A rare Queen Anne period burr maple (mulberry) and kingwood bracket clock by this excellent Huguenot maker working in London.

 The fully restored 8-Day movement with its verge escapement strikes the hours on a bell and has a pull quarter repeat mechanism for recalling the hours and quarters.  The 7 ½ inch square dial has 4 winged cherubs' head corner spandrels, ringed winding holes, inset date work above VI and an aperture for the dummy pendulum bob.

The backplate is profusely engraved with flowers and scrolling foliage which is repeated in the pierced and engraved heart shaped back cock. The maker has signed his name Claude Viet London in a lambrequin on the backplate.

The stunning burr maple and kingwood case is in remarkably original condition. It has a shallow dome top surmounted by an original engraved brass double ‘S’ scroll handle and unusual urn and brass ball finials. It stands on four cast brass bun feet.

Height: 15 in (38 cm)

Width: 11 ¼ in (28.5 cm)

Depth: 7 in (18 cm)

* Claude Viet was born in Orleans in France and sought exile in London presumably fleeing persecution for his Protestant faith. He became a Free Brother of the Clockmakers’ Company in December 1698. He made a number of fine longcase and table clocks, some of which he signed Watchmaker to her Majesty referring to Queen Anne.

HW6272