Georgian bracket clock with verge escapement, round dial and mahogany case. circa 1785.

A lovely example of an 18th Century, John Ellicott style table clock.

Stock No:   14512

The 8 day duration, 5 pillar, gut fusee movement with its original Verge escapement and rack and jumper wheel striking the hours on a top-mounted polished bell. Also, full Rococo style engraving to the back plate, fixing brackets, back cock and apron; depicting a Japanese pagoda and floral basket to the centre. The movement also has strike/silent work, pull repeating of the hours and pendulum hook.

Behind a 7" diameter, silvered and engraved brass dial with outer Arabic 5's, a divided minute track and Roman hour numerals all within a ringed chapter. The dial centre bears the maker's signature of "George Mackie" in script and "London" in stylised old English font. The steel hands are cut 'Serpentine' style and the dial is framed by a cast brass bezel. The strike/silent selector protrudes to the left of the 45 minutes mark.

Contained in a mahogany case of good figuring, colour and patina. The bell shaped top has a cast brass, swinging carrying handle and 4 cast brass acorn finials to its corners. The returned and all-around top moulding sits over the full-size square locking door that has quartered veneers, brass keyhole escutcheon and a cast brass, moulded and fixed circular bezel with a bowed glass. The sides have rectangular glazed apertures and the rear of the case has a locking square glazed door. The all-around short plinth has a conforming top moulding and sits upon 4 cast brass, Ogee feet.

* Originally, these clocks could be carefully carried from room to room still ticking as to not lose any time
because of their very robust 'Verge' escapement with attached pendulum or more importantly, to the bed chamber at night whereas the silent option would be selected so the sleeper would not be awoken at each and every hour. If the time was required then the repeat cord would be tugged and the previous hour struck would be sounded.

This is an  iconic style of clock that was developed by the famous clockmaker John Ellicott. He was born in 1706 and established his business in Swithin's Alley, Royal Exchange in 1728. He was the inventor of a compensation pendulum and he developed the use of the cylinder escapement. Like his peer George Graham, he became a member of the Royal Society, for which he wrote several papers. He was appointed Clockmaker to the King and he designed the London Hospital clock. He died suddenly in 1772 and was succeeded by his son. His work can be found in museums and royal collections throughout the world. The maker of this clock, George Mackie worked from premises at Helmet Row, City Road, London from 1784 until 1811.

Condition:                  The condition and originality of this clock cannot be over-stated. The appearance is
                                  beautiful and generally, the condition is excellent. Everything is working well. All of the
                                  glass is original as is the original fusee winding key. The movement will be serviced
                                  and minor corrective work carried out on it to provide a full guarantee. The case
                                  shows signs of age and slight shrinkage but only as one would expect for almost 250
                                  years. It will however, be cleaned and wax polished. The dial condition is also very
                                  good but shows signs of wear to the surface.

Dimensions:               17 1/2" high including handle x 11" wide x 7 1/2" deep.

Circa:                         1785.

Provenance:               Purchased privately.

Price:                          £5,750 with a full guarantee.