Lot 60
A unique and very fine mid 19th century English gilt-brass mounted walnut giant striking travelling clock with thermometer and original key numbered 838 Attributable to Thomas Cole, London. Retailed by Thomas Boxell, Brighton
13 July 2023, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond StreetSold for £32,000 inc. premium
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A unique and very fine mid 19th century English gilt-brass mounted walnut giant striking travelling clock with thermometer and original key numbered 838
Attributable to Thomas Cole, London. Retailed by Thomas Boxell, Brighton
The rectangular case surmounted by an engraved gilt handle on a pair of shaped pommels set on a multi-stepped engraved plate with glazed centre to reveal the platform below, with beaded cornice over a pair of arched side windows set with pierced and engraved gilt panels depicting an urn of flowers with a vine and geometric border, the plinth with mounts to the rear and sides, but set to the front with a mercury thermometer reading against a silvered scale, the corners mounted with cast scrolls (two loose but present).
The 3.75 inch silvered Roman dial with a minute band framed by engraved climbing roses and the retailers signature within a strapwork cartouche, with blued steel fleur de lys hands, all bordered by a gilt engraved sight ring. The twin chain fusee movement with maintaining power to the large platform with underslung lever escapement; the strike train sounding the hours on a coiled blued steel gong. 31cms (12.25ins) high.
The rectangular case surmounted by an engraved gilt handle on a pair of shaped pommels set on a multi-stepped engraved plate with glazed centre to reveal the platform below, with beaded cornice over a pair of arched side windows set with pierced and engraved gilt panels depicting an urn of flowers with a vine and geometric border, the plinth with mounts to the rear and sides, but set to the front with a mercury thermometer reading against a silvered scale, the corners mounted with cast scrolls (two loose but present).
The 3.75 inch silvered Roman dial with a minute band framed by engraved climbing roses and the retailers signature within a strapwork cartouche, with blued steel fleur de lys hands, all bordered by a gilt engraved sight ring. The twin chain fusee movement with maintaining power to the large platform with underslung lever escapement; the strike train sounding the hours on a coiled blued steel gong. 31cms (12.25ins) high.
Footnotes
Provenance:
Single family ownership from new. Almost certainly purchased by Anne Hay-Mackenzie, Duchess of Sutherland and 1st Countess of Cromartie (1829-1888), Mistress of the Robes to Queen Victoria. Thence by descent to her son, Francis, 2nd Earl of Cromartie, then his daughter, Sybil Blunt-Mackenzie, 3rd Countess of Cromartie, and then her son Roderick Blunt-Mackenzie, 4th Earl of Cromartie. The 4th Earl, late chief of the Clan Mackenzie and author of 'A Highland History', kept this clock running on his desk in the library, it was a particular favourite of his, so much so in fact, that no-one else was allowed to wind it.
