Thomas Tompion. A Phase I Striking and Repeating Bracket Clock, reputedly with Royal provenance.
A fine and small Phase I ebony bracket clock by the master of English clockmaking.
The impressive twin fusee 8 day movement sounding the hours upon a single bell with pull quarter repeat via Tompion's trigger piece with latched plates and beautifully engraved floral backplate signed within a rectangular reserve, Tho Tompion Londini Fecit, and numbered below, with pivoted single bar lever operated from either side, and having verge escapement, with typical Tompion turned and knopped pillars. The 6 inch latched gilt brass dial with matted centre and applied silvered engraved brass Roman chapter ring with finely chased gilt cherub spandrels to the four corners, signed in script below VI to the dial plate, Tho Tompion Londini Fecit, and finished with a pair of finely cut and pierced blued steel hands. The small ebony veneered Phase I case of simple form with shallow caddy top mounted by Tompion's facetted bud handle with gilt sound fret to the glazed front door and matched Tompion escutcheons. standing upon typical block feet. The case numbered to the inner front rail.
This clock appears to have been in the same family for a great many years and possibly since shortly after it was made. It was reputedly given by Queen Anne to a Miss Nicole who was a member of the Royal household and had come by descent to a previous owner.