A GEORGE III RED TORTOISESHELL VENEERED BRACKET CLOCK

An unusual early 19th century red tortoiseshell veneered bracket clock. The splendid case with break-arch mouldings to all four sides surmounted by a cupola top applied with foliate gilt mounts and urn finial, the canted corners with gilt mounts below four similar finials, the sides with pierced and engraved frets and the whole case resting on gilt scroll feet, the 3 ¾ -inch break-arch dial with scroll and foliate spandrels flanking two vitreous enamel dials, the chapter dial with pierced gilded hands and alarm subsidiary with Roman hours, the five pillar movement with an external balance escapement, striking the hours and the alarm on a single bell, the back plate finely engraved.

Note: Still retaining its original gilt tooled fitted travelling case.

A tortoiseshell clock with similar case and gilt mounts made for George III is in the Royal Collection.

English, circa 1800

Height: 15 in; 39 cm
Width: 8 ½ in; 21.5 cm
Depth: 6 ½ in; 16.5 cm

Literature:
Jane Roberts, ‘George III and Queen Charlotte-Patronage, Collecting and Court Taste’, London, 2004, ill. 299.