An ebony architectural longcase clock in the style of Ahasuerus Fromanteel, English, 20th century
Lot Closed
November 8, 02:01 PM GMT
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
9-inch dial with winged cherub spandrels and inscribed with a spurious signature along the lower edge A Fromanteel Londini fecit, matted centre with date aperture, blued steel hands, the weight-driven movement with tall shouldered plates joined by six latched knopped and ringed pillars, verge escapement with short bob pendulum and bolt and shutter maintaining power, small outside count wheel striking on a bell, the case with architectural top to the rising hood with brass-capped Corinthian hood pilasters, panelled trunk door and trunk sides, the plain plinth with a moulded base,
188cm. 6ft. 2in. high
The interior of the trunk door of the clock has been applied with a label stating " This longcase clock was restored from the remnants of wreckage discovered in the rubble of a bombed Dutch Church in Austin Friars in World War II. The clock movement and case necessarily had to be completely rebuilt with new sawn cut veneers as the original pieces were so badly scorched." The door is also applied with a framed halfpenny token "IC 1663" also apparently found in the debris.
In spite of the above, there is apparently no evidence of any wear to the movement or signs of repair. It is therefore concluded that this appears to be a very finely made copy of a mid-17th century Fromanteel longcase clock.
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