An English table clock with date and moonphase for the Dutch market, James Smith, circa 1770

Description

The dial

The 17.5-cm arched brass dial has a silvered and engraved chapter ring with Roman numerals and five-minute arches. In the matted brass centre is the date aperture and a recessed silvered signature plaque signed James Smith London. Around the chapter ring there are four pierced brass rococo spandrels. In the with polychrome flowers adorned arch is the moonphase with date of the moon cycle. The pierced and foliate shaped hands are made of blued steel, the alarm disc of silvered brass.

The movement

The movement is driven by two spring barrels with fusees and has a duration of eight days. It is being regulated by verge escapement in combination with a short pendulum. The clock has Dutch half hour rack striking on two alternating bells with repeating on demand. It has a pull wind alarm on the large bell. The back plate has fine foliate engraving.

The brass mounted ebonised case

The ebonised case has a true bell top surmounted by a handle and rococo ornament. There are four berry finials on the moulded corners. There are pierced brass spandrels in the upper corners of the glazed front doors with herm and trailing flower corners.
On the sides are pierced wood frets over the glass panels revealing the movement. On the moulded plinth is a drape mount above the brass bracket feet.