A TRIBUTE TO PRECISION AND COMPLICATE...

Hotel Nogalhilton Geneve, Nov 11, 2001

LOT 104

Precision Timekeeper with2 ComplicationsE.I. Dent, London, No. 663, circa 1845.Very fine and rare, gilt and large brass 8 day-going double-train carriage clock striking the hours and half hours and repeating the hours.

CHF 30,000 - 35,000

USD 18,000 - 22,000

C. Massive, gilt brass and contrasting blackened brass, glazed on four sides and on top, dentil molding on the top, repeat button on right glass panel, bun feet. D. Round white enamel,radial Roman numerals, outer minute ring, set in foliate engraved gilt brass plate, subsidiary sunk seconds below 12 o'clock. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. Rectangular brass, fusees and chains on both trains, maintaining power on the going side, platform with lateral lever escapement with lift on the pallets, cut bmetallic compensation balance, blued steel flat balance spring, entire escapement jeweled, strike/silent lever on the back plate, striking on a large gong.Signed on dial and movement.Dim 21,5 x 16 x 14, 25 cm. excluding handle.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent

Case: 3

Good

Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3 - 01

Notes

A very good example of a fairly early English carriage clock. A very similar one, bearing the No. 517, is described and illustrated in "Carriage Clocks" by Charles Allix and Peter Bonnert, Woodbridge, 1974, p. 255.Dent, Edward John (1790-1853)A celebrated maker of watches, clocks, chronometers and regulators. After starting life as a tallow chandler, Dent went over to watchmaking. From 1815 to 1829, he was employed by the Vulliamys and the Barrauds. In 1830 he entered into a partnership with J.R. Arnold. In 1840 he set up on his own account at 33 Cockspur Street, London. He was the builder of "Big Ben", the celebrated Westminster clock. He made many fine chronometers and watches as well as others of a high commercial grade. The firmurvived as E. Dent & Co. Ltd., at Pall Mall, London, until relatively recently.