Overton Clocks of Chesterfield

Description

A George I Quarter Silent pull repeat Striking Bracket Clock by James Snelling (1703-1751)

A George I gilt metal mounted ebonised table clock, James Snelling, London, circa 1725, the five finned pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with verge escapement regulated by short pendulum incorporating rise/fall regulation to suspension, pull quarter-repeat on three bells and mask-centred Ho-Ho bird inhabited symmetrical foliate scroll engraved backplate, the 6 inch brass break-arch dial with false bob and calendar apertures to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with fleur-de-lys half hour markers and Arabic five minutes to outer track, the angles with Indian mask and scroll cast spandrels beneath arch with twin subsidiary Strike/Silent and regulation dials and set with applied signature plaque Jam’s Snelling, London to upper margin and with foliate engraved infill below, the inverted bell-top case with hinged gilt brass carrying handle over raised gilt brass mouldings to dial aperture and quadrant frets to front, the sides with conforming apertures inset with rosette decorated lozenge grille sound frets, the rear with matching door set within the frame of the case, 39.5cm (15.5ins) high (excluding handle). The Ebonised case with gilt side frets and surrounds is in most wonderful condition having had a previous restoration to very high standard.
The five knopped pillar movement with double fusee verge (crownwheel) escapement features a silent quarter pull repeat on two bells, silence mechanism and rise/fall regulation. The highly engraved backplate has a most usual engraving featuring ho-ho birds, and mans face, a heart with two arrows through and two grotesques to the lower corner.

The beautifully made 6 inch dial with ringed double subsidiary dials and hand made hands if finished with the makers name James Snelling London.

39.5cm (15.5ins) high (excluding handle), 25cm (9.75ins) wide, 16.5cm (6.5ins) deep

James Snelling of Poultry, London was admitted to the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers in 1712 and became Master in 1736. He died in 1751. His clocks are located in various museums around the world and compliment the finest of collections
James Snelling is also recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World as being admitted as an apprentice in 1703, gaining his freedom of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1712. He was appointed master in 1736 and died 1751. Baillie notes him as an ‘Eminent’ maker.
With over twenty years experience in restoring and conserving clocks and working on some of the finest and complicated clocks for a select group of the best antique clock dealers in the country.
As well as this, Overton Clocks has now decided to offer our customers the opportunity to purchase fine antique clocks that have been personally selected for their unique or special features. Each clock has been expertly restored to the highest of standards by myself. Overton clocks ensures peace of mind in your investment, by personally offering three years warranty on all of our timepieces.
I am a master clockmaker, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and a member of the British watch and clockmakers guild. Overton Clocks is a traditional clock shop based in the heart of Chesterfield on two floors hosting a showroom and in-house fully equipped workshop.
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