A GEORGE V MAHOGANY FUSEE DIAL WALL TIMEPIECEDENT, LONDON, C...

Estimate

£300 - £500

A GEORGE V MAHOGANY FUSEE DIAL WALL TIMEPIECEDENT, LONDON, CIRCA 1914The four columnar pillar single chain fusee movement with anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum, the 12 inch circular white painted Roman numeral dial with DENT triangle trademark over ROYAL EXCHANGE, CORNHILL, & 61 STRAND, LONDON, 58526 to centre, with steel spade hands, set behind a hinged bevel-glazed cast brass bezel with canted silvered insert, applied to a moulded wooden surround fitted via pegs onto rear box case with door to the right hand side and pendulum access flap to the curved base.37.5cm (14.75ins) diameter, 15cm (6in) deep.Edward John Dent was a talented horologist who at the age of 17 transferred his apprenticeship from the trade of tallow chandler to watchmaking under the charge of Edward Gaudin in 1807. By 1817 he had become well known as a watch and clockmaker receiving commissions from the Admiralty for a 'Standard Astronomical Clock' and pocket chronometers for the Colonial Office Africa Expedition. In 1830 Dent went into partnership with the renowned watch and chronometer maker John Roger Arnold which continued until 1840 when he left and set up business alone as E.J. Dent at 82 Strand, London, primarily making marine chronometers, watches and precision clocks. In 1843 the firm expanded taking on a second premises at 33 Cocksur Street, with the Strand premises moving down the road to number 61 by 1851. In 1852 Edward Dent successfully tendered to make the 'great clock' to be housed in Stephen's tower at the New Palace of Westminster. The clock was completed by 1859, apparently at a financial loss to the firm, however it ensured that Dent became a household name synonymous with fine clockmaking. Unfortunately Edward John Dent did not live to see the installation of the 'great clock' as he died in 1853. He was succeeded by his stepson Frederick Rippon Dent, who, in partnership with his brother Richard, continued to expand the business. By 1862 the firm had added 34 Cockspur Street and 34 & 35 Royal Exchange to their list of addresses and, although having seen natural passage of ownership over the intervening years, the business still continues to trade today as Dent & Co.Dent started numbering their clocks, watches and chronometers from 1876 starting at number 38,000.

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Movement appears complete, all-original and is in working condition however the mechanism is a little dirty/discoloured hence a gentle clean/service is advised. The dial retains old/original surface however with fairly extensive historic rust spotting/flaking. The rust/corrosion appears to have been stabilised hence the finish exhibits an conserved 'patinated' appearance. The 'triangle' and part of '61 STRAND' have seen some light strengthening/re-touching also. The bezel and wooden surround are in good original condition however the brass securing latch to the rear of the wooden surround is a replacement and there is old paint (light Verdigris green) applied to the rear of the wooden surround (to the exterior visible sections only). The top of the box case has some traces of the same paint otherwise is in sound original condition with faults limited to some noticeable scuffing to the lower right hand edge and minor age related veneer shrinkage.Timepiece has a pendulum (suspension spring repaired) but no winding key.