A fine, small and rare tavern timepiece with white dial in a gilt and chinoiserie  decorated case.

The case, of classic style, is elegantly signed below the dial and between the slender ears above the trunk door which is decorated with Chinese figures, a pavilion and trees. The trunk sides carry the usual chrysanthemum sprays.

The round white dial written in Roman numerals with a single crossing minutes circle has fine brass hands with elongated, heart shaped tips.

The 8-day movement has substantial, tapered plates (the front stamped 3908 probably for Handley & Moore), five pillars and five wheel train. It has a flat steel pendulum rod with a heavy, brass faced bob and massive lead weight.

Height: 43 in (109 cm)

Dial diameter: 19 in (48 cm)

* The partnership of Allam & Caithness is recorded in 1800 as successors to Allam & Clements. A bracket clock by them is illustrated in English Domestic Clocks. We have previously had a mahogany tavern clock by Allam & Clements and an earlier lacquered example signed Wm Allam, but the relationship of the latter to the two partnerships is not clear. Tavern clocks of this diminutive size are rare, only one comparable example being illustrated in English Dial Clocks, the standard work on dial clocks and taverns.

MW02