A very rare English mahogany bracket wall clock, Chater & Sons London, circa 1760.

Description

The dial

The brass dial is arched both at the top and bottom and has waving sides. The engraved silvered chapter ring has Roman numerals. The matted centre has an aperture for the mock pendulum and a silvered signature plaque inscribed Chater 7 Sons London. The upper arch holds a subsidiary for strike/silent. The bottom arch holds a subsidiary for date indication. These dials are surrounded by finely cast and gilt brass spandrels. The foliate pierced hands are made of blued steel.

The movement

The plated movement is driven by two spring barrels with fusees and is regulated by verge escapement in combination with a fixed pendulum. The clock strikes the hours by means of rack striking on a bell. By pulling the cord the clock repeats the last hour. The back plate has foliate engraving of scrolls and plumes surrounding a cartouche with a similar signature.

The case

The attractive mahogany veneered case is very unusual of form and of attractive small proportions. The bell top is surmounted by an ornamental urn. The mouldings below are lined with beautifully made pierced and engraved brass frets. The door with glass panel follows the shape of the dial. The side panels also have this shape and are mounted with similar frets. The upper part of the case slides over the integrated wall bracket which terminates in a brass berry finial.