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拍品專文
With the exception of the harlequin pair with which it was sold in 2004, we are not aware of other Cole clocks comparable to the present example. Although not signed by him (as with most Cole clocks), the clock rests firmly within his oeuvre. Of particular note are the finely engraved case and dial, constant features of his work and regularly seen on his famous strut clocks. Malachite and other hardstone mounts are also quite typical. Cole is well known for his clocks in the form of miniature pieces of furniture such as the sideboard and chiffonier timepieces sold Christie's London, 5 July 2006, lot 43 (£21,600), 6 December 2006, lot 41 (£25,200) and 4 July 2007, lot (£14,400). However, these tripod table clocks are rare examples of him producing full-size pieces. The sphinxes seen on this clock may be seen on Cole's finest mantel clocks such as the superb coromandel example illustrated by J.B. Hawkins in Thomas Cole and Victorian Clockmaking, Sydney, 1975 (item 33) and an engraved ormolu clock (item 32).
Some clocks by Cole have a secret signature and others (such as the present clock) were simply given a reference number. He probably worked in this way because clients did not wish for his name to be seen. Hawkins (p. 36) estimates that Cole started his numbering system at 500 circa 1846/47 and that it ended with his death in 1864 at no higher than 1900, with perhaps 200 un-numbered clocks having been made prior to 1846. See also lot 184.
Some clocks by Cole have a secret signature and others (such as the present clock) were simply given a reference number. He probably worked in this way because clients did not wish for his name to be seen. Hawkins (p. 36) estimates that Cole started his numbering system at 500 circa 1846/47 and that it ended with his death in 1864 at no higher than 1900, with perhaps 200 un-numbered clocks having been made prior to 1846. See also lot 184.