulated by a heavylenticular bob pendulum, the ‘two-in-one’ strike train with visible strike-workto the backplate incorporating countwheel cut for both the hours and thequarters, ting-tang sounding the quarters on a graduated pair of bells mounted abovethe plates and the hour on the larger of the two at the hour only, with anadditional incomplete pull-quarter repeat train also with visible strike-workto the backplate, the lower edge of the backplate stamped DFDB andnumbered 1324 K, applied to a 9.5 inch circular white enamel Romannumeral dial with Arabic five minutes beyond the outer minute track and scrollpierced and engraved gilt brass hands, the greenpainted and tortoiseshell foliate scroll decorated case with surmount cast as aputto holding a sand hour-glass seated over a palmette-centred diamond grille castcaddy to the concave-sided superstructure, applied with leafy scroll decorationand with foliate mounts to angles, above leaf cast crest panel flanked by archedfoliate top mounts terminating with dragons, the front with brass-framedwaisted arched glazed door enclosing sloping Boulle marquetry tile decoratedfloor beneath back inlaid with scrollwork into brass to interior, the doorfurther cast with a figure of Fortune embracing another putto holding a sandhour-glass to apron and set within a surround inlaid with leafy scrolls withinline border, the sides with recessed arched windows within leaf cast surroundsover hipped swollen base sections, on leafy scroll cast feet incorporatingfemale masks to the knees and with foliate apron between; set on originalogee-shaped wall bracket with gilt edged table over symmetrical floral trailpanel decorated marquetry to fascia flanked by male masks wearing plumedfeather headdresses to angles, terminating with a rococo scroll cast pendantmount incorporating a stag’s head to base, (previously veneered in contra-partiBoulle marquetry, the brass now removed and substituted with green painted infill).The clock on wall bracket 120cm (47.25ins) high,44cm (17.25ins) wide, 22cm (8.5ins) deep.Provenance:The Hon. Claude John Yorke, and thence by descent.The movement now fitted to the present Clock isstamped for David Frederic Dubois who is recorded on The Royal Collectionwebsite as becoming a maitre 1780. He worked from rue Saint-Honore 1783-89 andthen rue du Roule by 1830. A musical table clock by Dubois stamped to thebackplate in the same manner as the present lot was offered at Bonhams sale TheClassics Paris 30th October 2024 (lot 296). Interestingly this otherexample incorporated a musical mechanism which was almost certainly of Swissmanufacture suggesting that Dubois made have outsourced some of his work toSwiss workshops. This may be the case with the present lot as the movement hasfeatures, such as the visible strikework to the backplate, which is indicativeof Swiss practice. The example offered by Bonhams also had 'Dutch striking' (aswell as Dutch provenance) suggesting that Dubois made clocks for the Dutchmarket. Condition Report: Movement is not original to the dial. It is typically Swiss and quarter strikes on two bell together with pull-quarter repeat work. The movement is in neglected condition hence is not running; the going and strike trains appear serviceable however the repeat work probably requires more involved attention and is lacking its bells and hammers. The dial has a spare winding hole (left over from the original movement) as well as numerous hairline cracks and chips/losses. The case was originally 'contra-parti' veneered with shell within a brass ground - the brass has been removed and the surface painted green around the relief scroll design brown tortoiseshell. The case is otherwise structurally sound but with age related shrinkage and wear; the mounts have lost most of their gilding and the cherub surmount is missing something from his right hand. The bracket is in very similar condition except that the mounts retain more of their original gilding/finish. Clock has pendulum and a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A FRENCH LOUIS XV GILT BRASS MOUNTED BRACKETTIMEPIECE WITH SILENT PULL QUARTER-REPEAT AND ALARMCHARLES VOISIN, PARIS MID 18th CENTURYThe eight-day movement with tapered platesincorporating canted lower angles united by four knopped pillars pinned throughthe backplate signed C’les AParis to lower margin, The going train withverge escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating silk suspension, thepull repeat mechanism sounding the hours and quarters on demand only on agraduated pair of bells mounted within the superstructure of the case, and the alarmwith verge crown wheel driving a further hammer sounding on the inside of thelarger bell, the 5.75 inch circular thirteen-piece cartouche numeral dial with Arabicalarm setting disc to the convex white enamel centre signed CH’RS VOISIN,APARIS, within chapter ring with blue-on-white Roman hour numerals withinrococo borders and Arabic five minutes to outer track, with sculpted bluedsteel hands, the ebonised case now with a foliate cast and chased gilt twin-handledvase surmount to the concave-sided superstructure applied with foliate mountsto angles over generous leaf cast arched cornice, the front with brass-framedarched glazed door incorporating cast panel featuring an eagle grappling aserpent to apron, the sides with recessed arched windows within leaf castsurrounds over hipped swollen base sections, on scroll cast feet with foliateapron between.53.5cm (21ins) high, 24cm (9.5ins) wide, 13cm(5ins) deep.Provenance:Theproperty of a private collector.Charles Voisin was born in Paris in 1685 andbecame a master clockmaker in 1710. He worked first at the Rue de Sevres, andafter 1713 at the Rue Dauphine. He married twice and fathered nine children,two of whom became master clockmakers. In 1760 he passed his business onto hissecond son Antoine-Henry. He died in Paris in February 1761.The design of 'silent-pull' repeat mechanismused in the current lot is based on the earliest type which is believed to havebeen invented in around 1676 by Edward Barlow and/or Daniel Quare; although, inpractice, seems to have been first put to use by Joseph Knibb (see Dzik, Sunny BENEATHTHE DIAL, English Clock Pull Repeat Striking 1625-1725). This mechanismwill sound the last hour and quarter on two bells on demand only, hence isessentially designed for night-time use in the bed chamber. The provision ofthe alarm in the current lot is a feature rarely seen in French examples of thistype, and cements its intended use as a bedroom clock. Condition Report Disclaimer
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Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
Y A FRENCH LOUIS XIV STYLE TORTOISESHELL INLAID ARCHITECTURAL 'RELIGIEUSE' BRACKET CLOCK INSCRIBED FOR JACQUES LANGLOIS, PARIS, LATE 19 th CENTURY INCORPORATING EARLIER ELEMENTS The rectangular five knopped pillar twin going barrel movement now with Brocot type anchor escapement regulated by half-seconds disc bob pendulum, the strike train with large diameter numbered countwheel and sounding the hours as well as a single blow at the half hour on a bell mounted within the superstructure of the case via a vertically pivoted hammer, the lower edge of the movement backplate engraved Jacques Langlois, AParis , the 10 inch rectangular black silk velvet covered dial incorporating applied pewter Roman numeral chapter ring with husk half hour markers and every minute numbered to the outer track, with fine engraved scroll engraved and pierced gilt brass hands over gilt brass mount cast as a recumbent Chronos supporting the chapter ring above a laurel bordered panel engraved Jacques Langlois, AParis , in a case with four gilt drapery swag adorned flambeau urn finials and pierced gallery to the concave ebonised upstand, applied to the domed caddy superstructure inlaid with pewter linework forming a central roundel flanked by panels and conforming concave swept side sections, over brass baluster gallery interrupted by panel inlaid plinths supporting four further gilt flambeau spire finials, the front with ebonised complex cornice mouldings over rectangular arch-glazed door veneered in line-edged tortoiseshell and incorporating pewter strung panels to upper quadrants, flanked by free-standing Corinthain columns with gilt caps and bases and set on panel decorated plinths, the sides of swept concave form inset with gilt brass framed curved windows incorporating arched upper and lower rails between pewter line panel infill panels, over conforming waist panels and the rear angles adorned with further Corinthian columns, the flush rear with rectangular door, on complex ebonised ogee moulded skirt base with leaf-cast gilt brass bun feet. 68cm (26.75ins) high, 50cm (19.75ins) wide, 18cm (7ins) deep. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A FRENCH LOUIS XV STYLE PATINATED BRONZE MANTEL CLOCK 'PENDULE A L'ELEPHANT' THE MOVEMENT BY RICHARD ET CIE, PARIS, LATE 19th CENTURYThe circular eight-day two train bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension, the backplate stamped R&C, PARIS & LONDON over serial number 621 to upper left, and further number 5 8 to lower edge, the 4.5 inch circular twenty-five piece white enamel cartouche numeral dial with convex centre within chapter ring composed of blue-in-white enamel Roman numeral cartouche panels within rococo borders and black Arabic numeral annotated five minute cartouche numerals to outer track, with pierced blued steel hands set behind a hinged ogee moulded convex bevel-glazed cast oxidised bezel, the case modelled in the manner of Jean-Joseph de Saint Germain or Jacques Caffieri with a figure of a gentleman in stylised oriental dress holding aloft a parasol surmounting the drum housing the movement, incorporating hinged glazed rear cover and draped flowering foliage to sides, over support modelled as a stylised elephant with its trunk aloft fitted with rococo scroll cradle for the movement on its back incorporating saddle strap around its waist, standing on a naturalistically cast base incorporating large flowerheads and rocaille scrollwork.41cm (16.25ins) high, 35cm (13.75ins) wide, 18cm (7ins) deep. Richard and Company are recorded in Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS Their history and development as founded in Paris in 1848 and setting-up a London retail outlet in 1857. By 1867 the branch was located at 24 Cannon Street and signed clocks in English. Richard et Cie were prolific makers of better quality carriage clocks as well as other types of decorative mantel clock who received an Honourable Mention in the 1889 Paris Exposition. The distinctive and particularly attractive design of the current lot is based upon mid 18th century models by the Bronziers Jean-Joseph de Saint Germain (1719-87) and Jacques Caffieri (1678-1755). Condition Report: Movement appears complete with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. The mechanism is running and striking as it should but a precautionary gentle clean/service is probably advisable. The dial is in fine condition with no significant chips or cracks to the enamel panels. However the '15' and '30' minute markers have some miniscule edge wear/chipping, the 'VI' numeral has a pin-prick firing fault, the 'VII' a very small scratch to the blue and the '35' panel is a little loose. The case is generally in fine original condition with no apparent damage or losses. There is a small area of rubbing/wear to the patination to the neck of the figure and a larger area within the scrollwork behind the elephant (now dulled-down). Otherwise surface is good with nice reddish chocolate brown and darker tones and faults limited to minor surface scratching in places.Clock is complete with original numbered pendulum and a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A FRENCH LOUIS XVI GILT BRASS CARTEL CLOCKUNSIGNED, PROBABLY PARIS, LATE 18th CENTURYTherectangular twin going barrel countwheel bell striking movement with four cylindricalpillars pinned through the backplate and anchor escapement for regulation by a pendulumnow incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension, the backplate withrounded lower corners and stamped 59 towards the lower margin, the 8inch circular convex white enamel Roman numeral dial with Arabic five minutesbeyond the outer minute track demarked by small gilt diamond lozenges beneatheach numeral, with pierced and engraved gilt brass hands set behind a hingedconvex glazed bead decorated cast bezel, the case with drapery swag decoratedtwin-handled urn surmount over Vitruvian scroll frieze to the fluted out sweptsuperstructure applied with angled side scrolls, over pendant bell-flower decoratedangled batons capped by leafy finials flanking the dial, with tall scrollshoulders draped with lion’s skin behind passing down to form swags flanking alion’s mask apron mount applied to the top of the rectangular glazed lenticle,flanked by angled panel moulded sides over inverted ogee-shaped floral foliate castbase decorated with a band of guttae over a leafy pendant finial, the rear facedin brass incorporating top-hinged port hole for the movement.79cm(31ins) high, 41cm (16ins) wide, 13cm (5ins) deep. Condition Report: Movement appearscomplete (except for the pendulum) and fundamentally original however the suspensionhas been converted to Brocot type regulation (would have most likely originallybeen silk suspension). The going train will just about beat and the strike trainwill operate but both are weak/lazy in their operation hence a clean/service isrequired. The dial has a small bruise incorporating light enamel losses and tothe edge between V and VII (not visible when bezel is closed), there are alsosome slight hairline cracks towards the edge between IIII and V, otherwise dialis generally in very good condition with minor scratching/rubbing only. Thecase is generally in sound condition. The vase finial is a little loose(probably just needs tightening) and has some minor casting faults. There are fretsto the top of the concave section of the shoulders (not visible when hung) andto the sides behind the hide mounts – these are executed in thin gauge brass sheetand are a little distorted/dented with some splitting. The movement securingscrews behind the bezel to each side have been repositioned (probably due towear) and a third screw to the top is missing. The back panel is in goodcondition albeit discoloured/tarnished and with tape residue as well as havingmismatched securing screws. Otherwise case is in good condition with even colourto the surface. The gilding looks a little thin hence it is possible that mosthas been rubbed-off and appearance/colour is now mostly that of a tonedlacquer.Clock has does nothave a pendulum, but a winding key is present. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A FRENCH LOUIS XVI ORMOLUMOUNTED WHITE MARBLE MANTEL CLOCKTHE DIAL SIGNED COTEAU, LATE18th CENTURYThe circular two train eight-daycountwheel bell striking movement for regulation by a pendulum incorporatingsilk suspension, the 3.75 inch circular slightly convex white enamel dial withdate-of-the-month track annotated in puce for the odd numbers divided by giltstars for the even within a chapter ring of vertically aligned Roman hournumerals, the outer minute track with gilt star five minute markers and Arabicquarters, the lower margin signed in puce Coteau, with scroll piercedand engraved gilt brass hands and steel arrow calendar pointer set behind ahinged convex glazed bead cast engine-milled bezel, the break-arch case withtwin eagle-head handled urn surmount standing on a moulded platform and issuingdraped fruiting foliage, looping down to join a transverse acanthus cast volutepositioned at the apex of the gilt bead decorated break-arch moulding, with finepierced and chased mount cast with basket of flowers over a lambrequin andacanthus scrolls beneath the dial, flanked by angled female mask and scrollcast terms and bowed side sections overlaid with conforming scroll pierced andchased mounts, the rear unadorned but with a glazed bezel for the movement, onD-ended skirt base inset with a frieze cast with putti to front and scroll castpanels to the curved ends, on leaf decorated disc feet.44cm (17.25ins) high, 25.5cm (10ins)wide, 10cm (4ins) deep.Joseph Coteau (1740-1801) was the mostrenowned enameller of his time who worked with the finest Parisian clockmakersduring the latter years of the 18th century. He was born in Geneva,where he was named master painter-enameler of the Académie de Saint Luc in1766. Several years later he settled in Paris, and from 1772 to the end of hislife, he was recorded in the rue Poupée. Coteau is known for a technique ofrelief enamel painting, which he perfected along with Parpette and which wasused for certain Sèvres porcelain pieces, as well as for the dials of very fineclocks. Condition Report Disclaimer
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10,000 - 15,000 GBP
