Small grandmother clock by Hunt & Roskell, London, c. 1870

Dealer description — P A Oxley

An extremely unusual & high quality Grandmother clock. Unusually this particular example features a triple fusee movement rather ran being weight driven. The reason is almost certainly because the three large weights required would be unable to fit in such a slim case. The movement also features half deadbeat escapement, maintaining power, strike/silent and a chime selection for Whittington and Cambridge striking on a row of bells. The main hour is struck on a coiled gong. The dial is beautifully engraved and features a solid centre, blued steel hands and brass spandrels. To the arch there are two subsidiary dials which control the strike/silent and chime selection. There is also a regulation adjustment above number XII. The dial is also signed by the maker, Hunt & Roskell, London. The mahogany case is of exceptional quality and points towards some of the finest Cabinetmakers of the late 19th century. Both the trunk door and base panel are veneered with bookmatched mahogany. The case is also decorated with extensive and finely cut carving featuring flowers, leaves and acorns. The base finishes with small ogee feet and also canted corners to the sides. The swan neck top to the hood is reminiscent of the 18th century longcase clocks made in Northern England. The Corinthian capitals to the turned pillars are of the highest quality. Note: The movement is currently in working order but before delivery it will be fully serviced and overhauled and then guaranteed for 3 years Although this movement is of the highest quality there are features within the mechanism that show that it started life as a bracket clock movement. It’s very plausible that as a large Clock Manufacturer, Hunt & Roskell may have made large numbers of standard movements for their bracket clocks. These were then placed in storage until required for an order. Hunt & Roskell was a renowned jewellers and silversmiths on Bond Street in London who for many years held the Royal Warrant of Queen Victoria. The firm was the successor to the celebrated silversmith Paul Storr who had left Rundell, Bridge & Rundell to set up his own workshop on Harrison Street near Clerkenwell in 1819. They exhibited at the Great Exhibition held in 1851 at the Crystal Palace in London's Hyde Park where they were noted for the splendour of their display, reputedly worth a total of £100,000.