A GOOD MID-LATE 18TH CENTURY EBONISED TABLE CLOCK, WITH ASSOCIATED WALL BRACKET
Justin Vulliamy, London
The case surmounted by a typical handle on a shallow caddy with moulded edges over arched glazed side panels to a moulded base raised on block feet, both door panels with pierced quadrant frets backed by red silk. The 6 inch arched brass dial signed on a shaped plaque between the twin subsidiaries for strike/silent and rise-and-fall regulation, the pierced scroll spandrels framing the silvered Roman and Arabic chapter ring, matted centre, shaped mock pendulum and chamfered date apertures, with blued steel hands. The twin gut (now wire) fusee movement with thick plates united by five knopped pillars, half-deadbeat escapement with split back-cock, to a pendulum with thick steel rod pinned into the central sliding section of the heavy lenticular brass bob. The backplate engraved with a symmetrical pattern of interlaced foliage between shaded columns, secured into the case via a pair of engraved L-shaped brackets. Running and striking. Together with a 20th century crank winder. 38cms (15ins) high.
Footnotes:
Justin Vulliamy was born in Switzerland around 1712 and was working in London in the late 1730's. He married the daughter of clockmaker Benjamin Gray in 1741 and worked with him as a partner till 1764, when he succeeded him. His son Benjamin Vulliamy was his partner around 1780. He died in 1797.

Provenance:
Single family ownership for three generations, purchased by the vendor's grandfather, a timber merchant.

The case is fair to good - the handle retains some original lacquer. The right hand side of the caddy has a bump, and another smaller to the rear base. The block feet appear to be original. The sound frets appear to be complete. An iron strap now sits within the caddy for additional support. Some old repair to the mouldings around the side apertures. All glass panels appear to have been replaced some time ago. The front door lock is present but inoperable (no key), the rear door lock is lacking.

The dial is generally good - there is a small area of tarnish to the centre at IIII (visible on the illustration). All four hands appear good and original. The signature plaque is good.

The movement is running and striking, with no obvious serious wear to any of the pinions. The escapement and rise and fall all look to be original and are in working order. The date function is working. The pendulum locking block is no longer present, although the fine engraved tear dropped shaped brackets remain. We would always recommend a service.

The pendulum is original. Together with a 20th century wooden-handled crank winding key.