A VICTORIAN MAHOGANY GIANT CARRIAGE TIMEPIECE, VULLIAMY NO.1594, LONDON, DATED 1843 |

6¾-inch silvered latched dial with subsidiary seconds dial, finely cut hands, signed Vulliamy, London, No.1594, the massive chain fusee movement with six finely turned and screwed pillars, high count train, the large platform lever escapement with split bi-metallic balance, Harrison's maintaining power, the backplate signed as the dial and dated A.D. 1843, hand-set dial, the finely moulded bevel-glazed case with gilt-brass carrying handle,

Inventory of the Property of Guy O. Smith at 19 Hill Street, 1927, 'Mr Oswald Smith's Sitting Room / A bracket clock in mahogany case of pedestal shape with brass handle at top, by Vulliamy 17in. high';
Inventory of the Property of Rose O. Smith at 25 Chesham Place, 1931, 'Landing / Large Bracket Clock by Vulliamy in Mahogany case'

Dial and hands in good condition. Movement is complete but needs a clean and fresh oil for it to run. Case in very good original condition with very minor old marks. With winder and Bramah case key.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. 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. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.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."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy (1780-1854) was the grandson of (Francois) Justin Vulliamy, a Swiss clockmaker who emigrated to London, arriving in circa 1730. Justin Vulliamy went into partnership with Benjamin Gray, clockmaker to King George II and married Gray's daughter Mary. On Gray's death in 1764, Justin Vulliamy took sole ownership of the business which continued as Royal clockmakers through the next two generations until 1854. Justin's son Benjamin (1747-1811) began a numbering system for their clocks in around 1780 and this was continued by his son, Benjamin Lewis, who maintained that all clocks should be numbered and dated to provide a concrete history of the clock. Unfortunately, this idea was not always carried through but, in the case of the present clock, the date of 1843 is boldly engraved on the backplate.

This exceptional timepiece is of the highest quality throughout and may well have been a special commission or even an exhibition piece.