Lot 39
39
A rare Victorian gilt-brass and ebony timepiece in the form of a mortar
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A rare Victorian gilt-brass and ebony timepiece in the form of a mortar

THOMAS COLE, LONDON, NO. 1791. CIRCA 1863/4

Details
A rare Victorian gilt-brass and ebony timepiece in the form of a mortar
Thomas Cole, London, No. 1791. Circa 1863/4
The mortar well engraved with a military trophy and with adjustable elevation, the detachable muzzle fitted with a simulated silvered cannon ball painted with Roman chapters and with later blued steel hands, the movement with going barrel and lever escapement with three-arm steel balance, the backplate signed Thos Cole London, the movement cover with shuttered escapement portal, winding handle and stamped 1791, the mortar secured to a substantial moulded ebony plinth
8¼in. (21cm.) high
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

This may the first time that a mortar clock by Thomas Cole has as appeared on the auction market. The series number 1791 indicates that it was made at the end of his career in about 1863 (Cole died of typhoid fever in 1864). The absence of a style number indicates that this particular size and shape of mortar clock was possibly the only example he actually made.

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