A fine late George III ebonised bracket timepiece of small proportions from these successors to George Graham.

The ebonised case has a three pad top surmounted by a brass carrying handle. It has a moulded base raised on brass feet, the front with gilt sight-moulding and foliate spandrels framing the dial.

The 5 ½-inch white enamel dial has Roman hour numerals and outer Arabic five-minute divisions, finely pierced blued-steel hands, and there is a pin set alarm disc within the arch. Just below the maker’s name is signed Graham’s Succs., Barkley & Colley, London.

The 8-day single chain-fusee timepiece movement has five latched and knopped pillars and a pivoted silent verge escapement. An independent pull-wind alarm train strikes three hammers on a single bell, mounted above the plates. The plain backplate is signed as the dial Graham’s Succs., Barkley & Colley, London.

Height incl. handle: 15 ½ in (39.4 cm)

Height excl. handle: 13 ½ in (34 cm)

Width: 9 ¼ in (23.5 cm)

Depth: 6 ½ in (16.5 cm)

*Thomas Barkley and William Colley are recorded in partnership in London in the later 18th century. Their clocks, often of compact scale, combine refined ebonised cases with well-finished London movements. Pieces from this workshop (and its successor style) are frequently found signed Graham’s Successors to Barkley & Colley reflecting continuity of the business under a new proprietor while retaining the established reputation.

In Brian Loomes’ Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World: Complete 21^st Century Edition, Colley is listed on page 166, while Barkley is listed on page 40.

HW6601