Verge escapement, quarter chiming, Georgian bracket clock by Gravell & Tolkien, London. Circa 1800.

A superior, rare and very original table clock of this type by very good makers.

Stock No:   14429

The 8 day duration, 5 pillar, double fusee movement with attached pendulum Verge escapement. Though 2 train, it quarter chimes on a nest of 6 graduated bells and sounds the hours on a single, larger bell - all top-mounted. The backplate, fixing brackets, return springs and backcock are all engraved with a floral Rococo design and the movement also has a silent feature.

Behind an exquisite 8" wide, brass break-arch dial with finely cast, gilded brass Rococo spandrels to the corners and arch. The well executed silvered chapter ring has outer Arabic 5's, minute track and inner, Roman hour numerals. The arch has a strike/silent silvered chapter and the upper centre of the dial has a chamfered axe-head aperture containing the silvered maker's cartouche being well engraved with the maker's signature of "Gravell & Tolkien, London" and numbered "2610". The chapter centres are extremely well matted and the area above the VI has a chamfered calendar date aperture. The matching blued steel hands are of typical pierced lattice design.

Contained in a mahogany break-arch, single pad-top case. The top raised panel having a quadrant brass frame with cast brass swinging handle. The break-arch returned top moulding is over a full-size locking glazed door also with a cast brass quadrant frame. The case sides have high rectangular sound apertures with red cloth-backed, brass fishscale frets. The rear has a full, locking and glazed break-arch door and the case has a short plinth with moulded top and sits upon 4, splayed Ogee brass feet.

* This is a superb clock for the money - high quality, quarter chiming, good makers, originality, unspoilt - the list goes on. The partnership of Gravell & Tolkien lasted from 1795 until 1820 and they actually succeeded Eardley Norton. It is extremely rare to find a high quality, 2 train but quarter chiming Georgian table clock. This example is exquisite.

Dimensions:                17 3/4" high including the handle x 12" wide x 7 1/2" deep.

Circa:                          1800.

Condition:                    The movement is fully working and keeping to time but would greatly benefit from a
                                    recommended complete overhaul. The datework is complete and working. The dial
                                    and hands are in good condition but silvering is tarnishing because of the breakdown
                                    of the lacquer. The case is sound but has small pieces of missing veneer
                                    (see pictures). The original locks are present but require keys. The case is of
                                    excellent colour and patina, has never been restored but the sound frets have been
                                    re-clothed. All in all, this is a great clock of high quality that is unspoilt and has so
                                    much extra to offer than is usual.

Price:                          £4,750 in it's present working condition, a price and timescale for any work required
                                   by the purchaser can be advised upon enquiry.