A fine and rare early 18th century ebonised quarter repeating double basket top bracket clock
James Markwick, London
Surmounted by a handle of twin figures over a double basket top, the upper and lower sections inset with neoclassical busts within diaper panels, the four corners set with moulded urn finials over a moulded cornice, further mounted with repousse sound frets to the quadrants of the front door and strips to the front and back doors, the side sound frets later replaced with glass, on a plinth base, the 6.75 inch brass dial with shallow arch with strike/silent ring with gunmetal centre flanked by cherubs bearing torches to the spandrels, the silvered Roman and Arabic chapter ring engraved with fleur de lys half hour, lozenge quarter hour and arrow head hour marks, signed 'Markwick London', finely cut and blued steel hands, the finely matted centre with mock pendulum aperture, plain winding squares and chamfered date aperture, the twin gut fusee movement secured by two brass flat-sided circular cams, with verge escapement striking the hours on a bell and repeating the quarters on a nest of six bells, the backplate engraved with symmetrical foliate scrolls.
53cm (20.75ins) high, with key and winder.

Acquired from Saxton House Gallery, Chipping Campden, in 1986 for £4,500, thence by descent to the vendor.

James Markwick (act. 1692-1730), was the son of James Markwick, following his father as a member of the London Clockmaker's Company in 1692, becoming a master of the company in 1720. A similar clock by the same maker can be found in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, accession no. 1988-68-17.

Condition Report

The case is in generally good order with only minor signs of age and use, the metalwork retaining most of its gilding, the basket top with slightly more rubbing to the gilt. The front door lock receiver is missing. Hand collet missing. The sides would originally have had gilt metal fretwork sound apertures but these have latterly been replaced with glass panels. The movement winds, sets, runs and strikes, the repeater pull with turned metal bob does function.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.