Rare 'Yew wood' cased, georgian, verge escapement bracket clock by Nathaniel Style, London. Circa 1755.
This table clock is very probably unique as very few clocks using this veneer are known.
Stock No: 14504
The 8 day duration, 5 knopped pillar, double gut fusee movement with its original 'attached pendulum' verge escapement. The back cock carries a heart-shaped apron that covers the verge knife edge and the pendulum rod, that has a pear-drob adjustable bob, can be 'parked' in a backplate hoop. Also having a strike/silent facility, pull hour repeating and calendar date work.
Behind a 7" wide, break-arch brass dial. The corners and arch sides have cast brass, Rococo style spandrels and the chapter centres are finely matted. The arch carries the silvered "STRIKE" and "SILENT" chapter ring and the centre has a recessed, 7 pointed star that is lined. The main silvered chapter ring has outer Arabic 5's, a divided minute track and inner, Roman hour numerals. The centre has an upward arched and chamfered 'false bob' aperture, with a backing plate just above the middle and, between the silvered maker's cartouche bearing "Nath(anie)l Style, London" and the chapter ring, is a square chamfered, calendar date aperture with silvered display. The typical blued steel hands are pierced.
Contained in a probably unique, yew wood veneered case. Having an inverted bell top surmounted with a cast brass, swinging, carrying handle. The case is of typical style with a CROSS GRAINED, returned top moulding over the full-size, locking and glazed front door with well-moulded framework to the dial aperture and the top quarter sound apertures that also have red cloth-backed frets. The short all-round plith also has a CROSS GRAIN top moulding and the case is upon 4, cast brass, splayed Ogee feet. The case sides have conforming framed circular-over-rectangular glazed apertures and the rear has a locking and glazed inset door also with conforming framing.
* I cannot stress enough how rare yet original this case it. The colour and patina are incredibly good as is the general condition of the whole clock. The obvious reason for its intended appearance is the cross-grained mouldings. The movenment is unremarkable insomuch as it is of typical quality and construction for the style and period. The only other antique clocks that we are aware of having yew wood cases are Longcase clocks and even these are extremely rare.
** Nathaniel Style(s) is known to have worked from premises in Wood Street, Cheapside, London. He joined the Clockmaker's Company in 1725 and became Master of the Clockmaker's Company in 1751. He retired in 1773.
Dimensions: 21" high x 12" wide x 8" deep (at the feet).
Circa: 1755.
Condition: The case, dial and movement are very good but unrestored. The movement
can be seen without its fixing brackets as I have removed them for
examination. Everything appears to be original and unmolested by poor
workmanship. The clock shows signs of age and use as one would expect but
would benefit from a full overhaul. The dial and hands would also benefit from
being resilvered, polished and blued etc. but this is merely on preference. I
would advocate that nothing is done to the case.
Price: £6,750 in it's present yet working condition. If any work is required by the
purchaser then this can be discussed upon contact.
