Michael Thorne, South Molton

A rare 18th century automaton table clock.

Case

Classic ebonised inverted bell top style case 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

7 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

The eight day fusee movement with beautifully engraved backplate has the original verge escapement and strikes the hours on a bell with a trip repeat.

Date circa 1770

Height 18 inches ( 45 cm)