An English engraved gilt brass Cole strut clock, retailer Hunt & Roskell, circa 1855

Description

The dial

The 7.5-cm silvered dial has Roman numerals and blued steel fleur-des-lis hands. The dial is throughout finely engraved with beautiful scrolls and leaves. Below the chapter ring is the signature of the retailer Hunt & Roskell.

The movement

The movement is driven by a spring barrel with fixed winding and has a duration of eight days. It is being regulated by an English lever escapement in combination with a bi-metallic temperature compensated balance wheel.

The case

The rectangular case with rounded top corners is surmounted by a suspension hoop. The front is engraved with the same high quality engraving. The whole rests on two feet and can be set up vertically by a pivoting strut.

‘strut clocks’ and Thomas Cole

The famous clockmaker Thomas Cole devised this type of clock with the typically shaped and finely engraved cases. Pieces made by him often were sold by other clockmakers and retailers under their name as is the case with this clock.
See J.B. Hawkins, Thomas Cole & Victorian clockmaking.