Overton Clocks of Chesterfield

Description

A Stunning Red Chinoiserie 8 bell, four tune Musical Bracket Clock by Recordon c1780, This clock is in a most wonderful original condition having not been subjected to a restoration in some considerable time. When acquired, the case, movement and dial was covered in many years of dust having been dry stored in Germany by a museum. The stunning Red chinoiserie has aged beautifully and has been painstakingly cleaned and conserved to reveal its stunning workmanship. The case has the expected odd scratch you will find on an un-restored case and only adds to its rare condition.
The extremely rare chinoiserie dial with stylised numerals for the Export Market has been carefully cleaned and not re-silvered or polished in any way as to preserve the aged patina that has taken a considerable time to acquire. There is a little bit of loss to the enamel finish around the winding holes but I have purposefully not attempted to reinstate this loss. The dial has two subsidiary dials, one for tune selection and the other for “silence” function. The centre of the dial has the makers plaque detailing Recordon, Spencer and Perkins and London. Louis Recordon is recorded as working from Greek Street Soho c1780, A swiss born clockmaker he was the London agent for Abraham Louis Breguet. Clocks by Recordon can be found in numerous important museums and a watch by his belonging to George III is in the Royal Collection. The partnership of Spencer and Perkins (1775-94) were in 44 Snow Hill. Highly regarded for their superior quality clocks including two in the collection of the Worshipful Company of Clcokmakers in London. Having had a long standing military trading partnership they were specialist exporters. It is this relationship that allowed this clock to be exported originally.
The very substantial triple fusee movement features a verge (crownwheel) escapement and plays four selectable tunes that play on 8 bells. The movement features strike repeat and tune repeating function along with a silence subsidiary dial to allow the clock to quiet when needed. Again, to remain in keeping with the lovely patina of the case and dial, I have purposely not overly polished the movement. We have cleaned, burnished and polished all the working parts to ensure correct operation but the backplate etc has been left simply clean from all oil and dirt so that the original engraving is maintained.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a very rare musical clock by this eminent respected maker and would look good in any setting.

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.
For case studies and examples of our work, please see our website (overtonclock.co.uk) or find us on Facebook ( overtonclocks) for regular updates