A Victorian brass 'lions' skeleton timepiece with passing strike and compass

ATTRIBUTED TO SMITH'S OF CLERKENWELL, RETAILED BY STRATZ & FEHRENBACK, PERTH. LATE 19TH CENTURY

Details

A Victorian brass 'lions' skeleton timepiece with passing strike and compass
Attributed to Smith's of Clerkenwell, retailed by Stratz & Fehrenback, Perth. Late 19th Century
The case mounted with ormolu lions and a retail plaque inscribed STRATZ & FEHRENBACK + PERTH, centred by a compass, the silvered chapter ring with engraved numerals, on mahogany plinth and under glazed case, the eight day single chain fusee movement with anchor escapement and passing strike on bell, wheels with five crossings; mock gridiron pendulum, winding key
15¼ in. (38.5 cm.) high, 16 in. (40.5 cm.) high over case

Lot Essay

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
Derek Roberts, British Skeleton Clocks, Antique Collectors' Club, Woodbridge, 1987, p.129, figsb,c.
A 'lion and eagles gilt' model appeared in Smith's 1865 catalogue at a cost of £6.0s.0d. There are various versions, with and without lions or eagles. On some the lions are standing; not all models have compasses.

More from Important Pocket Watches and Wristwatches and the R.O.

View All