An exceptional early Georgian arched dial striking bracket clock by this eminent Huguenot maker.

The case is veneered with the finest amboyna veneers and rosewood mouldings.  There are two delicately carved rosewood sound frets above the front and back doors and to each side.  The densely figured amboyna case is surmounted by an inverted bell top with four brass urn finials and a finely knopped carrying handle.

The break arch brass dial has a raised chapter ring, inset datework, six gilt brass spandrels and an engraved area within the strike/silent dial in the arch.  The dial centre is finely matted with insets for the false pendulum and datework.

The 8-day movement with restored verge escapement, of the finest London quality, strikes the hours on a bell and there is pull quarter repeatwork on two bells.  The backplate has the most exquisite engraving of a mythical bird and two angels being supported on leafy fronds and flowers to each side of the lambrequin containing the maker’s signature Stephen Asselin, London.

Height: 18 in (46 cm) and including handle 19 ½ in (49.5 cm)

Depth: 7 in (18 cm)

* Stephen Asselin who was of Huguenot origins, was a prolific maker of some very fine clocks.  We previously had a fine walnut Longcase and a musical Bracket Clock by him.  He is recorded on page 62 of Brian Loomes’ Early Clockmakers of Great Britain as working between 1700 and 1720.  This rare clock is a superlative example of his work.