A Large Oval Strut Clock By Thomas Cole

Object Description

A Large Oval Strut Clock
By Thomas Cole

The case constructed from gilt brass and designed to be as thin as possible, finely engraved throughout, of substantial oval size, and supported by means of a fold-out foot, the outer frame with floral engraved border, the silvered dial decorated in conforming manner and denoting the hours in Roman numerals with blued steel hands, its centre decorated in foliate patterns; the movement with four turned pillars, spring barrel, steel balance and lever escapement and signed to the backplate by the retailer, also denoted on the dial’s cartouche “Thos Boxell, Brighton,” and numbered to the rear.
Circa 1860

Object History

Thomas Cole (1800-1864)

Son of Thomas Cole Snr, a Somerset clockmaker, Cole is known as a specialist in making decorative timepieces of the highest quality. He exhibited at the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in 1851; he warranted an ‘honourable mention’ in the Paris Exposition universelle of 1855 and the London 1862 International Exhibition, where he was awarded a medal for ‘excellence of taste and design’.

Thomas Boxell of Brighton (fl. 1845-89)

Boxell is documented as a retailer in Brighton during the second half of the nineteenth century. Catering to a wealthy clientele, Boxell acquired his stock from London manufacturers such as Cole.

Object Literature

Comparative Literature:

Hawkins, J. B. Thomas Cole & Victorian Clockmaking. Woodbridge: Antique Collectors’ Club, 1975; p. 90 (item 28), illustrating a related large oval strut clock.

Object Condition

Excellent; in working condition

Object Details