A rare miniature George III period bracket clock. The ebonised brass moulded case stands on four ogee feet and the 3-pad break-arch top is surmounted by a brass carrying handle.

The 4-inch brass dial has a silvered chapter ring, gilt foliate corner spandrels and a subsidiary dial for strike/silent in the arch. The centre is matted with an aperture to view the day of the month above VI and a dummy pendulum between X and II. There is also a central alarm dial below which is an applied plaque for the maker’s signature Fr De La Balle London.

The twin fusee, 8-day duration movement includes a verge escapement and hour strike sounded on a bell and an alarm train. The backplate is delicately engraved with the maker’s signature in a reserve within the overall  foliate  design.  The high quality movement entirely fills the case.

Date:  circa 1760 – 1765

Height:  9 ¾ in (25 cm)

Width: 7 in (17.5 cm)

Depth: 5 ½ in (14 cm)

* Francis De La Balle is mentioned on page 204 of Brian Loomes’  Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World: 21^st Century Edition as working in London in the middle part of the 18^th century.  

HW6413