A SILVER MOUNTED & INLAID TORTOISESHELL STRIKING CARRIAGE CLOCK

This stunning clock case has been modelled to resemble an eighteenth century English table clock with hinged foliate scroll cast carting handle to the domed caddy top, decorated with stylised foliate scroll and floral swag engraved silver inlay to front and sides, over ogee moulded cornice. The front with further inlaid floral sprays and delicate symmetrical scrolls supporting a floral swag to apron, flanked by silver uprights to angles and with plain sides the rear with sliver door set within the frame of the case between conforming corner uprights, on ogee moulded shallow skirt base with bun feet. The mounts are hallmarked London, 1911 with the makers mark W.C. for William Comyns and Sons.

The French eight-day two-train striking movement with Swiss platform lever escapement. 3” circular white enamel dial with blued steel hands and vertical Arabic numerals set behind convex glass with moulded silver bezel.

The celebrated firm of manufacturing silversmiths, William Comyns, was established in 1859 when Comyns purchased the business of Robert Tagg, 2 Carlise Street, Soho Square. He then moved to 1 Percy Mews, Rathbone Place, followed by 16 Silver Street, Golden Square, Soho, then finally to Beak Street, Regent Street. The Beak Street premises were later expanded to encompass numbers 41 to 47 and additional premises were acquired at 54 Marshall Street, Soho from circa 1903.

The name of the firm was changed to William Comyns & Son in circa 1885 when William Comyn’s two sons, Charles Harling Comyns and Richard Harling Comyns were admitted to their partnership. William Comyns died in January 1916, and C.H. Comyns while attending a sale at Christie’s in 1925. The business was incorporated as Limited Company in October 1930 and continued under R.H. Comyns until his death in 1953, when was subsequently purchased by Bernard Copping.