An exceptionally rare gilt engraved miniature carriage timepiece with malachite panels to the sides and top made by Thomas Cole.

The silvered dial is engraved with flowers and foliage within a similarly engraved rectangular mask. The chapter ring has Roman hour numerals and it has finely tapering blued steel hands.

The rectangular plated movement has a lever escapement mounted on the backplate and a plain three arm balance. It is signed by the retailer Hunt and Roskell.

The miniature jewel like case has malachite insets to the sides and top within the engraved gilt panels of flowers and vines. The solid opening back door is similarly engraved. The case stands on four gilt tapering bun feet and at the top there are four corner finials surmounted by a shaped engraved carrying handle.

Height: 3 ⅜ in (8.5 cm) including handle

Height: 2 ¾ in (7 cm) excluding handle

Width: 2 ⅛ in (5.25 cm)

Depth: 1 ½ in (3.75 cm)

* This rare stunning little jewel of a clock has an almost double illustrated as Item 54 on page 149 of J.B. Hawkins’ book Thomas Cole & Victorian Clockmaking. It is a very early prenumbered clock made by Thomas Cole and retailed by Hunt and Roskell.

HW5957