A fine George III period mahogany table clock with hour strike and strike/silent function.

The mahogany veneered case has a brass moulded three-pad top surmounted by a well-cast brass carrying handle. It has glazed arched side panels, an arched front door, and stands on a shallow plinth with brass ogee bracket feet.

The 6-inch break-arch dial has a finely matted centre, and there is a silvered chapter ring engraved with Roman numerals and Arabic five minute markers. It has finely pierced blued steel hands and a subsidiary dial for Strike/Silent in the arch. The gilt brass spandrels are cast with fine foliate scrollwork. The matted centre features a square calendar aperture, and the dial is signed Geo. Sewell, London in a silvered brass cartouche below XII.

The clock has a high-quality twin-fusee movement with verge escapement. There is a pull quarter-repeat mechanism striking on a bell, operated via a cord and brass ball. The elaborately engraved backplate features scrolling tulip and floral designs centred on a basket of flowers and fruit.

Height: 15 in (38 cm) excluding handle

Height: 17 in (43 cm) including handle

Width: 11 ¼ in (28.5 cm)

Depth: 7 ¾ in (19 cm)

* George Sewell was active in London during the first half of the 18th century and is listed on page 700 of Brian Loomes’ Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, Complete 21^st Century Edition, working in Camberwell, London, from 1771-1804. His clocks are known for their refined proportions and intricately engraved movements, and surviving examples like this one are relatively scarce.

HW6615