A fine George III scarlet lacquer alarm bracket clock with half hour strike and phases of the moon, signed Jas. Smith, London, circa 1780
21 in. [54 cm] H
11 in. [28 cm] W
7 in. [18 cm] D
The bell top case, with brass carrying handle, bud finials and finely pierced brass side frets has a pleasing patina with minimal restoration.
The twin fusee movement has a verge escapement with knife edge pendulum suspension. Striking hour and half hour on bell, it also has a subsidiary spring barrel for an alarm planted on the back plate (now wound by turning the barrel cap). Formerly the alarm wind was planted on the front plate and wound by a pulley. The alarm is struck on the hour bell.
The brass dial, with foliate scroll spandrels, has a silvered chapter ring enclosing a shaped signature cartouche. There is a central alarm setting disc and date aperture in the matted center. The age and aspect of the moon can be seen in the arch, behind a mask engraved with maps of the hemispheres.
Several clockmakers by the name James Smith were active in London during the second half of the 18th century including James of Jermyn St, (fl. 1776 -1794), maker to George III, who became an honorary freeman of the Clock Maker's Company, 1781. |
