Michael Thorne, South Molton

Rare 18th century automaton table clock.

Case

Classic ebonised inverted bell top style case, of lovely warm colour, with brass centre carrying handle, brass pineapple finials and brass ogee bracket feet. Pierced cast brass frets to the front door and glazed side apertures.

Dial

Seven inch break arch brass dial, the silvered chapter ring with Roman hour numerals and Arabic minutes. Finely matted centre to the dial with calendar aperture, false pendulum aperture below the finely sculpted inset plaque singed Michael Thorne, South Molton. Silvered ring to the break arch engraved Tempus Fugit with rocking painted Father Time figure holding a scythe with a painted background. Cast brass rococo spandrels and blued steel hands.

Movement

Eight day double fusee movement with beautifully engraved backplate signed Michael Thorne, South Molton, original verge escapement, striking the hours on a bell with a trip repeat.

Date circa 1770

Height 18 inches ( 45 cm)

Michael Thorne of South Molton took out a licence in 1791 to marry Sarah Thorne of South Molton. Listed in the Universal British Directory, 1798, as watchmaker, together with Michael Thorne senior, freeman and glass merchant. Known clocks are a longcase clock in fruitwood case and another in an oak case with brass dial sold at farmhouse auction in 1977. See Devon Clocks and Watchmakers, Clive N Ponsford. 1985. ISBN 0-7153-8332-0