A SCOTTISH REGENCY EBONISED TABLE/BRACKET CLOCKSKELTON, EDIN...

Estimate

£400 - £600

A SCOTTISH REGENCY EBONISED TABLE/BRACKET CLOCKSKELTON, EDINBURGH, EARLY 19th CENTURYThe five pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with verge escapement regulated by short bob pendulum, the backplate engraved with large symmetrical foliate scrolls incorporating paired eagle heads to lower margin within a herringbone outer border, the 7 inch brass break-arch dial with applied shaped silvered signature plate engraved Skelton, Edin'r, and calendar beneath shaped false bob apertures to the matted centre within applied narrow silvered Roman numeral chapter ring, with steel spade hands and foliate scroll pierced cast spandrels to angles beneath arch with subsidiary STRIKE/SILENT selection dial flanked by conforming mounts, in a case with ring-turned and foliate cast hinged baton carrying handle and flambeau urn finials to the bell-top superstructure over lipped concave upper mouldings, the hinged front with inset brass fillet-edged glazed dial aperture and scroll cast and pierced upper quadrant frets flanked by repeating floral motif decorated brass mouldings to angles, the sides with rectangular brass fish scale sound frets and the rear with rectangular glazed door set within the frame of the case, on cavetto moulded skirt base with cast brass bell-shaped feet.49.5cm (19.5ins) high, 28cm (11ins) wide, 18.5cm (7.25ins) deep.William Skelton is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as apprenticed in 1773 before working in the partnership of Brown and Skelton until 1787; he then continued alone until 1837.

More Information

Movement is complete with no visible evidence of alteration or notable replacements with exception of the calendar drive wheel which appears fairly recent. A couple of spare holes to the front plate suggests that a trip-repeat lever was intended but was perhaps not fitted. Although the escapement will beat the mechanism is in dull/dirty condition hence is prone to stopping. The strike train is in working order but the movement will require a clean/service as it is in dull/discoloured slightly neglected condition. Details within the movement such as concealed deep greatwheels concealing winding clicks for the fusees, collet shapes etc would confirm that the mechanism is most likely early 19th century rather than late 18th. The movement is secured within the case via a pair of brackets which have additional unused holes suggesting that they were once fitted to a different movement hence are most likely replacements. There is no other evidence to suggest that the case was not made for the movement and dial. The case is generally in sound original unrestored condition with faults limited to small loss to the veneer overlap of the rear door (adjacent to the keyhole) and a slight crack/veneer chip to the movement securing bracket screw to the right-hand side. The feet are probably later additions, otherwise faults to the case are very much limited to wear, rubbing, discolouration, slight shrinkage and other minor age-related blemishes.Clock is complete with a case key and winder.