James Stratton
Director
Lot 8
A good mid 18th century ebony table clock with pull repeat Charles Clay, London 4
22 June 2021, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond StreetSold for £5,355 inc. premium
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A good mid 18th century ebony table clock with pull repeat
Charles Clay, London
The case surmounted by a knopped handle over an inverted caddy top and moulded cornice, over arched glass side panels on a raised base, the 5 1/2 inch arched brass dial with strike/silent set above the signed Roman and Arabic chapter ring with matted centre and chamfered apertures for the date and mock pendulum, framed by unusual warrior head spandrels, with blued-steel hands, the twin wire fusee movement with replaced verge escapement and rack striking the hours on a bell with pull cord repeat (the quarter repeating train now lacking) the backplate engraved with foliate scrollwork centred by a basket of fruit within a single line border. Ticking and striking, together with 3 case keys. 42cms (16 1/2ins) high (4)
The case surmounted by a knopped handle over an inverted caddy top and moulded cornice, over arched glass side panels on a raised base, the 5 1/2 inch arched brass dial with strike/silent set above the signed Roman and Arabic chapter ring with matted centre and chamfered apertures for the date and mock pendulum, framed by unusual warrior head spandrels, with blued-steel hands, the twin wire fusee movement with replaced verge escapement and rack striking the hours on a bell with pull cord repeat (the quarter repeating train now lacking) the backplate engraved with foliate scrollwork centred by a basket of fruit within a single line border. Ticking and striking, together with 3 case keys. 42cms (16 1/2ins) high (4)
Footnotes
Charles Clay was born in Yorkshire and was established as a clockmaker in London by 1716. He is particularly known for his musical organ clocks, examples of which can be found in the British Royal Collection at Kensington Palace and Windsor Castle. His musical clocks were in the form of miniature temples, advertised in contemporary newspapers and tickets were sold for the public to view his pieces. They played tunes from contemporary Italian opera performed in London including those transcribed by George Frideric Handel for Mr Clay's use. He was clockmaker to his Majesty's board of works between 1723 until his death in 1740.
A similar design of warrior head spandrel can be found in Cescinsky & Webster, English Domestic Clocks, p.93, image 15.
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