A GEORGE II FRUITWOOD AND LATER WALNUT-VENEERED QUARTER REPEATING AND STRIKING BRACKET CLOCK

The break-arch with a knopped brass handle surmount, above three pads, with moulded cornice above a glazed panel door, with small engraved silvered plate to the base, the sides each with an arched glazed panel and rear glazed panel door, the 7in arched brass dial, with signature plate to the arch, above twin subsidiaries for strike/silent and pendulum aperture, above finely cast spandrels enclosing a silvered chapter ring, the matted centre with false pendulum aperture and calendar aperture above the VI, finely pierced blued steel hands, the twin train gut fusée movement with five knopped and latched pillars and engraved backplate, striking the hours on a large bell and with pull-repeat for the hours with the quarters on a small bell, with later anchor escapement and pendulum regulation block (once verge)

39cm high (handle down)

Benjamin Gray (b. 1676), an eminent maker, created watchmaker to the King in 1742, the year prior to joining in partnership with his son-in-law François Justin Vulliamy, as Gray & Vullismy until 1762.  He died in 1764.

CONDITION REPORT

The case was formerly ebonised and has been re-veneered with walnut, the mouldings being stained in to match.  The handle may be a replacement?  The righthand movement bracket has been repositioned to the lower point.  The original screw-hole position on the plate is now filled, lining up with a screw and nut in the side of the case.  Later fitted with an anchor escapement from verge, with later pendulum and locking block.  The regulation block is also later.