A FINE AND RARE FRENCH CONSULATE PERIOD FIGURED MAHOGANY 'AUDIENCE' TIMEPIECE ANTIDE JANVIER, PARIS, No. 337 CIRCA 1801The circular movement with four cylindrical pillars pinned through the backplate inclosing going train with anchor escapement regulated by delicate disc bob pendulum incorporating silk suspension, the backplate signed JANVIER to the left margin opposing N'o 337 to the right, the 4.5 inch circular slightly convex white enamel dial with single bued steel hand for the outer track annotated for a ten-minute period with divisions down to five-second intervals, the centre with arched sector aperture revealing rotating enamel Roman numeral chapter ring divided to ten minute intervals and reading against an arrow marker at the apex, over signature Janvier to lower margin, set behind a hinged convex-glazed gilt brass bezel incorporating burnished gilt moulded surround to interior, the rectangular case with glazed aperture revealing enamel Reaumur scale thermometer with blued steel hand reading against a scale annotated 10-0-30, with zero labelled GLACE and other annotations marking various temperature extremes recorded in Paris together with their respective dates including Paris 1753 at 30.5 degrees, the rear of the panel fitted with a bimetallic strip issuing from a mount incorporating fine angle adjustment opposing pivoted linkage to operate the hand at the other end, the rear of the case with lift-out panel secured by a brass latch, over inverted breakfront skirt base projecting at the front and applied with a pair of gilt recumbent lions set into reveals flanking the thermometer, on generous gilt toupe feet (one foot missing).33.5cm (13.25ins) high, 18.5cm (7.25ins) wide, 16.5cm (6.5ins) deep. Provenance:The property of a gentleman of title. Antide Janvier was born in Brive, near St. Claude in the Jura mountains in 1751. His father was a clockmaker who, after observing Antide's natural talent, sent him to study under the Abbe Tournier at Saint-Claude at the age of thirteen. Two years later he started working on his first 'sphere movement' which he then presented to the Academie des Science in Besancon where he received a lot of praise and a certificate for his work. By 1770 Antide Janvier was in the service of Monsieur Devanne as an apprentice clockmaker where he made another orrery, this time out of boxwood. A third, smaller scale example was then produced which Janvier took with him on a journey to Paris no doubt to seek employment and make his name. Although Janvier was fortunate enough to receive an audience with Louis XV, his temperament was not well received and he returned to Verdun without the fame and patronage which he so desired.Having subsequently married and settled in Verdun as a clockmaker, Antide Janvier came to the attention of Monsieur de Lalande, professor of Astronomy at the College de France. Indeed, it is when Monsieur Lalande had seen a pair of Janvier's 'sphere mouvantes' (one heliocentric and the other geocentric) at a gilder's workshop in Paris, that he decided to call-on Janvier for re-introduction to the Royal Court. King Louis XVI was suitably impressed by Janvier's work and immediately purchased a pair of miniature orreries and placed them in his study at Versailles (the whereabouts of these orreries is now unknown).Due to his association with the Royal Court, after the French Revolution, Antide Janvier was imprisoned for a short while and subsequently fell on hard times. His wife died in 1792 and he latterly sold stock and designs to Abraham-Louis Breguet to raise funds. Despite this Janvier continued to produce clocks during the Consulat and Empire periods, most notably his 'audience timepieces' and regulators. He also went onto collaborate with Raingo to create a mechanical orrery timepiece of which several examples survive.On the restoration of the monarchy and accession of Louis Philippe in 1726 Antide Janvier was awarded a modest pension but died in relative poverty and obscurity in 1835. The 'audience' timepiece was developed during the French post-Revolution Consulate period in response to the need to measure the time granted for an audience with a dignitary, lawyer or high-ranking government official. The time allocated was set at ten minutes, which was no doubt a hangover from the earlier short-lived Revolutionary decimal time system. Janvier was known to have produced decimal clocks, hence he would have been very well-placed to produce timepieces which incorporated a decimal element within their design. The case of the present lot can be confidently attributed to Janvier's preferred supplier of clock cases Jean-Ferdinand Schwedfeger (1734-1818). Schwedfeger was former cabinet maker to Marie-Antionette and an inventory made on the death of his widow lists at least eight clock cases intended for Janvier. The provision of a mechanical thermometer within the beautifully restrained design of the case is a particularly successful addition, which appears to be unique to Janvier's design. The current timepiece is a new discovery uncovered during a routine clear-out of surplus items belonging to a gentleman of title. Although a handful of Janvier 'audience' timepieces are known, there appears to be only one other with fired-enamel dials. This second near identical example is numbered 338 (hence is consecutive to the present timepiece) and is illustrated in Hayard, Michel Antide Janvier - His Life Through His Work on page 273. Number 338 had been sold twice at auction in the last 15 years, first at Antiquorum, Geneva Important Madern & Vintage Timepieces 16th March 2014 (lot 312) for 65,000 CHF, then again at Christie's, Geneva WATCHES ONLINE: THE GENEVA EDIT 17th May 2022 (lot 437) for 25,200 CHF. Another related timepiece (number 304), this time with silvered rather than enamel dials, was sold at Bonhams, London FINE CLOCKS 15th December 2021 (lot 61) for £31,500. Condition Report Disclaimer
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7,000 - 10,000 GBP
A FINE AND RARE FRENCH EMPIRE GILT AND PATINATED BRONZE FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK 'L'AMERIQUE'JEAN-SIMON DEVERBERIE AND COMPANY, PARIS, CIRCA 1810The circular eight-day two train countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum now incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension, the 4.5 inch circular slightly convex white enamel Roman numeral dial signed Deverberie & C'nie, a Paris to centre, with Arabic fifteen minutes to outer track and pierced engraved gilt hands set within a fine gilt engine milled bezel, the case modelled as a native female warrior wearing plumed feather headdress and skirt, bead necklaces, armbands and milled bracelets, seated on top of the drum enclosing the movement with a quiver of arrows over her shoulder, bow in her right hand opposing spear in her left piercing the head of an alligator at her feet, to her rear is a palm tree enveloped by the tail of the alligator, the drum enclosing the movement with glazed friction-fit cover to rear and cradled within the out-swept D-ended base applied with gilt tied floral festoon swags, over skirt applied with a band of gilt beads and generous toupe feet.48cm (19ins) high, 38cm (15ins) wide, 15cm (6ins) deep. Provenance:The property of a Lady of title. Jean-Simon Deverberie is first recorded via his marriage to Marie-Louise Veron in 1788 where he is noted as a 'caster', it is thought that he also specialised as a watch casemaker. Although it is not known when Deverberie became a maitre bronzier, in 1791 he opened a bronze casting and clock factory at rue Barbet, Paris, in partnership with George Hertzog. Deverberie embraced the fashion for exoticism expressed in the famed literature on distant lands and concepts of the 'other', epitomised by the likes of Rousseau, Benardin de Saint Pierre and Chateaubriand. Inspired by such literature Deverberie embodied these concepts with the applied arts and specialised in producing clocks and candelabra adorned with exotic figures. Most notable amongst these designs were those depicting the continents of America and Africa. The original design for L'Amerique (and possibly L'Afrique) dates to 1799 and survives in the cabinet des Estampes, Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris. Another volume dating to between 1801 and 1821 of hand-coloured plates (including both designs) is in the possession of Institut National d'Histoire de l'Art and can be viewed in full on their website.Jean-Simon Deverberie relocated/opened another factory in rue du Temple in around 1804 and then in the rue des Fosses du Temple between 1812-20. He contracted specialist workmen to undertake various aspects of his production including some of the gilding to Jean Claude Herouard and Jean-Jacques Dubois amongst others. He also bought in glass dome covers for his clock cases from the famous glass blower Jean-Baptiste and acquired his marble from Gilles l'aine. Deverberie apparently did not supply the'Garde-Meuble'direct though he may have done so through as intermediary. He tended to prefer supply private clientele and appeared to have strong client base throughout Europe. Condition Report: Movement is completeand in working condition however as the clock has been in long-term storage agentle clean/service is advised. The pendulum suspension has been converted fromsilk to spring with Brocot type regulation albeit with the latter attached to whatappears to be the original backcock. The dial has a filled impact/bruise at theVI numeral radiating a series of hairline cracks. There are additional faintcracks issuing from the edge between the VII and VIII numerals and another nearthe X numeral; dial otherwise is in original condition. The case is generallyin good condition with strong gilding generally exhibiting minoroxidation/spotting and grime only. The left eye of the figure has probably beenre-touched and the ears are pierced for earrings which are no longer present. Thetop of the left arm to the rear has a visible screw fixing which may not beoriginal and the dark finish of the figure is a little uneven in places. The palmtree is a little loose on its fixing; the tree itself is fairly light on foliageso may have been pruned at some point. The drum containing the movement hassome slight distortion/denting around the apertures to each end - probably fromadjustments to assist the fitment of the bezel and rear cover. The feet arefitted feet are a little use on their threaded fixings. Otherwise faults to thecase is very much limited to historic grime and oxidation.Clock has a pendulum andwinding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
A FINE AND RARE FRENCH EMPIRE PERIOD GILT AND PATINATED BRONZE FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK 'L'AFRIQUE'JEAN-SIMON DEVERBERIE AND COMPANY, PARIS, CIRCA 1812The circular eight-day two train countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum now incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension, the 4.5 inch circular slightly convex white enamel Roman numeral dial signed Inv. fec. De Verberie & C'omp'e, Rue des Fosses du Temple, N.47, A PARIS to centre, with Arabic fifteen minutes to outer track and pierced gilt hands set within a fine gilt engine milled bezel, the case modelled as a native female warrior wearing feather skirt, bead necklaces, armbands and milled bracelets, seated on top of the drum enclosing the movement with a quiver of arrows over her shoulder, holding a spear in her right hand and a bow in her left, with a tortoise at her feet and seated leopard with ringed collar to her rear, the drum enclosing the movement with glazed friction-fit cover to rear and cradled within the out-swept D-ended base applied with frieze depicting putti fishing and hunting within a naturalistic setting flanked by gilt tied floral festoon swags to the rounded ends, over skirt applied with a band of gilt beads and generous toupe feet.46cm (18ins) high, 38cm (15ins) wide, 15cm (6ins) deep excluding spear. Provenance:The property of a Lady of title. Jean-Simon Deverberie is first recorded via his marriage to Marie-Louise Veron in 1788 where he is noted as a 'caster', it is thought that he also specialised as a watch casemaker. Although it is not known when Deverberie became a maitre bronzier, in 1791 he opened a bronze casting and clock factory at rue Barbet, Paris, in partnership with George Hertzog. Deverberie embraced the fashion for exoticism expressed in the famed literature on distant lands and concepts of the 'other', epitomised by the likes of Rousseau, Benardin de Saint Pierre and Chateaubriand. Inspired by such literature Deverberie embodied these concepts with the applied arts and specialised in producing clocks and candelabra adorned with exotic figures. Most notable amongst these designs were those depicting the continents of America and Africa. The original design for L'Amerique (and possibly L'Afrique) dates to 1799 and survives in the cabinet des Estampes, Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris. Another volume dating to between 1801 and 1821 of hand-coloured plates (including both designs) is in the possession of Institut National d'Histoire de l'Art and can be viewed in full on their website.Jean-Simon Deverberie relocated/opened another factory in rue du Temple in around 1804 and then in the rue des Fosses du Temple between 1812-20. He contracted specialist workmen to undertake various aspects of his production including some of the gilding to Jean Claude Herouard and Jean-Jacques Dubois amongst others. He also bought in glass dome covers for his clock cases from the famous glass blower Jean-Baptiste and acquired his marble from Gilles l'aine. Deverberie apparently did not supply the'Garde-Meuble'direct though he may have done so through as intermediary. He tended to prefer supply private clientele and appeared to have strong client base throughout Europe. Condition Report: Movement is completeand in working condition however as the clock has been in long-term storage agentle clean/service is advised. The pendulum suspension has been converted fromsilk to spring with Brocot type regulation albeit with the latter attached to whatappears to be the original backcock. The dial has light enamel chipping aroundthe right-hand winding hole and minor surface scratching around the left otherwiseappears to be in fine original albeit dirty condition. The hour hand is a replacement, The case is generally invery good condition with strong gilding exhibiting minor oxidation/spottingonly. The eyes of the figure have been probably been re-touched and the earsare pierced for earrings which are no longer present. The top of the left armto the rear has a visible screw fixing which may not be original. The feet area little use on their threaded fixings. Otherise faults to the case is verymuch limited to historic grime and oxidation.Clock has a pendulumbut no winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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1,000 - 1,500 GBP
A RARE FRENCH EMPIRE GILT AND PATINATED BRONZE MINIATURE MANTEL TIMEPIECE EMBLEMATIC OF THE TOBACCO TRADEUNSIGNED, IN THE MANNER OF JEAN-SIMONDEVERBERIE, CIRCA 1815, THE MOVEMENT LATERNow incorporating a Swiss made eight-day going barrel movementwith lever escapement regulated by a sprung balance, enclosed by a brass coverfitted with integral winding key, hand setting knob and regulation adjustmentscrew, inscribed 8, SWISS, LEVER ESCAPEMENT C. 244 and numbered 1351549,fitted to the original 2 inch circular gilt Roman numeral dial with radialengine-turned centre within Roman numeral chapter ring, with slender bluedsteel spade hands and within a generous spiral twist cast bezel, thecase modelled as a male figure with glass eyes wearing feather skirt andconforming plumed headdress, seated on top of a tied tobacco bale enclosing themovement with a gourd and an anchor placed behind him and resting his left footon a barrel, the plinth base applied with mount cast as tied leafy fronds tofront over a plain skirt and engine-milled bell-shaped feet, with a pair offigural candlesticks, probably second quarter of the 19th century, modelledwith standing figures following the design of the timepiece supportingengine-turned sconces above their heads, set on cavetto shaped soclesincorporating leafy collars and engine-turned decoration to the base mouldings,(3).The timepiece 24cm (9.5ins) high, 16cm (6.25ins) wide,7.5cm (3ins) deep; the candlesticks each 24cm (9.5ins) high, 11cm (4.25ins)diameter.The design of the case of the present lot was most likelyinspired by those published by Jean-Simon Deverberie, who embraced the fashionfor exoticism expressed in the famed literature on distant lands and conceptsof the ‘other’, epitomised by the likes of Rousseau, Benardin de Saint Pierreand Chateaubriand. Inspired by such literature Deverberie embodied these conceptswith the applied arts and specialised in producing clocks and candelabraadorned with exotic figures. Most notable amongst these designs were thosedepicting the continents of America and Africa. The original design for L’Amerique(and possibly L’Afrique) dates to 1799, and survives in thecabinet des Estampes, Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris (see previous two lots). Miniature mantel timepieces of this type were originallymostly supplied with short duration watch-type movements, with many now havinglater longer duration movements fitted as per the present lot. Condition Report Disclaimer
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Estimate
400 - 600 GBP
A RARE FRENCH EMPIRE PARIS PORCELAIN VASE CASED MANTELCLOCKTHE PORCELAIN BY DARTE FRERES, PARIS, CIRCA 1820The circular countwheel bell striking movement withanchor escapement regulated by rosette-cast bob pendulum incorporating silksuspension, the circular brass dial with fine repeating fruiting vine leaf castcentre within silvered Roman numeral chapter ring, with blued steel moon handsset within generous radial acanthus leaf cast bezel surround, the movement a dialset into the body of a flared oval-section porcelain vase modelled with lappetleaf moulding to rim over twin stylised dolphin side handles, the gilt bodyoverpainted in shades of muted gold with a repeating Gothic arcade beneath an alternatinganthemion and tracery panel decorated frieze, the lower section formed with a piercedfeather gallery over a cavetto moulded skirt base, similarly decorated with foliatemotifs interspersed with relief-modelled Classical masks over the four lion’spaw feet, the top with tin plated liner to allow use as a vase and the undersidewith red DARTE, Pal. Royal, No. 21 mark.28cm (11ins) high, 25cm (9.75ins) wide, 18cm (7ins) deep.Brothers Louis Joseph (1766-1843) and Jean Francois (1768-1834)Darte established a porcelain factory in the Rue de la Roquette, Paris, in 1808.Their retail outlet was at the Palais Royale 21 and they were known for producingrichly decorated wares in the Empire and Restoration styles. Production isbelieved to have continued until around 1825. A clock of the same model of the present lot is housed in thecollection of the Palacio Nacional da Ajuda, Lisbon, (inventory No. 3964). Condition Report: Movement is in working condition - i.e. will run and strike,however would benefit from a clean/service. Due to the way the movement isfitting in the case it is difficult to examine the mechanism closely, however,from what can be seen, it appears to be free from noticeable alternation orsignificant replacements. The dial centre is a little muted in colour, there isa curved section flush with the chapter ring above six o'clock which would havealmost certainly been for a scripted maker/retailers signature - this is vacantand has uneven silvering. The hands appear original and undamaged. The caseappears free from cracks, noticeable chips or other significant faults(including the handles) but does have rubbing/wear to the gilt glaze mostlyaround the base mouldings. The porcelain is also very dirty/dusty so wouldbenefit from a good clean. The original zinc liner insert is present and ingood conditions.The clock has a pendulum but no winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
