Lot 77
  • 77

Ellicott: a magnificent large gilt-mounted ebonised turntable musical clock, London, circa 1765

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
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Description

  • 81.5cm. 32in. high
9ΒΌ-inch enamel dial set on a gilt-brass foliate engraved plate with subsidiary dials for strike/not strike and chime/not chime flanking the signature Ellicott, London below a tune selection arc, similarly signed massive three train fusee and chain movement with ten knopped pillars, later conversion to half dead beat escapement, bell striking and playing one of twelve tunes on a nest of thirteen bells with thirteen hammers (one bell and one hammer lacking) every three hours, a manually set muffle bar mounted below the hammers, the backplate engraved with rococo scrolls an urn and a bird, the case with brass-bound inverted bell top above a frieze fret with pierced brass corner mounts and cone finials, the broken-arch moulded cornice above further frets, boldly cast rococo flower and c-scroll mounts applied to the four angled corners, the sides with carrying handles above fretwork doors, the brass-bound plinth with scroll feet,   

Literature

A very similar turntable musical  clock is illustrated Richard C.R.Barder The Georgian Bracket Clock Antique Collectors' Club 1993, plts IV/4 and IV/5 pg.87

Condition

Dials have several hair cracks and old repairs. Movement complete and appears to run but would benefit from a clean, conversion to half dead beat escapement, pendulum locking bracket changed, securing spring for muffle bar lacking Case lacking top finial, some re-finishing to the wood, minor losses to the fretwork, lower tip of one gilt corner mount lacking, old marks and repaired cracks overall, upper section of rear of case removable for access to the movement. With pendulum, case key and winder.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

John Ellicott, one of the most famous 18th century English clockmakers, was born in 1706 and succeeded his clockmaker father who died  in 1733. He worked at 17 Sweetings Alley, Royal Exchange , London between 1728 and 1772, the year of his death. In 1738 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and served as a Councillor for three years. Later he became clockmaker to King George III and made many fine and unusual clocks; he is probably best known for the invention of a compensated pendulum in which the bob is raised or lowered, by means of levers, to counteract the expansion or contraction of the rod.

John Ellicott took his son Edward into partnership in 1760 and the clocks made after this time were signed Ellicott with no forename until circa 1769 when the signature was changed to John Ellicott & Son.