Property of a Private Clock Collector (Lots 88-94)
A Charles II gilt-mounted ebony quarter repeating table clock, Henry Jones, London, circa 1680
Auction Closed
May 22, 05:01 PM GMT
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
6¾-inch dial with winged cherub spandrels, finely matted centre, strike/silent lever at XII, the fusee movement with five latched knopped and ringed pillars, verge escapement, internal rack striking on a bell and with push/pull bar quarter repeating on three bells, the backplate mounted with setup ratchets for the spring barrels, engraved with tulips and leaves and signed in a cartouche Henry Jones in ye Temple, the case with domed gilt basket top boldly cast with fruit, birds and scrolls, gilt-brass carrying handle and ball finials, the door with frieze fret and cast escutcheons, the plain moulded base on brass bun feet,
34.5cm. 13½in. high
Anthony Woodburn
Henry Jones, an outstanding maker, flourished during the last quarter of the 17th Century. He was born circa 1642 in Southampton and came to London in August 1654 when he was apprenticed to Benjamin Hill but moved, most advantageously, soon afterwards, to the workshop of the more famous Edward East. This great maker had a strong influence on the young apprentice which was reflected in the clocks made by Jones throughout his life. He obtained his freedom of the Clockmakers' Company in 1663 and served that company in a variety of capacities, becoming Master in 1691.
After completing his apprenticeship it appears that Jones continued to work with Edward East until 1672 when he took his own premises in the City of London, off Fleet Street, in the area known as The Temple. It appears that he never moved from that address. Henry Jones died at the age of sixty-two in 1695 and is buried at St. Dunstan's in the West, in Fleet Street.