A FINE FRENCH RESTAURATION ORMOLU AND CUT VONECHE CRYSTAL LYRE-SHAPED MANTEL CLOCKCLERET, POSSIBLY FOR RETAIL BY A L'ESCALIER DE CRISTAL, PARIS, CIRCA 1820The circular two train eight-day countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating silk suspension regulation, the backplate signed CLERET over stamped number 2169 to lower margin, the 3 inch circular gilt brass Roman numeral dial with curved panel inscribed CLERET A PARIS to the engine-turned centre and blued steel moon hands set within a gilt floral wreath cast bezel, the case formed as a lyre with opposing twin swan-neck cast terminals to the tapered square section outward-curved reeded cut glass limbs set into laurel cast collars, united by a foliate panel centred stretcher surmounted by a Classical mask issuing wheatear husks, over brass rod 'strings' set into a moulded platform elevated on a leaf-cast capital, the belly of the lyre also constructed from reeded cut glass and inset with the movement, raised on a conforming glass block plinth base with fine acanthus cast and chased gilt upper mouldings over repeating bell-flower decorated moulding to the skirt base and stylised winged lions paw feet.56cm (22ins) high, 20cm (8ins) wide, 13.5cm (5.25ins) deep. Clocks by Cleret, Paris are often signed 'eleve de Robin' indicating that he was a pupil of the eminent clockmaker Robert Robin (1741-99) who is best known for his complex astronomical regulators. The Voneche crystal factory was established in 1778 and was later acquired in 1802 by Aime-Gabriel d'Artigues who modernised and developed the business. Napolean I supported the factory, as it provided an alternative to imports from Waterford and Bohemia which had become subject to the continental blockade. By the time of the Restauration the Voneche factory was in financial difficulty, however Louis XVII agreed to bail it out on the condition that d'Artigues established another new crystal factory at Baccarat. After the Belgium revolution in 1830 the factory was sold to Baccarat who closed the works in 1831.The A l'Escalier de Cristal (The Crystal Staircase) was a famous Parisian retailer of crystal, created by Marie Desarnaud in 1804. The business was at its peak during the Restauration and was the first to offer clocks, candelabra, ornamental vases etc that combined cut crystal and gilt bronze. Condition Report: The movement is in relatively clean working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. A precautionary gentle clean/service is probably advisable if intending to put into long-term service. The dial is in very good condition with only very slight mellowing to the finish. The case generally presents very well. Both the swan-neck terminals have been re-attached with epoxy and the left-hand limb has a crack just below. The left-hand limb also has some chipping (both internal and external) to the base at the rear. The body of the lyre has a chip to one of the bands to the rear left-hand side otherwise faults to the glass appear to be limited to minor age related edge chipping and wear. The spare holes in the mounts suggest that the lyre originally had 7 'strings', otherwise mounts appear to be in good original condition with light to moderate wear/discolouration to the gilding. Clock is complete with pendulum and a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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686
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Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
† AN IMPRESSIVE FRENCH EMPIRE ORMOLU AND ROSSOFRANCIA FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK ‘PSYCHE CROWNING AMOR’AFTER A DESIGN BY CLAUDE MICHALLON, UNSIGNED,PARIS, CIRCA 1820The circular eight-day two train countwheel strikingmovement with anchor escapement for regulation by a pendulum incorporating silksuspension, the 4 inch circular dial with gilt rosette and radial fish-scalecast centre within a white enamel Roman numeral chapter ring, with scroll piercedsteel hands within a repeating leaf cast bezel surround, housed in an archedmilestone-shaped marble central section applied with a mount cast with a gladiuspiercing an oil lamp to front over a gilt skirt, positioned between twostanding figures depicting the naked female Psyche to the left leaning acrossto crown the male Amor with a wreath of rose blooms, standing on a marbleplinth base applied with stylised triple-wreath and sceptre cast mount to front,over skirt applied with gilt ogee shaped upper mouldings cast with repeating lotusleaves above generous winged lion’s paw feet; with a pair of Restaurationormolu and rosso francia marble five-branch candelabra, circa 1830,each with five branches fitted with leafy drip pans issuing from a colzastyle centre surmounted by an additional sconce, raised on triform supports tiedwith leafy scrollwork at the top over conforming stretcher block applied with aspire finial, with three integral out-swept lion’s paw feet resting on a concave-sidedtriform marble plinth applied with generous gadroon cast decoration to upper surface,(3).The clock 66cm (26ins) high, 46cm (18ins)wide, 21.5cm (8.5ins) deep; the candelabra each 71cm (28ins) high, 27cm (10.5ins)diameter.The design for the current lot was created bythe sculptor Claude Michallon (1752-99), who, after first studying in Pariswent to Roman for six years. On his return in 1791 he received many commissionsfor large sculptures which were well received and he won several prizes. The compositionof the present lot was probably influenced by the ‘Capitolinic Kiss’ which is aRoman copy of an ancient Greek original housed in the Capitoline Museums, Rome.Interestingly the ‘Capitolinic Kiss’ was in Paris up until being ceded back toRome in 1797 hence it is likely that Michallon drew inspiration prior to itsreturn.Versions of this model are traditionally believedto have been cast by Pierre-Philippe Thomire, however a comparable modelled described‘Pendulum of Psyche crowning Love’ was exhibited by the bronzierPierre-Francois Feuchere (1732-1823) in 1816. Numerous examples survive in importantcollections including at the Chateau de Fontainebleau, the museum Marmottan andBrighton Pavillion. Condition Report: Movement will windand the going train will just about ‘beat’ but not constantly. The strike trainis in working condition, but as the mechanism is a neglected/tarnished the movementwill require a clean/service before putting to use. The dial has enamel chipping/lossesmostly to the right-hand margin of the chapter ring and the hands are replacements.The case presents as being in sound but neglected/dirty condition. The ‘hump-back’section containing the movement has a small chip to the front left-hand edgeand is lacking the rear cover/bezel for the movement. There are also corner chipswhere it meets the gilt skirt. The large block section to the base is in goodcondition with faults limited to edge/corner chipping and wear. The lowersection of the base has cracks and breaks to the marble to both sides and therear. It has also been re-attached slightly mis-aligned to the section above.The mounts are generally in good condition retaining gilding with light wear/discolourationonly. The male figure is a little loose in its fixing which has resulted in theleft hand rubbing against the rear of the female figure and leaving a witnessmark.The candelabra haveeach been drilled for electricity, and have slightly bent/mis-aligned arms (whichshould be fairly easy to straighten). The marble bases have edge/corner chips aswell as other slight surface blemishes within the stone. The gilding to the candelabrahas overall light to moderate oxidation some wear.Clock does not have apendulum or a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A FRENCH EMPIRE ORMOLU FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCKL. MALLET, PARIS, EARLY 19thCENTURYThe circular two train eight-daycountwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement for regulation by apendulum incorporating silk suspension, the 3.5 inch circular slightly convexwhite enamel Roman numeral dial signed L’s Mallet a Paris to centre,with steel moon hands set within an engine milled bezel decorated with acontinuous leafy trail, set into arch-shaped housing surmounted by trophy mountcast as an axe and sheathed gladius retained by a laurel wreath, over furthermount cast as tied oak and laurel branches applied beneath the dial, set viastylised repeating lotus leaf cast ogee base moulding next to a standing figureof bearded man wearing classical robes holding forth an upturned helmet, onto aplatform base inset with a panel cast with a King conversing with a scholar andanother figure listening-in, the sides with crossed sword motifs, standing ontoupe feet.38cm (15ins) high, 25.5cm (10ins) wide,11.5cm (4.5ins) deep.Louis Mallet worked inParis where his workshop is recorded on Rue J-J Rousseau in 1815 when he wasappointed clockmaker to Louis-Philippe, Duc d'Orleans (1773-1850), later Kingof the French. Condition Report: Condition report available on request (prior to the sale). No pendulum or winder present. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A FRENCH EMPIRE STYLE SMALL ORMOLU MANTEL CLOCKUNSIGNED, PROBABLY PARIS, EARLY 19th CENTURY AND LATERNow with circular eight-day countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement for regulation by a disc bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension, with a 3.25 inch circular white enamel Roman numeral dial with steel moon hands set within repeating anthemion milled surround behind a hinged convex-glazed ropetwist decorated bezel, in an arched case with mount cast as fringed fabric draped over the top, and another cast a run of leather-bound books framed by conforming tied festoon curtains beneath the dial, the rear with circular hinged glazed cover, on skirt base with repeating leaf cast upper mouldings and rose wreath centred floral frond cast mount to front, over turned feet, (lacking pendulum).21cm (8.25ins) high, 14.5cm (5.75ins) wide. Condition Report: Movement will windand the going train will just about ‘beat’ but not constantly. The strike trainis in working condition, but as the mechanism is a little neglected/tarnishedthe movement will require a clean/service before putting to use. The movementhas probably been converted from silk thread suspension to spring with Brocotregulation otherwise there is no visible evidence of alteration or noticeablereplacements. The dial has very slight chipping and scratching around theright-hand winding hole otherwise appears to be in very good condition albeit alittle dirty. The case is fairly heavily oxidised and is dirty but appears retainmuch of its original gilding with light wear only. The plinth base has been adapted(has a join down the centre and a plate screwed to the underside) indicating thatit has been altered to fit the ‘hump back’ shaped section hence is most likely notoriginal.Clock does not have apendulum or a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A FRENCH NAPOLEON III MAHOGANY PORTICO MANTEL CLOCK WITH INVENTORY STAMP FOR THE TUILERIES PALACEHENRY-LEPAUTE, PARIS, CIRCA 1855The circular eight-day two train outside countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by a 'grid-iron' disc-bob pendulum incorporating fine beat adjustment to the crutch, the 4.5 inch circular white enamel Roman numeral dial signed HENRY-LEPAUTE, H'RE DU ROI & DE LA VILLE, Rue St. Honore 247, A PARIS to centre, with blued steel hands set within a repeating strapwork panel cast gilt brass bezel, the case with tablet upstand over projecting cornice to entablature, supported on two pairs of columns with the movement and dial set in a gilt brass drum between, each now with blocks for capitals over flame figured veneered shafts with entasis and engine-milled gilt brass bases, on plinth base with cavetto moulded skirt stamped with a crowned TU monogram and numbered 19456 to the rear over block feet.51cm (20ins) high, 27cm (11.75ins) wide, 15cm (6ins) deep. Provenance:The property of a private collector. The inventory stamp to the rear of the skirt of the clock indicates that the present clock would have been supplied to the Tuileries Palace, most likely around the start of Napoleon III's reign as Emperor in 1852. Jean-Joseph Lepaute (1769-1846) was the great nephew of the founder of the Lepaute dynasty Jean-Andre Lepaute, 1720-1789. He initially joined the business as a junior partner to Pierre-Basil Lepaute, hence was around at the time the firm started to supply clocks to the Chateaux of the Tuileries, St. Cloud, Trianon and Fontainebleau. In 1811 the firm divided and Pierre-Basil formed his own business with his son Pierre-Michel, under the name of Lepaute Fils. Jean-Joseph Lepaute remained and subsequently took on Augustin-Michel Henry who was the son of Pierre Henry who had married Jean-Andre Lepaute's sister Elizabeth. Pierre later changed his name to Henry Neveu Lepaute and married Annais, the daughter of Jean-Joseph. In 1854, Augustin-Micheal Henry, being Napoleon III's official watchmaker, was authorised by the Emperor to officially add 'Lepaute' to his surname. Thereon, the signature "Henry-Lepaute" appeared on the dials of the company's clocks. The going train of the present lot is trained to run for about a month whilst the strike train for eight-days. This is most likely to ensure that the power delivery for the going train is always within the maximum twenty-five percent of its range assuming a weekly wind. As such the strength of the spring will not noticeably diminish during this period. The Tuileries Palace formed the West Front of the of the Louvre complex closing off the large courtyard. Constructed started in 1564 as a home for Queen Catherine De Medici and when finally completed under the reign of Louis XIV had an immense façade of 266 metres. The palace underwent many refurbishments right up until the reign of Emperor Napoleon III, who undertook extensive lavish redecoration of the State rooms in the revived Second Empire style.On 23rd May 1871, during the suppression of the Paris Commune, men under the orders of the Commune's former chief military commander Jules Bergeret set the Tuileries alight. The blaze lasted two days hours and thoroughly gutted the palace, with the exception of the foundations and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. The gutted shell stood for another eleven years before being finally dismantled in 1882.The inventory mark to the rear of the present lot indicates that it was once formed part of the furnishings of the Tuileries Palace. Indeed, it is most likely that the clock was supplied direct to the palace by Henry-Lapaute who was, after all, Napoleon III's official watchmaker. Condition Report: The movement is inclean fully working condition with no visible evidence of alteration ornoticeable replacements. The dial has been restored but to a high standard hencevisible faults are limited to a few minor surface blemishes. The case is generallyin very good condition except for the capitals for the columns which are now well-matchedblocks of mahogany substituting the original milled gilt brass capitals. The originalcolumn bases are still present but the rear left has been solder repaired (hencehas solder residue and other defects). Otherwise case is in very good conditionwith faults limited to minor bumps and scuffs. The rear cover for the movementhas some slight historic surface blemishes.Clock has original pendulumbut no winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A FRENCH SECOND EMPIRE ORMOLU EQUESTRIAN FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK 'NAPOLEON'UNSIGNED, PARIS, CIRCA 1850The circular two train eight-day countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement for regulation by a pendulum with silk suspension, the backplate stamped L, 376 to left-hand margin over 205 to centre, the circular silvered 'watered silk' engine-turned Roman numeral dial with steel moon hands set within a gilt laurel wreath cast surround, the case surmounted by a parcel-silvered equestrian figure of Napoleon in full military costume including a three-quarter winter overcoat, astride a stallion standing on a rocky outcrop cast with tree stump and leafy motifs flanking the dial, set on a tall plinth base applied with an Imperial eagle and oakleaf cast motif to centre flanked by generous acanthus cast ornaments to the front corners, above a skirt base with fluted top moulding over wreath-centred foliate mount and a generous laurel swag cast apron issuing from leafy scrolls forming the bracket feet. 48cm (19ins) high, 31cm (12.25ins) wide, 10cm (4ins) deep. Condition Report: Movement is in dirty neglectedcondition with no visible evidence of alteration or notable replacements. The movementwill wind and the escapement will beat and the strike train is operationalhowever a clean/service will be required. The dial is heavily tarnished with wearto the numerals and a few light surface scratches; hands appear original buthave some light surface corrosion. The case is generally in good originalcondition but is dirty/dusty. The original gilding shows only light rubbing andwear, the sides and rear have patchy oxidation coming through the gilding but nodoubt the finish would respond very well to careful cleaning. The silvering tothe horse is tarnished and a little worn to the extremities. There is a hole to the left thigh of the figure (to the rear) which may have been for a sword. Clock has a pendulum (notcorrect for the clock) and a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A FRENCH NAPOLEON III LOUIS XVI STYLE ORMOLU MANTEL CLOCK LE FEVRE, PARIS, CIRCA 1850The circulareight-day two-train countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapementfor regulation by a pendulum incorporating silk suspension, the backplatestamped 126 towards the left-hand margin over 518 and LEFEVREA PARIS across the centre, the 3.5 inch circular slightly convexblue-on-white Roman numeral dial inscribed LEFEVRE, A PARIS to centreand with Arabic five minutes to outer track, with scroll pierced gilt brasshands set behind a hinged bevel-glazed guilloche scroll cast bezel, the D-endedcase with floral swag adorned acanthus cast oval urn surmount standing on afluted cavetto moulded upstand, over front with tied laurel wreath above thedial and recessed polychrome floral painted porcelain panel with gilt and powderblue borders and set within a lotus-leaf cast frame beneath the dial, flankedby fluted quarter-bowed angles and tied fruiting foliage cast pendant mounts tosides, the rear matching the front except for the guilloche bezel and porcelainpanel, on shaped stepped skirt base with tied laurel wreath mouldings over rosettedecorated looped scroll cast panels interrupted by acanthus motifs, onconforming shaped white marble plinth base with lobed bun feet. 35cm(13.75ins) high, 25cm (9.75ins) wide, 13.5cm (5.25ins) deep.J.Leferve et Fils are known to have worked from rue St. Sebastien 17, Paris,during the second half of the 19th century. It is possible that theywere connected to the eminent Directoire and Empire period clockmakerPierre-Honore LeFevre, who succeeded his associate, Jean-Francois Debelle, in1803 and is believed to have continued working until after 1810. Condition Report: Condition report available on request (prior to the sale). No pendulum or winder present. Condition Report Disclaimer
