The Clock Work Shop

Description

An English, ebonised, striking, verge Bracket Clock of small proportions by the esteemed partnership of Allam and Clements, London c.1780.

Standing a mere twelve inches high (excluding handle) this delightful little bracket clock is the epitome of Georgian elegance. The detail in the brass mounts is outstanding. Each aperture is brass bound with a low, ogee arch, the doors are flanked by canted corners, the exquisite silk lined frets are highly intricate and finely engraved, there is a stepped moulding to the base and pediments, together with four blocked finials to the inverted bell top, again brass lined to the folding handle, the whole upon four ogee feet.

The 5”x 6 ½” dial is composed of a single brass plate with a finely matted centre, having an applied, silvered brass chapter ring with engraved Roman hour numerals, outer minutes and Arabic five minute divisions, complimented by a pair of pierced, blued steel hands and a calendar aperture, foliate spandrels to the corners, two subsidiary dials to the arch for ‘rise and fall’ and ‘strike/silent’, being centered by a silvered cartouche engraved ‘Allam and Clements, London’.

The substantial, eight day, bell striking twin fusee movement is of superlative quality, having knopped pillars, extremely well cut wheels and pinions throughout, a verge escapement with steel pendulum rod to the large, lead filled bob, the backplate, back cock and brackets are all beautifully engraved with a radiating, foliate pattern and there is a central, levered pendulum lock.

Amidst the vast array of late Georgian bracket clocks still extant, there lies a select group whose outstanding quality raises them above the norm. The current example fits firmly into this genre and is a fine example of English clockmaking of the highest order.

When seeing this clock for the first time one is immediately struck by its diminutive size, exquisite proportions and most pleasing, subtle patination. Closer inspection reveals the immense effort and skill required to produce such a delight. All the brass mounts are carefully defined and the cast handle is extremely well finished. The dial is well drawn, symmetrically balanced and the calendar aperture is particularly sharp. The movement is all that one would hope for in a clock from this period, retaining its original verge escapement and wheel work throughout.

Allam and Clements were eminent makers. Their company was founded by William Allam in 1743 and their work is included in many significant museums and collections.