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Lot Essay
The lack of serial number on this extraordinary clock makes it difficult to date accurately. The honour of clockmaker to The Emperor of Russia may have helped provide a clue however there were three Tsars (Alexander II, III & Nicholas II) between 1855 and 1917 and Dent was given the honour as early as the 1860's
Dent's series of split-handled carriage clocks were always of the very best quality, their high-grade movements were usually in nickel-plated cases and with chronometer escapement and often with Dent's staple balance; the rarest versions had quarter striking. The present example exhibits many high quality features including six crossings in all the wheels. In addition the gilt dial mask is secured to the main dial plate at the back by no fewer than eighteen blued steel screws where eight would have more than sufficed!
Dent's series of split-handled carriage clocks were always of the very best quality, their high-grade movements were usually in nickel-plated cases and with chronometer escapement and often with Dent's staple balance; the rarest versions had quarter striking. The present example exhibits many high quality features including six crossings in all the wheels. In addition the gilt dial mask is secured to the main dial plate at the back by no fewer than eighteen blued steel screws where eight would have more than sufficed!