An English mahogany library timepiece Barraud & Lund’s, circa 1860.

Description

Library Timepiece

In the nineteenth century, London was the most important centre for the production of chronometers. It required a great deal of skill and training, and only the best makers were able to do the work. However, it was difficult to live off the production of chronometers alone, since the demand was limited. It was lucrative for these makers to be involved in the production of other types of clocks and watches. Being a chronometer maker was proof of great skill and quality, which was valuable in a time when official quality marks didn’t exist. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that the likes of Dent, McCabe, Vulliamy, as well as Barraud & Lund’s made and sold high-quality clocks and watches to the upper class of England. This particular clock has no striking mechanism, and the type is often referred to as a ‘library timepiece.’ Although the case looks plain and functional, the movement shows the quality one might expect from a chronometer maker.

Barraud

The 9-cm engraved silvered dial has Roman numerals. It has foliate scrolls in the corners and the centre is signed Barraud & Lund’s Cornhill London 2129. The spade hands are made of blued steel.

Anchor escapement

The strongly built movement of eight day duration is driven by a spring barrel in combination with fusee and chain. Is is regulated by anchor escapement in combination with a pendulum that can be fixed for transport. The backplate is alos signed Barraud & Lund’s Cornhill London 2129.

Mahogany

The mahogany case has a moulded gable top. Both front- and backdoor have glass panels. The sides are inset with beveled glass panels. The moulded base is raised on flat block feet.