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1,000 - 1,500 GBP
A FRENCH PATINATED BRONZE EQUESTRIAN FIGURAL MANTEL CLOCK DEPICTING LORD BYRON'S 'MAZEPPA'THE MOVEMENT POSSIBLY STAMPED FOR VERGER FRERES, PARIS, CIRCA 1875The circular two train eight-day countwheel bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc bob pendulum incorporating Brocot type regulation to suspension, the backplate stamped with VF, BREVETE PARIS sunburst trademark to the left-hand margin over JAPY FRERES & CIE, G'DE MED. D'HONNEUR roundel and serial number 33338 above further numbers 3 2 to the bottom centre, the circular blue-on-white enamel Roman numeral dial with steel moon hands within a fruiting vine leaf cast bezel surround, the case cast as the naked Mazeppa tied to the back of a stallion leaping over a rocky outcrop enclosing the dial, with tree trunk to backdrop and lapping water to the foreground, on cavetto moulded Belge noir marble skirt base with gilt brass squab feet.51.5cm (20.25ins) high, 53.5cm (21ins) wide, 20cm (8ins) deep. The narrative poem 'Mazeppa' was written by Lord Byron in 1819 and is based on the popular legend of the early life of the Ukranian, Ivan Stepanovych Mazepa (1639-1709). According to the poem Mazeppa had a love affair with Theresa, a Polish Countess, whilst serving as a Page in the Court of John II Casimir Vasa. On discovery of the affair Theresa's much older husband punished Mazeppa by tying him to a stallion and setting it loose. The poem recounts the traumatic journey that ensued and was praised for its 'vigor of style and its sharp realization of the feelings of suffering and endurance'. The 'VF' sunburst stamp to the backplate of the present clock is apparently unrecorded, however it is possible that it may be for Verger Freres who were apparently first established in Besancon, France, by Justin Verger in 1821. A Ferdinand Verger subsequently set-up business at the Place des Victoires, Paris, in 1872 taking his sons into partnership soon after. The firm registered a trademark (different to that on the present lot) in 1896 and went on to become one of the most important French jewellery houses of the 20th century, being particularly noted for their association with the likes Cartier and Boucheron during the Art Deco period. Condition Report Disclaimer
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693
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Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
A RARE FRENCH GILT BRASS, BRONZE AND ROSSO FRANCIA MARBLE NOVELTY AUTOMATON TIMEPIECE 'THE OARSMAN'ANDRE ROMAIN GUILMET, PARIS, RETAILED BY JOHN WALKER, LONDON LATE 19th CENTURYThe circular eight-day movement with inverted tic-tac escapement positioned to the lower edge of the mechanism connected via a cranked horizontal crutch to the figure of a sailor with a paddle standing towards the bow of the vessel suspended from crossover springs allowing it to oscillate back and forwards acting as a compound pendulum, the movement backplate stamped with MEDAILLE D'OR, A R, GLT, B'TE, S.G.D.G. PARIS trademark, the 2.5 inch circular gilt dial indistinctly inscribed with retailer's signature JOHN WALKER, 68 CORNHILL & 230 REGENT ST., LONDON to centre within vertically aligned Arabic hour numeral chapter ring and with blued steel spade hands set within a canted bezel, the case finely modelled as a single-masted sailing vessel with drum housing the movement tied amidships beneath the rear spar, with gilt bulwark rail, rudder and bowsprit, the hull incorporating an access panel to the rear and set within naturalistic ocean setting, onto the stepped marble plinth with canted gilt pad feet.44cm (17.25ins) high, 38cm (15ins) long including bowsprit, 16.5cm (6.25ins) wide. Andre Romain Guilmet was born on the 10th of December 1827 in La Ferte-Gaucher, France. He was a credited as a watchmaker and inventor who specialised in producing novelty and mystery clocks for which he applied for a number of patents for designs. Amongst his other patents was that for a bicycle where the driving chain was set below the seat. He is best known for his 'mysterieuse' figural clock with glass pendulum, this takes the form of a woman holding pendulum in her outstretched hand and arm over a marble base containing the clock below. The pendulum is impulsed by the mechanism underneath her that moves the figure imperceptibly from side to side. Guilmet's industrial series of clocks, which includes the current lot, features automated clocks in the form of windmills, lighthouses, automobiles, boats, steam hammers, boilers, etc. Another 'oarsman' automaton timepiece by Guilmet is illustrated in Roberts, Derek Mystery, Novelty and Fantasy Clocks page 254, (figure 22-1), and a further example was sold in these rooms 6th October 2021 (lot 161) for £14,000 hammer. Condition Report: The movement appearscomplete including the linkages to the ‘oarsman figure however the mainspringratchet is worn/inoperative hence will not wind. The winding key threads onto themainspring arbor and can be turned and spring resistance felt but the ratchet ‘click’is slipping. The key also appears to be wound tight on the shaft hence cannotbe removed which prevents the rear cover of the movement housing from also beingremoved; and the rear cover itself appears to be a replacement. However, fromwhat can be seen of the movement, it appears to be in relatively clean and mostlikely serviceable condition. The dial appears to have a satin-gilt finish appliedover a shiny gilt ground. The satin finish is rubbed worn revealing the shiny/polishedsurface beneath. The numerals and black script to the centre also have someslight wear. The case is generally in sound condition, is complete and retainsoriginal finishes albeit with some oxidation and wear. The wire lines passingover the drum of the movement (simulating ‘strapping-down’) are a little slack andhave left rubbing marks against the patinated finish of the drum. The mast andbowsprit are loose in their fixing hence prone to wobbling and turning. Themarble base has some light edge wear/nibbling but appears free from cracks or noticeablerepairs, the gilt feet are loose on their fixings (hence prone to rotating).Overall clock appears fundamentally complete but appears to have beendismantled and put back together leaving elements loose and with somereplacements to the screws etc. Hence needs ‘going through’ to ensure that all elementsare secured appropriately. Faults are otherwise generally limited to very minorbumps, scuffs, rubbing and wear commensurate with age and use.Timepiece hasintegral winder and figural pendulum. Condition Report Disclaimer
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2,500 - 3,500 GBP
A RARE BLACK FOREST CARVED OAK QUARTER-STRIKING 'CUCKOO AND QUAIL' MANTEL CLOCKJOHANN BAPTISTE BEHA, EISENBACH, MODEL 508 CIRCA 1865The substantial wooden-framed triple standing barrel movement with anchor escapement regulated by short pendulum with heavy brass-faced bob, the quarter train with outside countwheel and linkages to a bellow and quail automaton who appears from behind the left-hand door above the dial to announce the quarters with a single-note call followed by a hammer sounding on a gong fitted to the inside of the rear case panel, the hour strike of conforming layout but with two bellows and a cuckoo automaton appearing from behind the right-hand door to announce the hours with a two-note call followed by sounding on the same gong, the dial finely carved with fruiting vine leaves to centre within chapter ring applied with pierced bone Roman hour numerals, with pierced and foliate carved bone hands and naturalistically carved surround, the gabled case with grain-carved batons to roof fronted by fine a vine leaf entwined fascia set with a crucifix at the apex, over front applied with a naturalistically carved trellis around the dial entwined with further fruiting vines and incorporating pair of hinged doors for the bird automata beneath the roof overhang, the apron applied with a further vine entwined double rail over aperture recess, the sides within hinged doors set within grained baton carved framing and the rear with lift-out panel, the platform base applied with further naturalistically carved baton framing to simulate fencing, on block feet; together with a copy of Miller, Justin J. Rare and Unusual Black Forest Clocks Schiffer Publishing Limited, West Chester PA 2012, dj, (2).60cm (23.5ins) high, 35cm (13.75ins) wide, 22cm (8.75ins) deep. Provenance:The property of a professional sportsman and commentator. Johann Baptist Beha was born in Eisenbach 1815 the son of master clockmaker Vincenz Beha who, by the late 1830's had established a workshop specialising in the production of early 'shield' pattern cuckoo clocks amongst others. Johann Baptist set-up his own workshop in Eisenbach in 1845 specialising in cuckoo clocks. He is credited as the first to produce 'Bahnhausle' (railway cottage) style cuckoo clocks as well spring driven wall or shelf models. His early models retained wooden framed movements but often included fusees. It is likely that this feature was incorporated so that they could compete, in terms of quality, within lucrative export markets. Indeed the largest consumers of his clocks were Russia and Britain, with the main importers to the latter being Camerer, Kuss & Co., London; Morath Brothers, Liverpool; and Bohringer, Belfast. Camerer Kuss was also the main exporter of Beha clocks to India.During the 1850's Beha expanded his range to include cuckoo picture frame clocks and 'moving eye' automaton clocks amongst others; he was also the first to introduce musical movements within cuckoo clocks. At some point after the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition in 1876 Johann Baptist Beha took his sons Lorenz (1865-1941) and Engelbert (1866-1949) into partnership, forming the firm 'Johann Baptist Beha und Sohne'. At this time increasing competition and need to appeal to the emerging middle-class markets meant that the breadth of novelty within the firm's designs was increased, but perhaps at the expense of quality.After Johann Baptist's death in 1898 the business was continued by his sons, however the loss of the lucrative export market to Russia (due to the Revolution) and the general economic challenges of the inter-war period resulted in the firm's production diminishing. They were still producing a small number of clocks in 1938 but were finally wound-up in 1956. The present lot is a relatively early model with the decoration to the front of the gable affixed to the roof rather than hung and retained by latches. The execution of the carving is particularly crisp and perhaps a little unusual in being executed in oak. Indeed, the quality of the case and the provision of 'cuckoo and quail' quarter-striking sets the current lot aside as being a notably fine example of Beha's work. Condition Report: The movement is in goodworking condition having been recently serviced/overhauled. The automatonaction is prompt and calls clearly audible. The bellows are original but possiblywith replacement webbing. Both birds are in good condition but with some cosmeticretouching. The case is in very fine condition with no visible breaks or lossesto the fine carving hence faults are very much limited to a few tiny chips withinthe carving. The applied numerals to the dial are a little uneven in colour andthe VII is cracked. The hands are in fine condition. The back panel is original,the tongue to the lower edge has a small section chipped away to the inside edge.Clock is completewith pendulum (some denting to the bob and solder repair to the shaft) and a windingkey. Condition Report Disclaimer
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AN AUSTRIAN BRASS MOUNTED EBONISED AND GILTWOOD GRANDE-SONNERIE STRIKING MANTEL CLOCK WITH CALENDARUNSIGNED, PROBABLY VIENNA, CIRCA 1800The rectangular four pillar triple standing-barrel two-day movement with anchor escapement regulated by disc-bob pendulum with silk suspension, sounding the quarters on a coiled gong followed by the hours on a second larger gong at every quarter hour or on demand via pull trip repeat function, the 5.5 inch circular convex white enamel dial with concentric calendar ring to centre within vertically aligned Arabic hour numerals and outer minute ring, with steel spade hands set behind hinged engine-turned brass convex glazed bezel, the case surmounted with a giltwood finial set on a cavetto moulded platform over drum housing the movement applied with brass leaf and scroll ornaments around the dial and with wooden disc shutter to the rear, raised via a block applied with brass mounts modelled as winged females over an ogee-arch aperture adorned with a male mask at the apex flanked by stylised scrollwork, set on carved giltwood supports modelled as opposing hippocampi with the looped tails continuing up towards the dial, over a stepped platform base applied with laurel spray mounts to fascia, on gilt lion's paw feet.57cm cm (22.5ins) high, 34cm (13.5ins) wide, 15cm (6ins) deep. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A VICTORIAN GOTHIC REVIVAL CARVED OAK QUARTER-CHIMING BRACKET CLOCKGILLETT AND BLAND, CROYDON, CIRCA 1875The substantial four columnar pillar triple chain fusee movement with anchor escapement regulated by a heavy half-seconds lenticular bob pendulum, sounding Whittington chimes for the quarters on a graduated nest of eight bells and sounding the hour on a coiled gong, the backplate with pendulum holdfast overstamped serial number 6981, the 7.75 inch circular slivered brass Roman numeral dial signed GILLETT & BLAND, STEAM CLOCK FACTORY, CROYDON to centre, with cruciform pierced steel hands and CHIME/SILENT selection switch at twelve o'clock, within a canted silvered surround set behind a hinged convex glazed caddy moulded brass bezel, the triangular gabled case with generous central foliate bud finial flanked by further projecting spire finials incorporating foliate caps, divided by stepped repeating scrolling leaf carved gable cresting with a running frieze populated by carved rosettes over tracery pierced triform panel beneath, the angles with projecting octagonal floating columns flanking foliate carved spandrel infill beneath the dial and terminating with conforming pendant finials, the base with apron panel inset with alternating shield and quatrefoil motifs, the sides with ogee bolection moulded hinged glazed doors and the rear flush incorporating a gable-glazed door with the inside edge of the lower rear stamped 93261, on ebonised bun feet.73cm (28.75ins) high, 37.5cm (14.75ins) wide, 21cm (8.25ins) deep. Provenance:From a Private Collection, Kent. The firm of Gillett, Bland and Company of Croydon can trace its roots back to the clockmaker William Gillett who moved from Hadlow, Kent, to Clerkenwell in 1837. In 1844 he relocated again, this time to Union Road, Thornton Heath, Croydon. Charles Bland became a partner in 1854, and the company subsequently traded as Gillett & Bland. In 1877, Arthur A. Johnston (c.1851-1916) bought a partnership, and shortly afterwards extended the company's output by establishing a bell foundry. The business became known as Gillett, Bland & Co until Bland's death in c.1884, when the name was changed to Gillett & Co. The name Gillett & Johnston seems to have been used from around 1887. Arthur Johnston's son, Cyril Frederick Johnston (1884-1950), joined the company in 1902, became a partner in 1907, and took over the firm following his father's death in 1916.The inclusion of 'Steam Clock Factory' to the dial of the present lot advertises the fact that the Gillett and Bland works were steam powered (from prior to 1868 when a clock tower commemorating this innovation was built). Condition Report: The movement is complete (except for the pendulum holdfast screw), appears free from any visible alteration, and is in full working order. However the mechanism is somewhat oily, dirty and oxidised hence a clean/service is required if intending to put it into service. The dial has overall moderate patchy oxidation to the silvering and the wax infill to the numerals is worn, otherwise is in good original condition with the hands free from damage or visible repair. The case is generally in sound condition with faults mostly limited to slight movement resulting in a little shrinkage front-to-back shrinkage cracking to the roof of the gable, further movement causing vertical shrinkage cracking to the sides around the apertures, and lesser shrinkage cracking to the front. The apex of the gable has a small filled veneer repair and the rear lower left-hand corner has some slight filling/colouring probably to address localised veneer losses; there is also some evidence of pinning of the joints to the adjacent side. Otherwise faults are limited to age related-bumps and scuffs and other blemishes including some filling of various minor shrinkage cracks. The finish has been cleaned-back at some pint hence now exhibits a fairly light, dry colour.Clock has two case keys and a winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
