James Murray, Royal Exchange, London

SOLD

A fine Regency miniature ebonised and brass inlaid mantel timepiece with rare silent escapement. The 2 3/4 inch arched dial has an inset white enamel dial with Roman numerals signed James Murray Royal Exchange London with superb gilt foliate decorated mask and delicate blued steel open heart hands. Four pillar single fusee movement with silent escapement. The backplate is signed James Murray London. Miniature ebonised case with moulded top and flush handle with brass fronted ripple moulded cornice, brass stringing to the base, standing on brass bun feet.

Date c 1820

Height. 6 3/4 ins ( 17 cm)

James Murray is recorded as a watch and chronometer maker of great repute. He is recorded as being free of the Clockmakers Company in 1815 and as working at Royal Exchange from 1817 to 1840. His work is always of the highest quality. He is known as a maker of marine chronometers and other precision timekeepers; James Weddell took three chronometers supplied by Murray on his third Antarctic expedition 1822-4.

A lovely little clock which is equal in quality to Dent or Charles Frodsham.