The hood with later swan-neck pediment above a square glazed panel door, flanked by fluted columns and Corinthian capitals, above a panelled door inlaid with three outlined marquetry panels, on a stepped base with marquetry on moulded base; the 12in square brass dial, with crown and twin cherub spandrels, silvered chapter ring, enclosing a matted centre with seconds subsidiary, the twin train movement with four knopped and finned pillars, with anchor escapement and strike on a bell (movement and case associated, case substantially restored and with altered elements, the chapter ring associated)
238 cm high overall
Provenance
Christie’s, London, 6 December 2006, lot 75.
Robert Sly is recorded as apprenticed in 1707 and as a member of the Clockmakers' Company in 1720. He was working in King Street, Westminster.
1 pendulum. 2 winding keys. 1 case key.
The clock has been subject to ‘restoration’ in the past. This would benefit possibly from some consolidation: however, it’s very much subject to personal preference.
Taking the clock from the top:
The swan-neck decoration to the hood is later, as is the rectangular marquetry panel between the glazed door and pediment. The walnut fillets to the dial edge are probably replaced if one considers the movement associated. A piece of veneer from the lower right side of the hood is loose, also other veneer losses to the left side. The pillars and capitals to the door are not period.
The cheeks do not seem reduced. There is a badly filled carcass crack to the marquetry above the panel door, also some associated damage to the left and right side panels. The marquetry door has a filled repair to the top and the bottom which is due to the door cleats drying. The hinges are replaced and should be iron.
Both sides are likely to have been reveneered.
The backboard runs complete to around 12in from the floor with another old board filling most of the remainder, with the grain running horizontally. The back of the backboard has had a wash put on it. From the rear, the construction and mouldings look period. The plinth side veneers look old. The 5/8in. slip at the base is later.
The movement is rack striking with four turned pillars. It appears in good order. There are two filled holes and a vacant hole visible to the back of the dial which evidences the chapter ring being changed. The present chapter ring does not cover the dial maker’s score line. The spandrels have been changed and previous drilled holes for these are filled and re-drilled. It appears to be be clean and well cared for: however, we would suggest a service.
The seatboard is oak but not the original. An interesting Camerer Cuss label fixed to it is dated 1964.