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Y A VICTORIAN GOTHIC ROSEWOOD BRACKET TIMEPIECE UNSIGNED, MID 19 th CENTURY The four columnar pillar single fusee movement with anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum, the 6.25 inch shaped ogee-arch top single-sheet silvered brass Roman numeral dial with blued steel moon hands and fine foliate scroll engraved infill to lower margin and arch, the gable-top case with cavetto cornice over glazed front door inset with canted silvered fillet mouldings following the shape of the dial flanked by projecting angled cluster columns to front angles, the sides with lancet shaped apertures inset with repeating Gothic arch pierced brass sound frets, the rear flush and incorporating an arch-glazed door, on moulded skirt base. 41.2cm (16.25ins) high, 19cm (11.5ins) wide, 21cm (8.25ins) deep. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A GEORGE IV MAHOGANY BRACKET CLOCKTHE DIAL SIGNED FOR DUTTON, LONDON, RETAILED BYGEORGE G. COCKS, BRISTOL, CIRCA 1725The five pillar twin fusee bell strikingmovement with anchor escapement regulated by half-seconds pendulum incorporatingholdfast clip to the geometric border engraved backplate, the 7 inch circular creampainted Roman numeral dial inscribed DUTTON, London to centre, with bluedsteel spade hands set behind a hinged convex-glazed cast brass caddy-mouldedbezel, the Gothic lancet-arch shaped case with pineapple finial to the gadrooncarved cushion superstructure set on a block over the cavetto arch mouldings, the frontwith quatrefoil motif above the dial and stylised anthemion carved decoration toa recessed panel beneath, flanked by cluster columns capped with conforming finialsto front angles, and generous rosette decorated brass ring handles over Gothic traceryoverlaid lancet shaped windows to sides, the rear with lancet-shaped glazeddoor, on skirt base with gadroon carved upper mouldings and brass bun feet, theinterior of the case with applied paper label GEORGE G. COCKS, CAMP WRITINGDESK Manufacturer, Makes every Description of Clocks &Spring, Cases, Ladies and Gentlemen's Dressing, & Travelling Cases, MedicineChests etc., No. 3 Montague St., BRISTOL….56cm (22ins) high, 27cm (10.5ins) wide, 19cm(7.5ins) deep.The dial of the present lot is most likely signedfor the suppliers of the clock, Matthew Dutton and Son. Matthew Dutton isrecorded in Baillie G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World assucceeding his father, William Dutton in 1794. William Dutton was an importantmaker who went into partnership with the eminent chronometer maker, ThomasMudge, in Fleet Street in 1755. Mudge retired from the business (to pursuefurther work on the development of the marine chronometer) leaving the workshopin the hands of William Dutton until he was succeeded by his sons, Matthewsenior and Thomas in 1794. The brothers worked together until 1804 and Matthewalone until 1815 when he went into partnership with his son of the same namewhich continued until 1825. Condition Report Disclaimer
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1,200 - 1,500 GBP
Y A SMALLMAHOGANY CASED EIGHT-DAY LONGCASE REGULATOR THE MOVEMENTAND DIAL SIGNED FOR RICHARD HARPER, SHREWSBURY, CIRCA 1785, THE CASE CIRCA 1825The substantial sixknopped pillar movement with thick plates measuring 7.75 by 6 inches enclosinga four-wheel train with high pinion count, bolt-and-shutter maintaining powerand six spoke wheel crossings to the delicate deadbeat escapement, regulated byheavy lenticular bob steel-rod seconds pendulum suspended from the movementbackcock, the 8.875 inch ogee arch-top silveredbrass dial with subsidiary seconds over recessed Roman numeral hour dials tocentre, within outer minute ring incorporating Arabic five minute annotations,with blued steel spade hands to the subsidiaries and simple slendersweep hand for the minutes, the arch with engraved signature Richard Harper,SHREWSBURY, now in a purpose made case with cushion-moulded cornice andplain frieze, over square hood door incorporating a 8.75 inch circular glazedaperture within raised bezel mouldings and ebony-line decorated quadrant panelsto angles, flanked by fixed reeded pilasters, the trunk with slender cavetto throatmoulding over rectangular caddy moulded glazed door enclosing a velvet-backedinterior, the plinth base with cavetto top mouldings over front applied withcircular raised mouldings matching those around the dial within ebony-linebordered quadrant panels, on honeysucklescroll carved feet.185.5cm (73ins) high, 44.5cm(17.5ins) wide, 24cm (9.5ins) deep.Richard Harper is recordedin Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as an ‘eminentwatchmaker’ working in Shrewsbury 1766-91.The movement of the presentlot conforms to high-end London practice of the period hence was probably ‘bought-in’by Richard Harper for finishing in his workshop. From this it is would bereasonable to suggest that this regulator was probably for his own use in hisworkshop to allow accurate regulation of his watches. Consequently the originalcase may well have been relatively utilitarian in nature, hence was probably ‘upgraded’to the current well-made case during subsequent ownership. Condition Report: Movement isin relatively clean working condition with no visible evidence of alteration ornoticeable replacements. The mechanism however is a little dusty/oxidised hencemay benefit from a gentle precautionary service. The dial is in very good conditionwith nice slightly mellow silvering to the plate. The silvering to the recessedhour disc is a little lighter in tone and the shutter for the winding hole isnot silvered. The seconds hand is a replacement; the hour and minute hands areoriginal and finely finished. The movement retains old seatboard. As cataloguedthe case is later than the movement and dial however is in fine condition withminimal shrinkage or other noticeable faults/blemishes. The velvet lining thebackboard to the interior is heavily faded with some patches of discolourationand wear. The trunk door lock is difficult to operate with the key suppliedwith the clock (key does not fit hood door lock). Otherwise faults to the caseare very much limited to minor fading and minimal bumps, scuffs etc.Timepiece haspendulum, brass-cased weight, winder and a case key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A GEORGE IV MAHOGANY FUSEE DIAL WALL TIMEPIECETHE DIAL SIGNED FOR MASSEY, LAMBETH, CIRCA 1825The four pillar single fusee movement with A-shaped plates and anchor escapement regulated by a lenticular bob pendulum, the 11.75 inch circular white painted Roman numeral dial inscribed Massey, Bridge Road., LAMBETH to centre, with steel spade hands set behind a hinged glazed cast brass caddy moulded bezel applied to the moulded wooden surround, secured via pegs onto the rear box case with hinged door to right-hand side over pendulum access flap to the curved underside.35.5cm (14ins) diameter, 14cm (5.5ins) deep. Condition Report: Movement is complete andin working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeablereplacements. The mechanism is a little dirty/oxidised hence a clean/service isadvised if intending to put into long term service. The white dial surface appearsto have age with a few localised areas of retouching however the areas of black(numerals and script) have been redone hence we cannot offer any assurancesthat the name on the dial is that of the original maker (the movement isunmarked). Dial otherwise is in very presentable condition with minimalwear/rubbing to the winding hole. The bezel and surround are in very good originalcondition as is the case. Faults are limited to slight wear/losses to the appliedveneer overlap surround to the right-hand side door and minor bumps, scuffs,shrinkage and other age-related blemishes.Timepiece is completewith a pendulum winder and case key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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Y A VICTORIAN CARVED ROSEWOOD FUSEE WALL TIMEPIECEUNSIGNED, MID 19th CENTURYThe four pillar single chain fusee movement with anchor escapement regulated by a steel rod cylindrical bob pendulum with an effective length of approximately 21.5 inches, the 10 inch circular white painted Roman numeral dial with steel spade hands set within a spun brass canted bezel surround, the regulator style glazed-front arch-top case with full-width glazed front door enclosing a scroll carved pierced apron fret beneath the dial, the sides with arched windows, over base with foliate carved ogee chin moulding above an inverted stepped ogee caddy shaped foot.35.5cm (90cm) high, 35cm (13.75ins) wide, 18cm (7ins) deep. Condition Report: Movement is reasonablyclean and is in working condition although a precautionary clean/service isadvised. There is no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements.The dial has some light crazing, light wear around the winding hole and a small‘flake’ to the centre. The hands appear original and are in good condition; thebrass bezel is a slightly unusual arrangement being fitted to the dial vis integraltabs and screws but appears to be original. The movement is secured to the casevia screws to the edge of the dial plate, and rests on a seatboard screwed tothe underside of blocks applied to the sides of the case. The seatboard itself isprobably a replacement but the blocks appear original hence the configurationappears to be as intended. We are therefore inclined to believe that themovement and dial are original to the case. The case is generally in sound originalcondition with notable faults being slight shrinkage to the arch top veneers (butno losses), filled sockets to the base beneath the chin moulding (indicating thatpendant finials were fitted at some point) as well as a larger empty socket tothe terminal of the base. The front door lock has been removed and the holecarefully filled; the door is now secured via hook latch. Faults to the case areotherwise limited to minor shrinkage, bumps, scuffs and blooming/scratches tothe polish and a few small localised veneer patch repairs.Timepiece has apendulum (in good condition) and a winder. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A REGENCY BRASS MOUNTED EBONISED LANCET-SHAPED QUARTER-STRIKING BRACKET CLOCK WITH ALARMUNSIGNED, CIRCA 1820The six pillar triple fusee movement with anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum incorporating graduated stirrup-type screw regulation to shaft, ting-tang sounding the quarters on a pair of graduated bells mounted on the leafy scroll border-engraved shouldered backplate and striking the hours on a further bell mounted above, the alarm mechanism with standing barrel wound via a pull-cord and sounding on the inside of the hour bell, the 9 inch circular slightly convex cream painted Roman numeral dial with white enamel Roman numeral alarm setting disc to centre and steel moon hands, set behind a hinged cast brass convex glazed cast brass bezel concealing a Quarter/Strike/Silent selection switch at twelve o'clock, the lancet-shaped case with brass mouldings framing the arch over slender three quarter columns enclosing fascia with brass cockbead outline geometric panel infill around the dial, the sides with generous cast brass lion's mask ring handles over Gothic tracery pierced brass lancet-arch sound frets, the rear with lancet-shaped brass grille inset door set within the frame of the case, on stepped brass bound skirt base with generous brass ball feet.54cm (21.25ins) high, 32cm (12.5ins) wide, 21cm (8.25ins) deep. Condition Report Disclaimer
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350 - 450 GBP
A VICTORIAN OAK FUSEE DIAL WALL TIMEPIECEJOHN WALKER, LONDON, THIRD QUARTER OF THE 19thCENTURYThehigh-grade four columnar pillar single chain fusee movement with anchorescapement regulated by a lenticular bob pendulum incorporating T-barsuspension, the 12 inch circular white painted Roman numeral dial inscribed JN’oWALKER, 127. FENCHURCH ST. & 230 REGENT ST., LONDON, 7597 to centre,with brass hands set behind a hinged glazed cast brass caddy mouldedbezel incorporating canted insert to interior applied to the moulded woodensurround, secured via pegs onto the rear box case with hinged door toright-hand side over pendulum access flap to the curved underside.37cm(14.5ins) diameter, 15cm (6ins) deep.The London clockmaking firm John Walkerwas founded by a maker of that name at 40 Princes Street, Leicester Square in1836. After working from several addresses on Princes Street Walker relocatedto 68 Cornhill in 1868 and maintained premises on the Strand 1864-75. JohnWalker was known as a chronometer and watch maker who was awarded prize medalsin 1862 and 67; and, for a railway guard's watch, in 1875. Walker died in 1880leaving the business in the hands of his successors who relocated to 1 SouthMolton Street in 1906. The firm then finally moved to 64 South Molton Street in1981 from where they still operate mostly as a service/repair-based business. The present timepiece is notable due tothe robust quality of both the high-grade movement and the case which has brassscrew reinforcements to the dovetail joints. Condition Report Disclaimer
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AN EDWARDIAN MAHOGANY NIGHTWATCHMAN'S TELL-TALE BRACKET CLOCK OR NOCTUARYSIGNED FOR PARKINSON AND FRODSHAM BUT PROBABLY BY SMITH AND SONS, LONDON, EARLY 20th CENTURYThe four pillar single chain fusee movement with anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum and passing strike on a bell, the 4.75 inch circular silvered brass Roman numeral dial inscribed Parkinson & Frodsham, 5 Budge Row, London to centre with steel spade hands, mounted in front of a silvered ring engraved with reversed Roman numeral chapters and fitted with push-pins at every half-hour to circumference and rotating anticlockwise against a plunger positioned to the upper margin, the case of rectangular form with recessed brass carrying handle and plunger to top over hinged circular bevel glazed cast brass bezel flanked by canted angles and floral scroll carved decoration to lower corners, the sides with rectangular side windows over ogee-profile moulded rails, the rear with rectangular glazed door, on canted shallow skirt base with squab feet.31cm (12.25cm) high excluding plunger; 36cm (14.25ins) high overall, 26cm (10.25ins) wide, 18.5cm (7.26ins) deep. William Parkinson and William James Frodsham founded the highly regarded firm of Parkinson & Frodsham in 1801 at 4 Change Alley, Cornhill, London. William Parkinson died in 1842 and William Frodsham in 1850. Initially the firm specialised in marine and pocket chronometers and established an extensive export business supplying the Admiralty and numerous shipping companies. The business relocated to 16 Queen Victoria Street in 1892 before occupying three subsequent addresses on Royal Exchange until 1906, when they finally moved to 5 Budge Row Cannon Street. After the founders' deaths the business was continued by Frodsham's elder sons and grandson until 1912, when it was sold to the foreman, William Harris. Harris and his son Geoffrey ran the business successfully until 1944 when the firm's premises in Budge Row were bombed. An almost identical clock signed SMITH & SONS, CLERKENWELL was sold by Tennants, Leyburn on 16th March 2013 (lot 1189) for £650 hammer. The firm of John Smith and Sons was established in 1780 and became one of the largest manufacturers of both domestic and public clocks throughout the 19th century and is still trading today but as a materials stockholder and broker having made their last clock in 1938. The night watchman's clock or noctuary was developed as a 'tell-tale' method of recording a night watchman's progress throughout his shift. The dial incorporates a revolving ring to the circumference fitted with pins which are pushed-in by a manually operated plunger fitted to the exterior of the locked case. By having two such timepieces at each end of a watchman's circuit a record of his patrols throughout the night can be recorded. The pins are automatically reset to their raised position by a ramp positioned behind the ring at around the eleven o'clock position. The first basic design of 'Watchman's Noctuary' was subject of a patent submitted by Samuel Day in 1803 however the patent was disputed on the grounds that the Earl of Exeter had been using two such timepieces made by Boulton and Watt since 1799. The present lot being signed with Parkinson and Frodsham's Budge Row address would suggest that it was supplied no earlier than 1906 making it a particularly late example of its type. Condition Report Disclaimer
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Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
Y A FINE EARLY VICTORIAN ROSEWOOD GIANT CARRIAGE CLOCK WITH PULL TRIP-HOUR REPEATGIBBS, LONDON, NO. 1848 DATED OCTOBER 16th 1848The five columnar pillar twin chain fusee gong striking movement with Harrison's maintaining power and large gilt platform English lever escapement regulated by sprung three-arm monometallic balance, the strike train with pull trip-hour repeat and the backplate signed Gibbs, 38 Banner St. London over serial number No. 1848 to lower margin, the 4.5 inch wide rectangular gilt brass Roman numeral dial finely engraved with a central floral spray motif within a radial hatched ground and leafy foliate gadroon border to centre, within chapter ring inscribed GIBBS, LONDON, No. 1848 at twelve o'clock opposing OCT'R 16, 1848 at six o'clock, with blued steel fleur-de-lys hands and fine conforming foliate scroll infill to upper and lower margins incorporating a basket of flowers below six o'clock, the five-panel glazed case with generous hinged foliate cast and chased gilt brass faceted-baton handle over rectangular bevelled glass to the tablet upstand, cavetto cornice and fluted band to frieze, the front with full-width hinged door inset with gilt canted stylised repeating lappet leaf engraved dial surround over ogee-shaped apron moulding, the sides with generous rectangular bevelled glass panels over conforming apron mouldings and the rear with rectangular glazed door set within the frame of the case, on ogee moulded skirt base with gilt brass compressed bun feet.30.5cm (12ins) high with handle down, 18.5cm (7.25ins) wide, 16.5cm (6.5ins) deep. George Gibbs is recorded in Loomes, Brian Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, Volume 2 as working in London 1832-51. Although Loomes does not note his address other clocks are known signed by George Gibbs along with the address 38 Banner Street, London. Condition Report: Movement is complete with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. The mechanism is running and striking as it should however a gentle clean/service with be required if intending to put into service. The dial is generally in fine condition although there is a scratch near the VII numeral and a few tiny flakes/losses to the black of the numerals themselves. The margins (behind the canted surround) have a few minor patches of oxidation. The case is generally in very fine condition with faults limited to slight surface bruising to the top surface where the handle rests and slight veneer shrinkage to each side. The gilding to the handle has oxidation and wear but retains original fire gilding and the case generally is free from any other notable faults.Clock is complete with winder and two case keys. Condition Report Disclaimer
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Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
