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Lot Essay
With its elegant proportions and fine enamel dial, this is a notably good example of English clockmaking for export to the 'Turkish' market, which included the Near East and Persia. From as early as the late 17th Century, there was a considerable export trade among London makers. For a number of them, including Markwick Markham and Borrell, Francis Perigal and George Prior, the trade accounted for a considerable portion of their business (see R C R Barder, The Georgian Bracket Clock 1714-1830, Woodbridge, 1993, pp. 154-169). A particularly fine pair of tortoiseshell musical table clocks for the Turkish market by Markwick Markham, dating from circa 1765, were sold Christie's London, 1 July 2008, lot 41 (£181,250 inclusive of buyer's premium).
Thwaites and Reed movements are found on a number of Turkish market clocks and the number on the present clock movement suggests it was almost certainly supplied by that company. The partnership made high quality movements for a number of makers. According to their numbering sequence No. 6126 should date to approximately 1818.
Both Robert Markham (1725-1805) and Henry Borrell (1794-1840) were prolific makers, producing fine watches and clocks for the domestic and export markets. In 1725 Markham went into partnership with his father-in-law James Markwick, whom he succeeded in business and carried on trading under the name Markwick Markham. Henry Borrell is recorded working from Aldersgate Buildings in 1795 and Wilderness Row 1795-1840. The partnership of Markwick, Markham and Borrell started in 1793 and is thought to have continued to circa 1826.
Thwaites and Reed movements are found on a number of Turkish market clocks and the number on the present clock movement suggests it was almost certainly supplied by that company. The partnership made high quality movements for a number of makers. According to their numbering sequence No. 6126 should date to approximately 1818.
Both Robert Markham (1725-1805) and Henry Borrell (1794-1840) were prolific makers, producing fine watches and clocks for the domestic and export markets. In 1725 Markham went into partnership with his father-in-law James Markwick, whom he succeeded in business and carried on trading under the name Markwick Markham. Henry Borrell is recorded working from Aldersgate Buildings in 1795 and Wilderness Row 1795-1840. The partnership of Markwick, Markham and Borrell started in 1793 and is thought to have continued to circa 1826.