A small fusee balloon clock with an enamel dial. Made by John Dwerrihouse circa 1790.

A very attractive and small timepiece by this exceptional clockmaker.

Stock No:   14401

The eight day duration gut fusee, circular movement with half Dead-beat escapement and being back wound so as not to spoil the dial with a winding hole. Also having a steel pendulum rod with an axe-head shaped brass-cased bob (so as not to 'knock' the waisted case sides).

Behind a 5" diameter bowed enamel dial with Roman hour numerals within a sectored minute ring. The centre being signed "DWERRIHOUSE, BERKELEY - SQUARE" over and below the centre. The dial is set within a brass rim and the steel hands are of matching 'Arrowhead' style. The cast brass locking bezel fits snugly and has a snapped-in bowed glass.

The well made and attractive balloon shaped case is veneered in 'fiddle-back' mahogany. The front profile is edged with rosewood crossbanding which in turn is strung with boxwood and ebony. The rear has a conforming shaped locking door which is also crossbanded. The case has a short and plain plinth and sits upon four cast brass, splayed feet.

* The Dwerrihouse family of clockmakers were renowned and went on to form many partnerships over the years. Jonathan Dwerrihouse was given the honorary freedom of the Clockmakers Company in 1781 and died in 1805. This is a splendid small clock that has survived the rigours of time in exceptional condition. The half Dead-beat escapement was well suited to bracket clocks whereas the pendulum was 6" to 10" long. It adopted attributes from both the Anchor Recoil and Dead-beat escapements and was a kind of self-regulating escapement.

Dimensions:                        13" high x 8" wide x 5 1/2" deep.

Circa:                                   1790.

Condition:                             The movement is clean, in good working order and keeping accurate time. The
                                             dial is almost perfect and the case is extremely good but with slight signs of
                                             wear and tear expected for its age. The rear door lock is working and has a key
                                             but the bezel locking tab has been cut (this can be corrected).

Price:                                    £2,750 in it's present and working condition. Any work required by the
                                             purchaser can be discussed upon enquiry. The restored retail value of this item
                                             would be £5,250