Lot 57
57
A William and Mary ebony and brass-mounted striking table clock
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE LATE SIR FREDERICK RICHMOND BT. Whose Important Collection of needlework was sold at Christie's on 14 June 2001
A William and Mary ebony and brass-mounted striking table clock

SIMON DE CHARMES, LONDON. LATE 17TH CENTURY

Details
A William and Mary ebony and brass-mounted striking table clock
Simon De Charmes, London. Late 17th century
The case with foliate-tied brass handle to the cushion-moulded top applied with repoussé mounts formed with two putto flanked the bust of a helmeted knight, similar repoussé mounts to the front door rails, glazed side panels, raised on block feet, with gilt-brass winged cherub spandrels to the 7in. square dial, now silvered and with the matting removed, signed Sim De Charmes London on the falseplate field, later blued steel hands, calendar aperture, strike/silent lever above XII, the movement with five vase-shaped pillars, twin chain fusees, later anchor escapement, internal rack strike on bell with relocated pull quarter repeat on a nest of six bells, the backplate profusely engraved with scrolling foliage and with repeat signature in the centre above the visible barrel ratchet and clicks
14in. (36cm.) high, to hilt of handle
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

De Charmes (or Des Charmes), Simon, of French Huguenot extraction. Recorded 1688 and Free of the Clockmakers' Company 1691-1730. In London until 1704 at least at 'his House, the Sign of the Clock, the Corner of Warwick St, Charing Cross'. See Brian Loomes The Early Clockmakers of Great Britain, NAG Press, 1981, p.188. A successful maker, De Charmes built Grove Hall in Hammersmith. Clocks by him are illustrated in Richard C R Barder The Georgian Bracket Clock 1714-1830, The Antique Collectors' Club, 1993, p.25, plate I/3 and p.222, plate VII/17. The mounts on the present clock are interesting, suggesting perhaps a commission for a military client.

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