Georgian bracket clock in a mahogany bell top case. Made by Watson, London. Circa 1790.

A lovely example of an unasuming Georgian table clock with a painted brass dial.

Stock No:  14448

The substantial, 8 day duration, 5 knopped pillar, double fusee movement now with Anchor Recoil escapement and rack striking the hours on a top-mounted cast bell. Also having pull repeat striking and strike/silent select. The back plate has border engraving with ornamental corners and the centre has an oval cartouche framing a Grecian urn. There is also a transit locking bracket for the substantial pendulum.

Behind a 6 3/4" wide, break-arch painted brass dial. The cream coloured background has a strike/silent chapter to the arch and the lower, main area has a divided minute ring and inner Roman hour numerals. Above the centre is the maker's signature of "E. WATSON (of) KING STREET". The 3 hands are simply shaped blued steel.

Contained in a fairly plain mahogany case of beautiful colour and patination. The bell top has a cast brass, swinging carrying handle. The returned top moulding is over the full-size front door that has cloth-backed wooden sound frets to the top corners and an ivory diamond shaped keyhole escutcheon. The case sides have high break-arch glazed apertures and the rear has a full height locking door with conforming escutcheon and a break-arch glass panel. The all-round short plinth has a moulded top and the case sits upon four short wooden block feet with moulded edges. The pull repeat cord exits the case at the lower right hand side and has an ebony pull button which I turned from an old piano key.

* I find this clock extremely attractive in its simple appearance, totally functional without embellishments. Quality has not been compromised but it was constructed to appease the person with a plainer taste and the colour is exceptional. E. Watson is listed as working from 6, King Street, Cheapside, London. The escapement was originally Verge but like so many other examples, was changed to Anchor Recoil in an attempt for greater accuracy upon the advent of 'Railway Time' during the 1850's. This 'improvement' can be reversed if so desired but is usually considered to be part of the clocks history.

Dimensions:         20 1/2" high including the handle x 10 7/8" wide x 7 1/2" deep at the feet.

Circa:                   1790.

Condition:             The movement is working perfectly and appears to have been fully overhauled in recent
                             years. There was a minor striking fault which I have corrected however, as always, I
                             would prefer it to be stripped, cleaned and any necessary work required to be carried out.
                             The dial has an historic crack to the top right hand corner around the foot rivet but this is
                             sound and will not worsen however, it would be a simple matter to repair the painted
                             surface. Other than that the dial is fine but with the usual chips around the winding holes.
                             The case is magnificent! It is original and has been sympathetically repolished keeping
                             the colour and patina, there are historic cracks to the veneers but they merely evidence
                             the originality and age. Both the locks are original and working.

Price:                    £4,250 in its present and working condition. A price and timescale of any work required
                             by the purchaser can be advised upon enquiry.