A mahogany, bell-top, verge escapement and very original, bracket clock with a silvered dial. Circa 1790.
A beautiful example of a fairly plain and unfussy, King George III period table clock.
Stock No: 14503
The eight day duration, 5 pillar, double gut fusee movement with its original 'attached pendulum' verge escapement. Having rack and star wheel striking of the hours on a top-mounted cast bell and also pull repeating of the hours at will. The pendulum has an adjustable 'pear drop' bob and the plain back plate has a transit pendulum retaining hook and also a nicely shaped, back cock knife-edge retaining apron.
Behind a 7 inch wide, single sheet, silvered brass, break-arch dial. The well-executed engraving displays the main chapter that is formed with an inner and outer ring enclosing Arabic 5 minute numerals, a divided minute ring and Roman hour numerals. The arch proudly displays the maker's signature of "Goerge Kershaw, London" in italic script. The hands are well-pierced, single cut, blued steel of 'serpentine' style.
Contained in a well-proportioned mahogany case of good colour with choice, figured veneers. The divided bell shaped top is surmounted with a cast brass, swinging carrying handle. The returned top moulding is over a full-size locking door which is glazed with a quadrant frame and has cloth-backed pierced wooden frets to the top arch quarters. The door sits over a short plinth with a well-moulded top and moulded short block feet. This plinth and all of the mouldings are 'all around'. The case sides have high, arched-top sound apertures with cloth-backed, cast brass, 'fish scale' frets. The case back has a locking rectangular door with a break-arch glass panel. The repeat pull exits the case from the bottom.
This understated table clock is extremely handsome, well made and in excellent and original condition.
George Kershaw is considered to have been a good maker and was working prior to circa 1777 until 1799.
Dimensions: 21" high x 11" wide x 7" deep approx.
Circa: 1790.
Condition: The movement is clean, unworn and working well in all aspects. The dial
appears to have never been restored. It's silvering has some staining in
the arch and there is some loss of black wax to the engraving. Because
of the age and originality, I am not sure that it would be advisable to
restore the dial as it has a pleasing appearance. The case is excellent,
structurally very sound, of good colour and shows only slight signs of
age and wear. The French polish is good and both door locks are
working. This lovely 235 year old verge escapement table clock has
obviously been loved and deserves a caring custodian.
Price: £3,600 in its present and fully working condition. N.B. I have not had the
time to overhaul the movement and if this was required, it would incur a
charge. I do however, deem this clock 'safe to be operated' for the
foreseeable future because of its well-maintained condition. You
therefore, can financially benefit from professional (and in my humble
opinion, high quality) maintenance carried out by previous owners. It is
not often that I publish as many as 20 pictures of a stock clock but in this
instance, I am trying to show you what exceptional value for money is on
offer.
