Important Watches
Geneva, Mar 20, 2010
LOT 304
Thomas Cole 8-Day Desk Clock Attributed to Thomas Cole, London, No. 1042, retailed by Frodsham & Co., London. Made circa 1850. Fine and rare, small, 8-day going strut clock.
CHF 3,000 - 6,000
USD 2,800 - 5,500 / EUR 2,000 - 4,000
C. Gilt brass, multi-piece, the front engraved with flowers and stylized foliage, bezel engraved with a repeat pattern, shaped edges, frosted gilt back with apertures for the hand-setting and regulation, fold-down winder, hinged flat strut at the base. D. Silvered with matte chapter ring, radial Roman numerals, center and outer border engraved with foliage, retailer?s signature cartouche at the bottom. Blued steel fleur-de-lys hands. M. 48 mm., frosted gilt brass, halfplate, large going barrel, lateral lever escapement, plain three-arm gold balance, blued steel flat balance spring, index regulator. Dial signed Frodsham & Co., case and movement numbered 1042. Dim. 9.5 x 8.9 cm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 3 |
Good |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-10-01 |
Good Patinated HANDS Original |
Notes
(Lot 304) Thomas Cole first conceived the idea of the strut clock around 1845 and continued to manufacture them until his death in 1864. The idea is unique to him and words such as ?the flatness of this clock renders it peculiarly adapted to the carriage? and ?portable from its flatness and rendered secure on standing by a new application for feet? in the Great Exhibition Catalogue of 1851 indicate the reception the design received. In their own time they were considered carriage clocks and were fitted with traveling cases. They gained their popularity from their thinness as distinct from the square bulk of the carriage clock. Thomas Cole numbered his clocks in sequence, starting at No. 500 circa 1846/7 and terminating upon his death with a figure no higher than 1900 in 1864. The clocks were numbered consecutively throughout the sequence.