Y A FINE GEORGE III ORMOLU AND DERBY BISCUITPORCELAIN MOUNTED WHITE MARBLE 'COLUMN' MANTEL TIMEPIECEVULLIAMY, LONDON, DATED 1787The eight-day five columnar pillar single fuseemovement with slender plates measuring 9 by 2.5inches, the train with half dead-beatescapement regulated by heavy brass bob pendulum with rhomboid section ebonyshaft and incorporating transverse pivoted beam rise/fall regulation to suspension,the backplate signed Vulliamy, London within a fine leafy rococo scroll cartouche,the 4 inch circular slightly convex white enamel dial with gilt Roman hour numeralsand dot minute markers to outer track, with fine foliate scroll engraved andpierced gilt brass hands within a crisply moulded bead decorated bezel incorporatingan extension at the apex for the rise/fall regulation square set behind a turnedgilt brass cap, the case modelled as a truncated marble Classical column set onormolu base mouldings over plinth signed Vulliamy, LONDON and dated 1787to front left corner, standing on a marble crepidoma base formed with threebow fronted tiers of steps incorporating slender half-round nosings, appliedwith a standing biscuit porcelain figure of a putto mid-stride holding dividersin his left hand and with a pile of books over a scroll engraved Tempusfugit irreparable, Virg. At his feet, opposing a twin-handled Capana vase withfine encrusted foliate drapery to waist, the steps to the foreground applied witha surveyor’s square with plumb line, a cluster of chisels, bolster, mallet, anda geometric form, the rear with brass panel sliding into vertical grooves cutinto the rear of the columns shaft.36cm (14.25ins) high, 30.5cm (12ins) wide, 21cm(8.25ins) deep.The distinguished Vulliamy family of clockmakers has its originswith Francois-Justin Vulliamy, who was born in 1712 the son of a pastor fromGingins, Pays de Vaud, Switzerland. After initial training he moved to Paris toestablish himself as a watchmaker, however, on hearing of George Graham’sinvention of the cylinder escapement he came to London (in around 1730), to studyit. Soon after his arrival Vulliamy got to know Benjamin Gray with whom hesubsequently formed a partnership in 1743; the year after Gray had beenappointed Watchmaker in Ordinary to George II. In 1746 Vulliamy marriedBenjamin's daughter, Mary and they subsequently had four children, Jane,Benjamin, Lewis and Mary.JustinVulliamy was proud of his roots, and took the lead in permanently establishingthe Swiss Church in London in 1762. Whilst Vulliamy was in partnership withGray their work was signed with both names. After the death of Gray in 1764 theRoyal Warrant passed to Vulliamy who signed with either his full name or theshortened version 'Just. Vulliamy'. In around 1780 Justin's son, Benjamin,joined his father in partnership and the workshop subsequently adopted thepractice of signing their work with the family surname 'Vulliamy' alone. JustinVulliamy died in 1797 leaving the business in the hands of Benjamin, who inturn passed it on to his son, Benjamin Lewis, who worked from 52 Pall Mall,served as Warden of the Clockmakers' Company 1821-5 and was appointed Masterfive times. All three generations of the Vulliamy clockmaking family benefittedfrom Royal patronage.The Vulliamy's started numbering most of their clocks from1788 until 1854. Two of the original Vulliamy workbooks still survive in thelibrary of the British Horological Institute at Upton Hall, these often canprovide valuable information regarding the manufacture and provenance of manyclocks made by the workshop. Unfortunately, the records are incomplete henceonly note clocks with serial numbers 296-469 and 746-1067. In around 1785 the Vulliamy’s developed a series of architecturalsculptural clocks which were the height of fashion at the time. Amongst thesewere several Royal commissions including a timepiece in the form of a templefor Queen Charlotte’s bed chamber. Due to the many differing techniques anddisciplines required to produce these timepieces the Vulliamy’s collaboratedwith a whole series of specialist workmen, most of whom are identified through theVulliamy workbooks and include:J. Day (marble sculptor); Bullock (clockmaker for themovements); Long and Drew (enamel dial makers); Culver (engraver for the handsand case mounts); Duesbury (supplier of biscuit porcelain figures), and Crocket(gilder).The biscuit porcelain figure of the current lot is a knownDuesbury Derby model and is believed to have been first modelled by the SculptorJohn Deare (1759-92).The present timepiece represents the ‘Genius of Architecturecontemplating the transience of Time’ and belongs to only a handful of known examplesto this design, including one (numbered 189) in the collection of the Dukes ofDevonshire at Chatsworth House. All differ slightly in detail mostly in theselection and positioning of the objects applied o the steps in the foreground,but most do have the engraved inscription Tempus fugit irreparable, Virg.Tothe scroll beneath the pile of books. This is taken from Virgil's Georgics and translates as 'Time flies, never to be regained'.Comparative Literature:Kelly, A. A Clockmaker's Taste for Ceramicsarticle in Country Life, 15th June 1967, pages 1526-28.Clifford, T. 'Vulliamy Clocks and British Sculpture article in Apollomagazine, October 1990, pages 235-38. Clifford, T. New evidence concerningVulliamy clocks and Duesbury porcelain essay in the Derby PorcelainInternational Society Journal, volume II, 1991, pages 35-52. Condition Report: Movement is in relativelyclean working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeablereplacements. The backplate has dirty/discoloured lubrication to the greatwheel pivot hence a gentle clean/service is advised. The dial has been restoredto a high standard but has some slight concentric scratched to the centre and atiny chip/loss to the surface near the centre. The case is complete and isgenerally in good original condition. The column has some slight wear/chipping aroundthe top edge (mostly to the extremities of the flutes), and a few light chipsto the ribs. The marble of the column does have a slight brown/beige hue. Themarble base has slight wear/chipping to the nosings of the steps at the rear cornersas well as small repairs/filling to both tiers to the left of the books to thefront. Otherwise faults to the marble base is limited to a few small bruises. Theporcelain putto presents well but has a light wash over much of its surfacesuggesting blending-in of restoration/repairs. The right hand has definitely hadrestoration to the fingers and the left foot has most probably been repairedalso. The urn has a few small losses to the flower petals of the finialotherwise appears free from noticeable damage or restoration. The mounts appearcomplete and in good condition with good strong gilding with only slight oxidationand minimal edge wear only. The rear has sliding shutter for the movement butappears to be lacking a brass panel that would have closed-off the rear of thesteps.Timepiece has originalebony-shaft pendulum and a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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707
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1
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Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
A FINE GEORGE III ORMOLU, JASPERWARE AND BISCUIT PORCELAIN MOUNTED WHITE MARBLE MANTEL TIMEPIECEVULLIAMY, LONDON, NO. 351, 1804The circular eight-day fourcolumnar pillar single fusee movement with dead-beat escapement regulated by engravedgilt brass bob pendulum incorporating transverse pivoted beam rise/fallregulation to suspension, the backplate signed Vulliamy, London andnumbered No. 351, the 4 inch circular slightly convex white enamel dialwith gilt Roman hour numerals and dot minute markers to outer track, with fine foliatescroll engraved and pierced gilt brass hands within a crisply moulded beaddecorated bezel, the case surmounted with a cast and chased gilt stooping eagleperched on a cavetto moulded block over fluted drum housing the movement anddial, cradled within honeysuckle-scroll fronted baluster-carved batons on topof a block plinth fronted with a rectangular gilt panel, inset with a blue Wedgwoodjasper roundel depicting two virgins awakening Cupid within stylised repeatingfoliate engraved borders, the sides of the block with fluted panels over git beadbordered skirt, set to the centre of a D-ended platform base applied withopposing biscuit figures of putti, each mid-stride and with gilt models of a protractor,sector, masons chisels and geometric forms at their feet, over fluted panels tothe fascia and curved ends of the platform, and on gilt bun feet, the rear withcircular gilt latched cover for the movement.37cm (14.5ins) high, 30.5cm(12ins) wide, 13cm (5ins) deep. Provenance:Supplied to Sir ThomasFrankland 22nd May 1804. Sold at Bonhams sale of FINE CLOCKS 19thJune 2007 (lot 108) for £11,400.Sir Thomas Frankland, 6thBaronet was born in September 1750 the son of Admiral Sir Thomas Frankland, 5thBaronet and Sarah Rett. He was educated at Eton then Merton College Oxford, andbecame a highly regarded naturalist and botanist who was made a Fellow of theRoyal Society in 1773; the genus Franklandia of lanolin bushes are named afterhim.Sir Thomas Frankland sat in theHouse of Parliament for two sessions between 1774 and 1801 and inherited thefamily seat of Thirkleby Hall on the death of his father in 1784. He subsequentlycontracted James Wyatt to rebuild the hall in 1790 and the present lot was nodoubt purchased as part of the furnishings soon after completion. Sir ThomasFrankland died at Thirkleby Hall in 1831; the estate was sold-off afterthe first World War, but the house remained unsold and was subsequentlydismantled in 1927.The distinguished Vulliamy family of clockmakers has its originswith Francois-Justin Vulliamy, who was born in 1712 the son of a pastor fromGingins, Pays de Vaud, Switzerland. After initial training he moved to Paris toestablish himself as a watchmaker, however, on hearing of George Graham’sinvention of the cylinder escapement he came to London (in around 1730), to studyit. Soon after his arrival Vulliamy got to know Benjamin Gray with whom hesubsequently formed a partnership in 1743; the year after Gray had beenappointed Watchmaker in Ordinary to George II. In 1746 Vulliamy marriedBenjamin's daughter, Mary and they subsequently had four children, Jane,Benjamin, Lewis and Mary.JustinVulliamy was proud of his roots, and took the lead in permanently establishingthe Swiss Church in London in 1762. Whilst Vulliamy was in partnership withGray their work was signed with both names. After the death of Gray in 1764 theRoyal Warrant passed to Vulliamy who signed with either his full name or theshortened version 'Just. Vulliamy'. In around 1780 Justin's son, Benjamin,joined his father in partnership and the workshop subsequently adopted thepractice of signing their work with the family surname 'Vulliamy' alone. JustinVulliamy died in 1797 leaving the business in the hands of Benjamin, who inturn passed it on to his son, Benjamin Lewis, who worked from 52 Pall Mall,served as Warden of the Clockmakers' Company 1821-5 and was appointed Masterfive times. All three generations of the Vulliamy clockmaking family benefittedfrom Royal patronage.The Vulliamy's started numbering most of their clocks from1788 until 1854. Two of the original Vulliamy workbooks still survive in thelibrary of the British Horological Institute at Upton Hall, these often canprovide valuable information regarding the manufacture and provenance of manyclocks made by the workshop. Unfortunately, the records are incomplete henceonly note clocks with serial numbers 296-469 and 746-1067. The present lot,however, is recorded in the first workbook as being sold to Sir ThomasFrankland on 22nd May 1804.In around 1785 the Vulliamy’s developed a series of architecturalsculptural clocks which were the height of fashion at the time. Amongst thesewere several Royal commissions including a timepiece in the form of a templefor Queen Charlotte’s bed chamber. Due to the many differing techniques anddisciplines required to produce these timepieces the Vulliamy’s collaboratedwith a whole series of specialist workmen, most of whom are identified through theVulliamy workbooks and include:J. Day (marble sculptor); Bullock (clockmaker for themovements); Long and Drew (enamel dial makers); Culver (engraver for the handsand case mounts); Duesbury (supplier of biscuit porcelain figures), and Crocket(gilder).The biscuit porcelain figure positioned to the right on thecurrent lot is a known Duesbury Derby model and is believed to have been firstmodelled by the Sculptor John Deare (1759-92).The present lot demonstrates the progression from Vulliamy’s sculpturalmodels (see previous lot) towards their more restrained ‘drum-head’ designs ofthe Regency period. As such it is a particularly interesting and scarce examplewhich also benefits from having the very rare feature of incorporating a Wedgwoodjasperware panel.. Condition Report: Movement is in relativelyclean working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeablereplacements. The backplate is a little oxidised/tarnished hence a gentle clean/serviceis advised. The dial has a partially restored arched crack spanning the VI toVII numerals as well as light rubbing to the gilt numerals. The case isgenerally presentable but the marble drum section has been broken and repaired hencethere are filled cracks at I and IX as well as around the pendulum aperture tothe interior and small localised areas to the front near IIII and VII.Otherwise the marble is in good original condition with faults limited to a fewedge bumps/chips. There is some patchy light brown colouring within the marblealso. The gilt mounts are in good condition with good strong gilding exhibitingonly light wear and oxidation. There is one small socket towards the right-handedge suggesting that an additional small object was fitted which is no longerpresent. The jasperware panel appears undamaged, The left-hand porcelain figurehas restoration to the right foot and the right hand. The right-hand figure hasrepairs to both feet, right hand and a hairline to the left thumb. The rear ofthe drum has a lift-out gilt brass disc cover.Timepiece has pendulumand a winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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Estimate
1,200 - 1,800 GBP
A GEORGE IIIMAHOGANY VERGE FUSEE DIAL WALL TIMEPIECESADDLETON,KING’S LYNNE, CIRCA 1800The four knopped pillar singlefusee movement with A-shaped plates and verge escapement regulated by a shortbob pendulum, the 12 inch circular single sheet silvered brass Roman numeraldial signed SADDLETON, LYNNE to centre and with Arabic five minutesbeyond the outer minute track, with pierced steel hands set behind a heavyhinged glazed cast brass cavetto moulded bezel applied to slender cavetto mouldedwooden surround, the integral rear ‘salt box’ type case incorporating a door toright-hand side and pendulum access flap to the underside set in front of a shapedinverted break-arch extension to the backboard.43cm (17ins) high, 38cm (15ins)wide, 15cm (6ins) deep.A James P. Saddleton isrecorded in Loomes, Brian Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World, Volume2 as working in King’s Lynne 1830-36. However, as the present lot can bestylistically dated to around 1800 it would have either been made either earlierin his career, or by a unrecorded family predecessor. Condition Report Disclaimer
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2,000 - 3,000 GBP
Y A REGENCY BRASS MOUNTED ROSEWOOD QUARTER-CHIMING BRACKET CLOCKJOHN GRANT, LONDON, CIRCA 1825The substantial six pillar tripe chain fusee movement with anchor escapement regulated by half-seconds heavy lenticular bob pendulum incorporating wide jaw T-bar suspension, sounding the quarters on a graduated nest of eight bells and the hour on a further larger bell, the geometric border-engraved backpate with pendulum holdfast bracket and signed GRANT, Fleet Street, LONDON, to centre, the 8 inch circular slightly convex cream painted Roman numeral dial signed GRANT, Fleet Street, LONDON to centre and with Strike/Silent selection lever at twelve o'clock, with blued steel moon hands set behind a hinged cast brass convex glazed bezel, the case with generous brass pineapple finial set on a pyramidal plinth over a brass panel-fronted upstand interrupting the hipped 'chamfer-top' superstructure, above cavetto top moulding and recessed brass fillet-edged quadrant panels to the fascia around the dial flanked by brass inset canted angles, the sides with foliate ring handles over rectangular brass fish scale sound frets, the rear with rectangular glazed door set within the frame of the case, on skirt base with stepped top moulding over line inlaid front panel and brass ball feet.57.5cm (22.5ins) high including finial, 30cm (11.75ins) wide, 18.5cm (7.25ins) deep.Provenance:By repute previously in the boardroom of the former head office for Marks and Spencer at 47 Baker Street, London. John Grant junior is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working from Fleet Street 1817-67. His father of the same name (1781-1810) was an exceptional clockmaker, described by Cedric Jagger as 'one of the finest of the London clockmakers at the end of the 18th Century' (see Jagger, Cedric Royal Clocks, pages. 101-103.); he was apprenticed to his uncle, Alexander Cumming (1733-1814), and it is possible they may have been in business together at some point. Condition Report: Movement isin fine fully working condition having been recently serviced (within the last twoyears). The mechanism has not been highly polished hence the movement retains slightlymellow colour to the plates etc. There is no visible evidence of alteration ornoticeable replacements. The dial has been carefully conserved with the areas ofblack script/numerals strengthened and some touching-in to the cream ground.The surface shows evidence of crazing which has been stabilised by applying acoat of satin lacquer. The centre and left-hand winding holes have small edgechips. The case is generally in very fine condition with visible faults verymuch limited to slight veneer shrinkage cracking to the fascia around the dialand a scratch to the rear door. Otherwise faults are very much limited to veryslight shrinkage, scratches and other barely noticeable surface blemishes. Clock iscomplete with pendulum, winder and a case key. