Object Description
Miniature Mahogany Library Clock, Thornhill, London
Miniature mahogany library clock standing on a stepped plinth with pad feet. Four glass panels with bevelled glass and glass panel to the top to view the movement.
Silvered dial with Roman numerals and original ‘blued’ steel hands signed ‘Thornhill, London’.
Eight day spring driven movement with anchor escapement signed ‘Peerless’. C.1890
Watchmakers and clockmakers of the world by Brian Loomes lists William Thornhill and company as working from New Bond Street, London from c.1870 to 1939. They supplied many fine pieces to Royal families and the aristocracy.
‘Peerless’ was the trade name used by the German manufacturer Bauerle Uhrenfabrik from St.Georgen, Schwarzald. The company was founded by Mathias Bauerle 1863 – 1933. They specialised in the manufacture of good quality movements which were exported all around the world. By 1900 the company’s clocks had received several awards at leading exhibitions. The company later went on to produce world famous calculating machines carrying the name of both Peerless and Badenia. The company also produced clocks under the name ‘Embee’. The company continued trading up until 1964 when production ceased.