Beschreibung:

A George III brass mounted mahogany table clock Eardley Norton, London, late 18th century The five pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with trip hour repeat, verge escapement and symmetrical foliate scroll engraved backplate, the 7 inch brass break-arch dial with recessed concave-sided triangular silvered signature plate inscribed Yeldrae Notron, London, 1800 above calendar aperture to the matted centre, within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with Arabic five minutes to outer track and foliate scroll cast spandrels to angles, the arch with STRIKE/SILENT selection dial flanked by conforming mounts, the bell top case with pineapple finial set on a plinth flanked by cast leafy scroll pierced mounts over four further finials and brass mouldings to superstructure, the front with brass-fillet inset glazed dial aperture and engraved foliate scroll pierced upper quadrant frets flanked by generous brass ogee moulded angles, the sides with full height arch-glazed panels, the rear with rectangular door, on brass ogee moulded skirt base with brass bracket feet, 55cm (21.75ins) high overall. Eardley Norton is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as apprenticed in 1762, and gaining his freedom of the Clockmakers' Company in 1770. He worked from 49 St, John Street, Clerkenwell and is perhaps best known for the quadruple-dialled astronomical clock commissioned by George III for the library at Buckingham Palace. Eardley Norton also produced many clocks and watches for the thriving export trade, many of these were signed with his name in reverse possibly to avoid taxation. The brass mouldings applied to the current lot are unusual and echo similar mouldings seen on items of Neo-Classical furniture made in Scandinavia and Russia at the end of the 18th century. It is therefore probable that these brass embellishments were either incorporated at time of manufacture, or added shortly after arrival abroad, in order to integrate the clock into a fashionable Continental Neo-Classical interior. IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS Movements, dials and cases: movements and dials are described as relating to the cases in which they are housed in one of the following three ways: the case.... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial started life in the current case. in a case... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are in a case of correct period and type (and may well be original to the movement and dial), however there is evidence to suggest that they may not have started out life together. now in a case... we are of the opinion that the movement and dial are no longer in the original case or one of correct period and/or type. Pendulums, weights, winding and case keys: unless specifically indicated otherwise in the catalogue description it can be assumed that all clocks with cases are sold with the requisite pendulum and correct number of weights (where appropriate), however we cannot guarantee that they are original to the clock. We do not indicate in the catalogue description whether winding or case keys are present with any specific clock. As many clocks are consigned without keys please check with the department to establish whether they are present or not prior to bidding. Condition: due to the mechanical nature of clocks and the fact that most are of great age we cannot offer any guarantee as to whether they are in working order or free from major faults or restoration. Although we endeavour to catalogue items in a fair and informed manner, omission of any comments or observations regarding the condition or originality of a clock in the description does not necessarily indicate that it is free from significant faults, restoration or is in working condition. We would strongly advise any prospective purchaser to view the item in person or request a condition report and/or further images prior to bidding. Measurements: dial measurements are given in inches, other dimension