Description
A very fine quality Walnut veneered, 8-day striking table clock by the celebrated Richard Baker of London, which dates from the late 17th Century.
The case being walnut, veneered onto an oak carcass with an eagle and dolphin handle over the elaborate gilt-brass repoussé basket top decorated with flowers, cherubs, and fruits with a brass carrying handle, four urn finials and brass feet.
A very good quality 6 ½” square gilt-brass dial with four winged cherub spandrels, strike/silent above XII of the silvered, engraved chapter ring, featuring Roman numerals, half hour markers, and Arabic numerals outside of the division ring. The centre of the dial being matted with ringed winding holes and a decorated date aperture under XII, complimented with finely pierced blued steel hands.
The movement of 8-day duration with original verge escapement and short bob pendulum is rack striking, sounding the hours to a bell with an independent repeat system striking both the hours and quarters on both bells. The stunning all-over tulip engraved backplate within a line border is signed in an arc Richard Baker, Londini Fecit.
A highly attractive, collectable and truly outstanding clock from the golden age of clock making.
Richard Baker: Apprenticed through the Blacksmiths` Company to John Chatfield before changing to Richard Browne in 1683. He gained his Freedom of the Clockmakers` Company by redemption by order of the Lord Mayor in 1685. He is described as a `Great Clockmaker` and took on many apprentices including Peter Garon in April 1687. When Garon was Freed seven years later, the Clockmakers Company fined him for having “trained an alien” and having too many apprentices. His widow continued the business for at least another 18 years.
Comparative Literature:
Brian Loomes – The Early Clockmakers of Great Britain
Serviced and guaranteed for 3 years.
Height: 14 ½” or 37cm (Handle up)
CIRCA. 1695
Provenance: Private collection USA
*Pictures taken prior to restoration*
*This clock is delivered and set up for free within the UK. We regularly ship clocks all over the world with our approved and well-established Antiques and Fine Art Packers & Shippers. Please ask for a quote should you require this service.
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