AN EARLY VICTORIAN MAHOGANY 'CHAMFER-TOP' BRACKET CLOCKJAMES...

Estimate

£2,000 - £3,000

AN EARLY VICTORIAN MAHOGANY 'CHAMFER-TOP' BRACKET CLOCKJAMES MCCABE, LONDON, CIRCA 1840-45The five pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by lenticular bob pendulum, the backplate signed James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London to centre over pendulum holdfast bracket, the 6.25 inch arched single sheet silvered brass Roman numeral dial signed James McCabe, ROYAL EXCHANGE, London, 2221 to centre and with blued steel fleur-de-lys hands over subsidiary STRIKE/SILENT selection dial to lower margin, the case with shallow hipped stepped 'chamfer' superstructure over cavetto cornice and fluted frieze, the hinged front with canted silvered brass fillet insert to the glazed dial aperture flanked by canted angles, the sides with brass repousse ring handles over rectangular brass fish scale sound frets, the rear with rectangular glazed door set within the frame of the case, on moulded skirt base with squab feet.35cm (13.75ins) high, 23.5cm (9.25ins) wide, 18cm (7ins) deep.James McCabe junior succeeded his father of the same name was one of the most successful English clock and watchmakers of the 19th century. He was apprenticed to Reid and Auld of Edinburgh and was admitted to the Clockmaker's Company as a Free Brother in 1822. Around this time McCabe entered into a short-lived partnership with Strahan (probably Charles who gained his freedom of the Clockmaker's Company in 1815). From 1826 James McCabe managed the business alone from 97 Cornhill until 1838 when he was forced to temporarily relocate to 32 Cornhill due to a major fire at the Royal Exchange. It was at this time (1825-43) that Thomas Cole worked for McCabe before setting up his own to produce distinctive and highly decorative timepieces in his own unmistakable style. The business was subsequently continued by Robert Jeremy until his retirement in 1883.From a list of serial numbers found of bracket and mantel clocks provided in Nicholls, Andrew English Bracket and Mantel Clocks (pages 66-67) the present lot would appear to date to around 1842.

More Information

Movement is in relatively clean working condition although a precautionary gentle clean/service may be advisable. The bell is a replacement and the pendulum holdfast securing thumbscrew is missing otherwise movement appears complete with no visible evidence of alteration or noticeable replacements. The dial has a small scratch to the centre and overall noticeable oxidation to the silvering giving a pleasing mellow appearance otherwise is in fine original condition. The case is in fine condition with faults very much limited to a few very light surface bumps and bruises.Clock has pendulum, case key and a winder.