An exceptional early George III period chinoiserie red lacquer table clock, the 3-train 8-day hour-striking movement with quarter chimes on 8 bells in a very original state of preservation.

The mounted brass dial has a silvered chapter ring with Roman hours and Arabic five minute markers. The dial is signed Charles Cabrier, London under XII on an inset silvered brass disc. Below that is a dummy pendulum aperture in an arc. There is a subsidiary strike/silent dial within the arch and an inset date aperture above VI. The blued steel hands are finely pierced and appear to be original. The foliate spandrels to the dial corners are well cast.

The substantial triple fusee movement has a fully engraved foliate backplate and heart-shaped back cock. The brass pendulum rod has an adjustable pear-shaped bob. The 3-train triple fusee movement has a verge escapement, substantial plates and six knopped pillars. Chiming the quarters on 8 bells and striking the hours on a single bell with trip repeat, the movement is typical of work by this fine maker.

The exceptional red japanned case has a very elegant bell-top surmounted by a pineapple finial. Four more finials, all on pediments, surround the top. The four caryatid mounts, brass side carrying handles and foliate splayed feet are finely cast and of good quality. The front  and sides of the base have very unusual pierced wooden foliate fret decoration. The red and gilt lacquer work is in pristine unrestored condition, hence its beautiful mellow colour. The gilt  decoration comprises spays of  flowers and foliage, birds, oriental pagodas, roses and figures.

Height: 27 ½ in (70 cm) including finial

Height: 24 ⅝ in (62.5 cm) excluding finial

Width: 16 in (40.5 cm) including feet

Depth: 10 ¼ in (26 cm) including feet

*Charles Cabrier was a third generation clockmaker of the same name, having succeeded his father and grandfather. He was active in London between 1752 until his death in 1777. He was a prolific maker of fine musical table and longcase clocks, especially for the export market to Europe and the Far East. An exceptional pair of musical and automaton clocks in the oriental taste are illustrated in Richard Barder’s book The Georgian Bracket Clock, Colour Plate 27, page 164. These were reportedly made for the King of Nepal.

HW66oo