A large English musical bracket clock with 12 melodies, Stephen Rimbault, Circa 1745

Description

8-day movement with Dutch half hour striking and musical mechanism with 12 melodies, brass mounted ebonised case

22.5-cm arched brass dial with poychome painted flower border, silvered engraved silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals and five-minute arches, signature Step;n Rimbault London in the matted centre with apertures for date-, day of the week- and month indication, mock pendulum and subsidiaries for strike/not strike and play/not play, arch with moonphase and days of the moon cycle below a sector for the paired melodies, 8-day spring driven fusee movement with verge escapement and finely engraved back plate, Ducth half hour striking on two alternating bells, playing half hourly 2 of the 12 melodies alternating, repetition on demand, fine brass bound ebonised case with inverted bell top surmounted by five brass finials, sides with handles between finely pierced wooden frets, front and back door with glass panels, fine moulded plinth raised on bracket feet.

Among the many clockmakers in London a number worked for markets outside of England. The rich from all over Europe and the Empire were possible clients. Stephen Rimbault was one of those clockmakers specialising in clocks with musical mechanisms and automatons. This clock was made for Holland which is apparent from a number of characteristics. There are the arches in the outer minute rim which are typical for Dutch clocks. Besides that there is a full calendar with indications of the date, day of the week and month also liked by the Dutch. Since many Dutch clients lived in town situated at the sea, the moonphase was very practical. High tide meant that ships could come into a harbour or were able to sail.