Object Description
George II Red Lacquer Bracket Clock, John Smith, London
Finely decorated bell top case with raised lacquer work on a red ground, stepped raised plinth resting on four outswept brass bracket feet. The case surmounted by a brass hinged carrying handle, the opening front door with silk lined quadrants to the top. Arched glazed apertures to the sides and back door to view the movement.
Silvered engraved dial featuring garlands and floral decoration, Roman numerals and original finely cut ‘blued’ steel hands. Subsidiary dial to the arch for strike / silent and calendar aperture above the IV, signed John Smith, London.
Eight day twin fusee movement of fine quality later converted from verge to anchor escapement set between two substantial brass plates with knopped pillars, striking the hours on a large top mounted bell with pull repeat facility. Profusely engraved backplate and brackets, engraved regulating pendulum with holdfast. C.1750
‘Watchmakers and clockmakers of the world’ by Brian Loomes lists John Smith as working at Seven Dials, London c.1757