Beschreibung:

A Victorian nickel plated brass mortar cannon timepiece movement, dial and barrel in the manner of Thomas Cole George Betjemann and Sons, circa 1873 The movement with horizontal gilt platform lever escapement with sprung polished steel three-arm balance over four wheel train incorporating five-spoke wheel crossings set between circular spotted frontplate and two-tier backplate, the upper section with four plain pillars pinned at the rear enclosing the train as far as the second wheel, the conforming deeper lower section containing the going barrel wound from the rear and stamped 286 over 274 to backplate, the 3 inch circular silvered Roman numeral dial with blued steel hands set behind a screw-down bevel glazed bezel threaded to the cylindrical inner case with SLOW/FAST regulation slot, integral winding key and stamped 370 to rear, the outer case formed as a simple mortar cannon barrel with simulated touch hole and trunnions to the hemispherical breach and stamped with Registration diamond mark for 4th March 1873 over indistinct G.B. & SONS to underside, (Carriage structure/base lacking), 12.5cm (5ins) long. The firm of George Betjemann and Sons were fine dressing case makers, silversmiths, designers and retailers of other fine quality objects and accessories who initially worked in Clerkenwell before moving to Pentonville Road in 1859. Although not recorded as clock and watchmakers a few novelty timepieces in the form of a kettle drum signed by them are known. The movement of the current lot is particularly well-made, finely finished and is very reminiscent of the work of Thomas Cole This would suggest that it was probably supplied by one of Cole's successors. Condition report disclaimer