Beschreibung:

An unusual George III small spring driven alarm timepiece John Monkhouse, London, circa 1760 The five pillar single chain fusee movement with verge escapement and alarm mounted to behind the dial sounding on a bell mounted above, the plates measuring 4.25 high and 3 inches wide and applied with dust shutters to top and sides, the single sheet silvered Roman numeral dial measuring approximately 5.25 inches by 3 inches with alarm disc to centre and blued steel hands within chapter ring with Arabic five minutes to outer track, within foliate strapwork engraved spandrels and signed J.n.o. Monkhouse, London to the ogee outline arch above, now mounted on a cavetto moulded mahogany base, 15cm (6ins) high. John Monkhouse is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working in London 1756-71. From the evidence of his surviving work, which includes several quarter chiming and musical longcase clocks as well as a miniature grande-sonnerie longcase clock, he was a fine and inventive maker. The current lot was probably designed as a travelling timepiece (a spring-driven alternative to a miniature weight-driven lantern alarm timepiece), and was probably originally supplied with a fitted wooden case for protection whilst in transit. 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: we cannot guarantee that the correct number of weights (where appropriate) and/or keys are present with the clock, nor do we indicate in the catalogue description whether weights or keys are present as many clocks are consigned without them. 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 dimensions such as height are given in centimetres (and inches for English clocks). The measurement given for the height of a longcase clock excludes any removable finials in order to provide an approximate minimum ceiling height in which the clock can be accommodated. Condition report disclaimer