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A SMALL TUSCANIRON-FRAMED WEIGHT-DRIVEN CHAMBER CLOCKFRANCO NUZZI, RINCINE,CIRCA 1780Theposted countwheel bell striking movement with three-spoke crossings, the goingtrain with verge escapementincorporating crown wheel and pallets set above the top plate regulated byshort bob pendulum swinging behind the frame to the rear, the strike train withsingle-arbor warned lifting via a nag’s head engaging with pins to the goinggreat wheel, with overlift enabled by a heart-shaped cam and warning via anextension to the locking detent engaging with a tab next to the fly pinion,sounding the double six hour system via a hammer pivoted between the left-handside frame posts on a bell mounted above the frame at the hour and repeated afew minutes later, the base of the rear movement bar fitted with vergecrownwheel alarm mechanism sounding via a cranked T-shaped hammer on the insideof a bell set above the top plate, the 5 inch wide single sheet brass Romannumeral break-arch dial with hour hand and a cranked alarm setting pointer tocentre, stylised fleur-de-lys half hour markers and foliate scroll engravedinfill to angles, continuing up into the arch to envelope the herringboneborder-engraved signature boss engraved Franco, Nuzzi di, Rincine, the ironframe with square section posts secured by threaded nuts except for the topfront where they are substituted for vase-turned finials, (no lines or weights).25.5cm(10ins) high, 13cm (5ins) wide, 13.5cm (5.125ins) deep.Provenance:The Dr.John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Literature:Extensivelyillustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages162-65.JohnRobey Notes that the Nuzzi family worked in Rincine which is a small villageapproximately 25 miles northeast of Florence. Their clocks were all constructedin a similar manner but varied in specification from simple timepieces to thosesounding the house and quarters on two bells. More often than not such clockswere designed to be housed in tall skinny painted wood ‘longcases’ known as guardacorda (rope Guard), but very few of these cases survive.Thedial is has a hole with a square. This is not for winding with a key but forsetting of the hand. This is facilitated by having the going train greatwheelset on its arbor via a friction bar, thus allowing the arbor and pinion ofreport driving the motionwork to be turned independently by a key through thedial.The provision of the Italian six-hour striking system hasits roots in the Papal states and the Lazio region where, from the early 14thcentury, the day was often divided into twenty-four equal hours starting justafter sunset. Prior to the emergence of this system time was observed in‘temporal hours’ which varied in length for both day and night depending on theseasons. The traditional Italian provision of six-hour dials and striking wasinfluenced by the canonical division of the day and had the benefit of allowingtime to be read a little more accurately (due to the relatively large divisionsbetween the hours). The striking system of the present lot has what’s knownas ‘ribotta’ which most likely served as a reminder of the hour in case it wasmissed first time around. Condition Report Disclaimer
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1,000 - 1,500 GBP
AN INTERSTING ITALIAN ‘FRIULI’ IRON WEIGHT-DRIVENRACK-STRIKING CHAMBER CLOCKPESARINA VALLEY, ITALY, CIRCA 1770Theposted iron two-handed movement with square section posts secured at the topand bottom by threaded nuts, enclosing separately wound three-wheel trains withbrass three-spoke wheelwork to the second wheel and above, the greatwheels withfour crossings and fitted with iron pulleys incorporating corrugated valleysand integral ratchet click teeth, the going train with verge escapement incorporatingcrown wheel set above the top plate regulated by short disc-bob pendulumswinging in front of the dial, the strike train with a double lifting piecefitted to the minute wheel to lift and release the warning detent on the hourand then again a few minutes later, and with counting via a gravity rackpositioned inside the rear movement bar set by a tail engaging with a snailfitted to the iron hour wheel, the rack hook applied to the rear movement barand pivoting around a screw against a blade spring and incorporating a tail toengage with a pull trip-repeat lever fitted to the rear of the case, gatheringis by a pallet/flag applied to the arbor of the second wheel and the count isarrested at the end of the cycle via a tab to the rack engaging with a pin tothe wheel itself, the 7.5 inch square polychrome painted iron dial with starburstdesign onto an iron-red ground to centre within cream Roman numeral chapterring incorporating Arabic five minutes to outer track, with scroll-pierced ironhands beneath potance for the front-swinging pendulum emerging at twelveo’clock, the angles decorated with stylised foliate motifs beneath a piercedscroll-pierced fret painted with conforming decoration, the case with ‘Fruilian’stepped-dome cast hour bell over iron top panel enclosing the escapement, securedvia nuts to extensions to the movement over pin-hinged side doors, the rearwith hanging hoop over sprung trip-repeat lever and spurs.30.5cm(12ins) high, 23cm (9ins) wide, 16cm (6.25ins) deep.Provenance:The Dr.John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Literature:Extensivelyillustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages152-55.JohnRobey notes that the present lot is typical of those made in the PesarinaValley within the Friuli region of Italy. The frame is distinctly Germanic inits construction but with the movement bars secured as per English lanternclocks with twin integral pegs at the bottom and by wedges at the top. The bellis notable in having a concentric step cast into the dome, this is typical forclocks made in the Friuli region, as are the distinctive pierced iron hands.The striking system of the present lot has what’s knownas ‘ribotta’ which most likely served as a reminder of the hour in case it wasmissed first time around. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A RARE ITALIAN IRON-FRAMED WEIGHT-DRIVENGRANDE-SONNERIE STRIKING CHAMBER CLOCKUNSIGNED, CIRCA 1760Theposted bell striking two-handed movement with three-spoke crossings to thebrass wheelwork and separately wound trains incorporating iron-walled cheeks tothe pulleys, the going train with pin-wheel deadbeat escapement for regulation by a pendulum swinging behind theframe to the rear, the strike train facilitating both the sounding of thequarters and the hours on the six-hour system on a graduated pair of bellspositioned above the top plate through the provision of ‘whizzing-work’, configuredwith single-arbor warned release every quarter hour via pins to the minutewheel lifting a single detent serving to both clear a locking slot cut into adisc applied to the second wheel arbor, and hold the train in warning against apin to the rim of the third wheel, on release the second wheel runs through asingle rotation allowing three pins of graduated length to the rim of the disc tooperate a hammer to sound the quarters on the smaller bell, followed by six pinsalso of graduated length fitted to the rim of the wheel itself operating ahammer to sound the hours on the larger bell, the counts for each governed bytwo stepped ‘face-cams’, the first applied to the hour wheel for the quarterstrike and the second to a star wheel for the hour, with each pumping their respectivehammer arbor in or out of engagement with the appropriate number graduated pinsto sound the correct counts for each, the 5.5 inch wide single sheetbrass Roman numeral dial with steel fleur-de-lys hands to centre andstylised floral half hour markers, the iron frame with square section postssecured by brass vase-turned finials at the top and bun feet at the base, (nopendulum or weights).32cm(12.5ins) high, 14cm (5.5ins) wide, 17cm (6.75ins) deep including crutch.Provenance:The Dr.John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Literature:Extensivelyillustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages176-79.The‘whizzing-work’ system employed in the present clock operates on the principlethat the counting for each strike is governed by the relative position of thehammer tail in respect to a series of pins of diminishing length applied to thepin wheel. The positioning of the hammer tail is in turn dictated by a stepped ‘face-cam’incorporated within the motionwork which in effect automatically pumps thehammer arbor back and forth as the clock runs. This allows the correct numberof pins for the counting of each strike to be brought in or out of engagementwith the hammer prior to sounding. This system differs from traditionalcountwheel or rack striking systems in that the hammer pin wheel rotates by thesame amount every time it is released, rather than having the degree ofrotation governed by the ‘counting’ of the countwheel or rack. Theterm ‘whizzing-work’ is a literal description born out of the fact that thestrike train is often perceived as ‘running through’ or ‘whizzing’ duringperiods when the count of the hammer blows are more infrequent. This systemprobably originated during the late 16th century and seems to havebeen mostly used by Italian makers although is sometimes seen in other centralEuropean clocks. Interestingly some of the principles behind ‘whizzing-work’were incorporated within the the earliest form of English pull-quarter repeatwork developed by Joseph Knibb in the 1670’s (see Dzik, Sunny BENEATH THEDIAL, English Clock Pull Repeat Striking 1675-1725 page 57.The provision of the Italian six-hour striking system hasits roots in the Papal states and the Lazio region where, from the early 14thcentury, the day was often divided into twenty-four equal hours starting justafter sunset. Prior to the emergence of this system time was observed in‘temporal hours’ which varied in length for both day and night depending on theseasons. The traditional Italian provision of six-hour dials and striking wasinfluenced by the canonical division of the day and had the benefit of allowingtime to be read a little more accurately (due to the relatively large divisionsbetween the hours). Another benefit of the six-hour system is that it allowsstrike trains to operate form a smaller power reserve due to not having tosound the longer counts. By default, this favours the provision of‘whizzing-work’ which can also be configured to perform ‘grande-sonnerie’striking without having to resort to large power reserves. Condition Report Disclaimer
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Estimate
1,500 - 2,500 GBP
A RARE NORTHERN ITALIAN BRASS MINIATURE WEIGHT-DRIVEN CHAMBER CLOCKUNSIGNED, PROBABLY TUSCANY OR URBINO, THIRD QUARTER OF THE 17th CENTURYThe posted countwheel bell striking movement with three-spoke crossings and pronounced baluster-turned collets to the wheelwork, the going train now with verge escapement incorporating crown wheel and pallets set above the top plate regulated by short disc bob pendulum swinging behind the frame to the rear, the strike train with modified single-arbor warned lifting via a nag's head engaging with pins to the going great wheel, with overlift enabled by a snail-shaped cam and warning via an extension to the locking detent engaging with a flag to the rim of the third wheel, sounding the standard twelve hour system via a vertically pivoted hammer on a bell mounted above the frame at the hour and repeated a few minutes later, the 2 inch wide rectangular gilt copper dial panel with plain centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring incorporating a raised border to circumference, with later steel cruciform hand, the upper and lower margins engraved with opposing symmetrical leafy motifs into a hatched ground, the frame with shouldered urn finials over canted Gothic corner posts decorated with ogee-shaped corbels to both the caps and bases, the sides with doors engraved with symmetrical foliate designs into the horizontally hatched ground to match the dial, the rear with plain brass panel, surmounted by a bell capped with a conforming finial and on bell-shaped feet, (previously with an alarm mechanism - now removed).18cm (7ins) high, 7.5cm (3ins) wide, 8cm (3.125ins) deep including pendulum. Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. The present lot belongs to a group of around half a dozen other known examples which are discussed by Silvio Bedini in Vetrano, Flavio THE SCIENCE OF THE DUKEDOM OF URBINO (published by Accademia Raffaello, Urbino 2001) pages 57-69. The first example noted is one housed in the collection of the Manor House Museum, Bury St, Edmunds. Interestingly the Manor House clock is engraved with the signature BAROCCI, URBINO to the dial. In an earlier publication by Roberto Panicali (OROLOGIE E OROLOGIAI DEL RINASCIMENTO ITALIANO LA SCUOLA URBINATE) it is suggested that this name was included in homage to the eminent Barocci family of clockmakers of Urbino, who are noted as working up until around 1600. However, as the records for various members of the family appear incomplete, it may well be possible that these clocks could have been made by a hitherto unrecorded descendant.In addition to the example signed for Barocci Panicali illustrates two further unrecorded examples which are in all intents and purposes near identical to each other (except for minor details and later alterations). Another further example is also illustrated in Brusa, Guiseppe La misura del tempo... on page 447 (figure 141); Panicali also notes one more that has a replaced dial obscuring the frame.The present lot definitely belongs to this group although it does differ in having brass corner posts (rather than iron) hence may be slightly later. Condition Report: The movement is intactand most likely serviceable but will require the attention of a skilled clockmakerto put it back into working condition. As catalogued the going train has beenconverted from verge regulated by balance oscillating above the top plate toverge regulated by short pendulum swinging to the rear. Hence there is now acontrate wheel fitted to the original escape wheel arbor and an additional vergeescapewheel (together with related potances etc.) fitted to the top plate. The remainingwheelwork of the going train appears original and retains its original decorativecollets. The strike train appears to have been mostly rebuilt/re-trained with someof the original elements such as the great wheel arbor, pulley and warningwheel retained. The single lifting/locking detent is a later arrangementpivoted between the corner posts. The original was positioned between integral extensionsto the left-hand edges of the front and centre movement bars; the frontmovement bar is a replacement which does not include this extension. The flyhas four vanes to which additional weights have been added. The alarm mechanismis missing contributing to some of the spare holes to the plates. The dial is lackingits alarm disc otherwise is in sound condition but with heavy wear/rubbing tothe gilding; the hand is a crude replacement. The case is generally in soundoriginal condition retaining side doors matching the dial both in decorationand condition. The right-hand corner posts have been drilled for the laterstrike detent pivots othwise frame is also in sound original condition withtraces of gilding. The rear left-hand foot and backplate are replacements. Thebell is possibly a replacement mounted on the original stand and with originaltop finial.There are no lines orweights present with this clock. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A FINE AND VERY RARE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE GILTBRASS AND IRON WEIGHT-DRIVEN CHAMBER CLOCKUNSIGNED, PROBABLY CENTRAL OR NORTHERN ITALY,CIRCA 1560The separately wound four-wheel trains with iron wheels forgedin two-parts incorporating three-spoke wheel crossings and decorative scallopedcentres, the going train with verge escapement regulated by balance wheel positionedbetween the twin top plates, set in front of the strike train incorporating nag’shead single arbor warnless lifting, overlift provided via a heart-shaped camcut with a single slot, and rear-mounted countwheel cut with four sets ofsix-hour divisions for sounding the hours on a bell surmounting the case via a hingedlinkage engaging with a vertically pivoted hammer, the wheelwork set within astrip-type frame with the vertical end bars secured to a strap at the base via angledlap joints incorporating pinned lugs, beneath curved extension pieces rivetedto the end movement bars for the strike detent pivots, and full-width squareplate pinned at the front and rear to the top, the top plate is also secured bythreaded nuts to four slender baluster-turned iron corner-posts united at the basewith additional front-to back iron bars, screwed in turn to a further squarebrass baseplate, the top also with a second raised square iron plate secured bynuts to threaded extension of the corner posts, the architectural rectangular fire-giltbrass dial applied with a central twenty-four hour chapter disc engraved with aradial alternating wavy starburst design to centre, and with an outer ringdivided 1-6 four times incorporating asterisk half hour markers andtouch pieces to outer margin, with generous sculpted iron hand and stylisedfoliate strapwork within horizontal line-hatched ground infill to spandrelpanels, flanked by fluted strip pilasters beneath a moulded entablature withogee cornice and centred with an engraved roundel depicting a bearded malewarrior wearing a decorated crested helmet, flanked by further foliate Arabesquestrapwork infill and projecting floral spray engraved panels set above thepilasters, the base with conforming apron frieze centred with a profileportrait of a Renaissance female with elaborate plaided hair flanked bymatching strapwork and projecting panels over a slender ogee moulded skirt, thetop with bell surmounted with naturalistically sculpted gilt brass acanthusleaves secured by a ball finial, over hinged unengraved brass side panelsapplied with pilasters and mouldings matching the dial panel and secured bysprung clasps, the rear with iron plate incorporating rivetted shaped hingeplates for the side panels and secured to the frame by ball-headed screws, on fourturned gilt brass feet secured to the underside of the iron movement posts, (nolines or weights).33.5cm (13.25ins) high, 15cm (6ins) square.Find out more Condition Report Disclaimer
