A fine and unusually small, lacquered Tavern Timepiece by a London maker.

The case is of traditional style with round white dial supported by scrolling ears and with moulded foot. It is decorated with well-drawn chinoiserie on a black ground with an oriental figure on the trunk door, all in gilt and shades of brown. Above the door is the elegantly written signature with leaves, flowers and drapes to the ears and trunk edges. The trunk sides are filled with sprays of chrysanthemum.

The flat wood dial, which is turned from a single piece of oak, has a narrow edge moulding with a gilt band. The chapter ring is very well laid out with Roman hours and outside five minute marks. The brass hands have spade-shaped tips, the minute with counterpoise. The eight day movement has a long pendulum and oval lead weight.

Height: 40 in (101.5 cm)
Dial Width: 16 in (41 cm)

* There is a virtually identical clock by Perigal, Bond Street, London featured as the frontispiece in ‘English Dial Clocks’ by Ronald E. Rose and it was probably made by the same cabinet maker.

Signed / Inscribed
Rutter CANNON STREET