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A VERY RARE GERMAN RENAISSANCE IRON AND GILT COPPER QUARTER-STRIKING ASTRONOMICAL TABLE CLOCK UNSIGNED, PROBABLY SOUTHERN GERMANY, DATED 1583The iron movement with plates measuring 5.25 inchessquare united by four square section architectural pillars enclosing wheelworkwith highly decorated baluster-turned arbors throughout, the three wheel goingtrain with flanged iron-walled spring barrel, brass fusee and verge escapementincorporating brass crown wheel regulated by dumb-bar balance pivoted beneath ascroll-sculpted backcock and with adjustable ‘hogs-bristle’ regulation, the hourstrike and quarter trains driven in tandem from a single large spring barrelsounding on a graduated pair of bells mounted within apertures to the hingedcase baseplate, the hour strike released by a pin to the rim of thequarter-train first wheel, with overlift via a cam cut with two slots and countingvia a ring inset into the backplate, driven by a pinion engaging with teeth cutto the inside edge opposing numbered divisions for counting the hours tocircumference, the quarter-train with nags-head release from a star wheel appliedto the centre hour wheel arbor and with overlift via a snail-shaped cam, thealarm with small iron-walled spring barrel incorporating pinned flanged wallopposing rim cut with contrate to drive the verge crownwheel for the hammersounding against the inside edge of the case, the backplate with decorativethree-spoke mainspring winding ratchet incorporating scroll-pierced cocks forthe click and spring, conforming pierced decoration to the large arched springfor the movement-to-case locating latches, and sculpted movement threaded pillarfixings to angles, the 5.5 inch square fire-gilt brass dial composed of variouslayers allowing concentric indication for the astronomical and calendar complications,the centre with penny moon disc engraved with diagrammatic representation of Ptolemaicplanetary aspects and incorporating pointer to the circumference for readingagainst a scale for the age of the moon to the disc behind, the second layer alsoincorporating a pointer to the circumference, this time formed as a solar mask andpassing over a silvered alarm setting ring to read against a further concentricscale annotated for times of sunrise and sunset annotated SVN, AVF and SVN,VNT inscribed into a manually adjusted ring, which is set via a furthercranked steel pointer passing over the silvered Roman numeral twenty-four hour chapterring against an outer annual calendar scale engraved into the gilt dial plate, witheach month divided for every day and annotated in block capitals with ‘old German’text, with pierced sculpted iron hour-hand incorporating a long tail fitted tothe centre arbor and small winged cherub mask spandrels to angles, the square fire-giltcopper case with laurel engraved band to the upper surface of the top mouldingsover sides applied with various manually adjusted dials for calendrical and possiblyastronomical indications, including a calculator for providing respective date-of-the-monthfor given days-of-the-week and possibly times for sunrise and sunset inrelation to signs of the Zodiac, each set between differing engraved armorialcrests beneath varying initials, the lower edge applied with conformingmouldings and fitted with claw and ball cast feet, the underside fitted with alatched lift-out panel incorporating the quarter and hour bells, (somerestoration to the movement and -partial reconstruction of the dial indications).12.5cm (5ins) high, 17cm (6.75ins) square.The current lot is particularly notable in its complexityand the fact that it is also dated. The movement is interesting in that it is almostentirely constructed from iron. This perhaps departs a little from GermanRenaissance work of this date as most examples tend incorporate more brasswithin the mechanism, most notably for the spring barrel walls and sometimesthe plates in addition to the fusee cone itself. Indeed, by the first quarterof 17th century this tendency had evolved to the extent that such movementswere mostly constructed primarily from brass including the wheelwork. The provision of a tandem barrel to drive both the hourand quarter strike trains is very unusual for this period and suggests the workof a highly skilled clockmaker. Other details, such as the countwheel recessedinto the backplate (driven via teeth cut to the inside of the rim) and spiral triformcrossings to the mainspring set-up ratchet wheel, are perhaps a little more conventionaland can be compared to those on a movement stamped with makers initials ‘DSW’illustrated in Maurice, Klaus De deutsche Raderuhr, Band II figure 571b.Notwithstanding this the present maker chose to lavish a great deal ofattention to detail with regards to the ornamental turning of almost all thewheel and detent arbors. This degree of decoration is rarely seen and arguablysuggests that the present clock had a particular significance to the maker,hence could well have been a special commission or intended as a ‘masterpiece’to allow admission to a local guild.The case is highly unusual in having a series of manuallyadjustable dials which essentially form a compendium of calendrical indicationsincorporated into the sides. This layout is similar in concept to that of threemagnificent astronomical clocks illustrated by Klaus Maurice. The first by JohanReinhold of Augsburg dating to 1581/92, the second also by Reinhold but signedfor Kasper Buschmann of Augsburg dated 1586, and the third by Jost Burgi ofKassel dated 1591 (figures 578, 579 and 581 respectively). Interestingly all three,together with the present lot, date to within the same ten-year timeframe. Thissuggests that this type of layout was relatively short-lived and was perhaps possiblyinfluenced by the work of Johann Reinhold.Although elements of the dial indications have beenreconstructed it would appear that the present form follows closely that of theoriginal; such complexities were also normally only reserved for specialcommissions or ‘masterpieces’. The series of armorial crests engraved to thesides of the current lot have yet to be identified. Further detailedgenealogical investigations may well reveal the identities of the individuals and/orfamily connected with the commissioning of the present clock, which could welladd to its historical significance. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A GERMAN GOTHIC FORGED IRON WEIGHT-DRIVEN CHAMBER CLOCKUNSIGNED, CIRCA 1600The wrought-iron posted frame with angled strip corner uprights united by square rings to the top and bottom secured by rivets, the base with a vertically aligned stretcher resting in notches in the lower ring and forged with a slot to carry the centre movement bar, the front and rear bars forged to hook around the lower ring and secured by pinned tenons formed at the ends of the longitudinal top bar, the frame enclosing separately wound trains with two-piece forged wheelwork incorporating sprung ring pulley clicks to the great wheels, the three-wheel going train with verge escapement regulated by balance wheel suspended from forged gallows by a thread, the two-wheel hour strike train with single arbor warnless nag's head lifting via a pin to the going train great wheel, overlift via a cam cut with a single slot, external fly and countwheel driven by a spur pinion of report engaging with teeth cut to the inside of the wheel rim, sounding via a horizontally pivoted hammer on a bell mounted within the ogee-shaped superstructure fitted between the ball capped integral finials above, now with a 6.375 inch wide sheet iron dial plate polychrome painted with a starburst to centre within cream-ground Roman numeral chapter ring, with iron fleur-de-lys hand and lower spandrel infill decorated with masks emblematic of blowing winds, the upper section with solar and lunar discs within a starry sky beneath a shallow scroll-shaped crest, on integral outstepped supports drilled with holes to the feet, (replacement escapement, bell superstructure and dial, no lines or weights). Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. Literature:Extensively illustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS, Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages 49-51. Two articles in Horological Journal by John Robey Rescuing a Gothic Clock, Part 1 May 2017 pages 11-15, and Part 2 June 2017 pages 253-56. John Robey notes that the present clock is an example of a later German Gothic clock with the uprights still set at an angle, but formed as strips riveted to the upper and lower subframes (rather than having separate corner pieces with decorative noses and dovetail corner joints). The movement pivot bars, however, still follow the earlier practice of having 'hook' type dovetail joints at the base of each. The three-wheel going train versus the two-wheel strike train also echoes early Gothic work and can be compared to a particularly early Hausuhr described and illustrated by Robey on pages 42-47. The present lot has seen very skilled reinstatement of the escapement, bell superstructure and dial hence the movement is now presented in its original form. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A SOUTH GERMAN RENAISSANCE IRON WEIGHT-DRIVEN QUARTER-STRIKING CHAMBER CLOCK UNSIGNED, CIRCA 1650The posted iron movement with square section uprights secured by threaded nuts enclosing separately wound three-wheel trains with one-piece three-spoke forged wheelwork, laid-out with the going train at the front followed by the quarter and hour strike trains, with verge escapement regulated by a balance wheel set between the frame top plate and a second plate mounted on spaced extensions, the quarter strike released via a star wheel and an inverted nag's head detent set within the under dial work, with cam cut with two slots for overlift and countwheel applied to the greatwheel for sounding on the smaller of two bells via a vertically pivoted hammer positioned to the left-hand side of the movement, the hour strike released via a pin on the quarter countwheel with overlift also enabled via a cam cut with two slots, with countwheel mounted to the rear and sounding on the larger bell via another vertically pivoted hammer this time positioned to the right-hand side of the movement, both the quarter and hour strike trains with pierced steel detent springs opposing scroll decorated brass stops and sculpted iron hammer stop posts, the 5 inch wide polychrome painted iron dial plate with vestigial Arabic numeral painted alarm disc to centre within conforming white painted Roman numeral chapter ring incorporating floating asterisk half-hour markers, with iron trident-shaped hand over subsidiary Roman numeral quarter-hour dial with conforming hand flanked by painted floral sprays to lower margin, the upper section of stepped arch form painted with an armorial crest over a slot revealing the rim of the balance, flanked by leafy scrolls, the box-form case with iron side doors painted with standing bare-footed figures of saints within architectural arched recesses, the back panel with forged hanging hoop and spurs and the top surmounted by a graduated pair of bells set on an and arched stand issuing a post, (lacking lines, weights and alarm mechanism).32.5cm (12.75ins) high, 13cm (5ins) wide, 15cm (6ins) deep. Provenance:The Dr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items. Purchased at Bonhams, London, sale of FINE CLOCKS 16th December 2015 (lot 134) for £3,500. Literature:Extensively illustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS, Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages 75-77. John Robey notes that the painted scenes to the side doors of the present clock probably represent St John the Baptist and St Paul, which suggests that the clock probably originates from Catholic Bavaria rather than mainly Protestant Switzerland. The movement is a fine example of this particular type of posted frame-construction, with trains very tightly packaged into the space available. When purchased in 2015 the clock had been converted to anchor escapement with pendulum swinging to the rear hence the present verge with balance regulation has been reinstated by Dr. Robey as well the fitment of an alarm disc to the refinished dial. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A GERMANIC WEIGHT-DRIVEN IRON WALL TIMEPIECEWITH SILENT-PULL QUARTER REPEAT AND ALARMUNSIGNED, GERMANY OR BOHEMIA, CIRCA 1760Theplated four rectangular pillar two-handed movement with three-spoke brass wheeltrains set side by side, the three-wheel going train with iron-walled cheeks andratchet winding clicks to the solid greatwheel and verge escapement regulatedby short disc bob pendulum swinging in front of the dial, the quarter repeattrain inversely planted with the brass line barrel and hammer pin-wheel positionedat the top, pulling via a gear-toothed sector against an hour snail to countthe hours on one bell on release, followed by the quarters on a second bell beforebeing arrested by a stepped quarter-cam, the alarm positioned within the platesto the rear left and incorporating a pin crown wheel sounding via a verticallypivoted hammer on the inside of the smaller bell, the 9 inch wide rectangularpolychrome painted iron dial with Arabic numeral alarm setting disc to the floralbloom decorated centre, within white Roman numeral chapter ring with asteriskhalf hour markers and Arabic five minutes to outer track within concentric redborders, with potance for the front-swinging pendulum emerging at twelveo’clock over scroll pierced brass hands, the upper margin painted withvignettes of the Madonna and child opposing St John of Nepomuk, and the lowerspandrel areas decorated with rose blooms, the movement enclosed with ironpanels linked together with tabs and incorporating pin-hinged side doors, therear with hanging hoop and spurs.28cm(11ins) high, 22.5cm (9ins) wide, 11.5cm (4.5ins) deep.Provenance:TheDr. John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Literature:Extensivelyillustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages110-13.Theoperation of the pull-quarter repeat system employed in the present timepieceis described in detail by John Robey and is notable for its relatively efficientdesign. In simple terms on pulling the drum and hammer-pin disc rotate backwardscausing the geared sector to traverse until stopped by the hour snail. Theposition of the snail dictates how many pins are available to the hour hammeron release. After the hours have sounded a second set of pins to the other sideof disc operate a quarter hammer, until the train is locked by the steppedstop-cam. The position of the arm that locks into the stop-cam is dictated by aquarter snail within the motionwork, thus controls the amount of the blows onthe quarter bell.Thedial is painted with a vignette of St John of Nepomuk who was a Bohemian priestMartyred under the reign of King Wenceslaus in 1393. He was canonised in 1729and is considered the patron saint of Bohemia. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A SWISS OR GERMAN IRON-FRAMED WEIGHT-DRIVEN CHAMBER CLOCKUNSIGNED, CIRCA 1690The ironstrip frame movement with the front and rear pivot bars secured via pinnedtenons to the top and bottom strips and continuing upwards to be joined by afurther narrow strip extended at the front and incorporating the escapementpallet arbor potances, the separately wound three-wheel trains with iron three-spokewheelwork, the going train with verge escapement incorporating crown wheel setabove the top bar regulated by short disc-bob pendulum swinging in front of thedial, the strike train with single arbor warnless nag’s head lifting via a starwheel in front of the hour wheel with the detent arbor pivoted betweenupward-curved extensions to the front and rear movement bars, with overlift bya cam cut with two slots positioned on the second wheel arbor, and sounding thehours via hammer pivoted vertically within the iron case between on a smallbell set above the movement, the 8.75 inch circular polychrome painted ironcrested dial decorated with a stormy lakeside scene with a tree to centre, withina white Roman numeral chapter ring bordered by concentric bands in ochre, withscroll-pierced brass hand beneath potance for the front-swinging pendulumemerging at twelve o’clock, the shaped crest painted with a quatrefoil vignetteof the Madonna and Child into a red ground framed with gilt foliate decoration,the case with small cast hour bell over iron top panel secured via pinnedtenons, the rear with hanging hoop over spurs and the underside with anadditional plate retained by screws, (side doors lacking).31cm(12.25ins) high, 22cm (8.75ins) wide, 16cm (6.25ins) deep.Provenance:The Dr.John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Literature:Extensivelyillustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages60-62.Thepresent clock is an archetypical example of a strip-frame clock with themovement formed from relatively narrow bars elegantly held together with pinnedtenons. This type of frame was most frequently used in Southern Germany andnorthern Switzerland from around 1580 until the mid 18th century. Condition Report Disclaimer
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A GERMAN IRON-FRAMED WEIGHT-DRIVEN CHAMBERCLOCK WITH BRASS DIALUNSIGNED, CIRCA 1770Theposted iron two-handed countwheel bell striking movement with square section cornerposts secured at the top and bottom by threaded nuts, enclosing separatelywound three-wheel trains with brass three-spoke wheelwork, the going train withverge escapement incorporating crown wheel set above the top plate regulated byshort disc-bob pendulum swinging in front of the dial, the strike train withsingle arbor warnless nag’s head lifting via an arm behind the minute wheel, withoverlift by a cam cut with two slots positioned on the second wheel arbor, and soundingthe hours via hammer pivoted between the left-hand movement posts on a smallbell set above the movement, the 9.25 inch wide brass shaped-arch top dial withfoliate scroll engraved centre, within applied silvered Roman numeral chapterring with looped half hour markers and an arcaded minute ring with Arabicfive-minutes beyond, with scroll-pierced iron hands beneath potance for thefront-swinging pendulum emerging above twelve o’clock, the angles applied withwinged cherub mask cast spandrels, beneath arch engraved with symmetrical foliatescrollwork inhabited with floral blooms around a central applied silvered boss engravedwith figural representation of the Holy Trinity, the case with small cast hourbell over iron top panel enclosing the escapement, secured via nuts toextensions to the movement posts over pin-hinged side doors, the rear withhanging hoop over spurs and the underside with an additional plate retained bythe movement post securing nuts.23.5cm(9.25ins) wide, 35cm (13.25ins) high, 16.5cm (6.5ins) deep.Provenance:The Dr.John A. Robey collection of early weight-driven clocks and related items.Literature:Extensivelyillustrated and described in Robey, John GOTHIC CLOCKS TO LANTERN CLOCKS,Short-Duration & Rural Clocks 1480-1800 (enlarged second edition) pages100-03. Condition Report Disclaimer
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