JUSTIN VULLIAMY, London c1760
Description:
A small and refined George III spring table timepiece by one of the most eminent makers of the eighteenth century. The mellow ebonised fruitwood case stands on moulded block feet and rises to a shallow bell top surmounted by a brass carrying handle.
The break arch brass dial is mounted with a silvered chapter ring, subsidiary dial for rise and fall in the arch and gilt brass rococo spandrels. The dial is finely matted with a false pendulum aperture and a cartouche above, signed by the maker Just Vulliamy London. Above six o’clock is an aperture to view the day of the month and the steel hands are finely pierced.
The high quality eight day duration timepiece movement has fusée drive and the rare feature of a silent verge escapement. There is a pull repeat operated from the side of the case and the quarters are sounded on two bells. The back plate is delicately engraved with foliage and scrolls.
Justin Vulliamy, a Swiss émigré, worked in Pall Mall, London from 1730 to 1790. He made many watches and clocks, examples of which are included in the Guildhall and Science museums along with the Wetherfield Collection and the Ilbert and Dennison Collection. He was partner and son-in-law of Benjamin Gray who held the Royal Warrant. The partnership was one of the most celebrated of the period and was patronised by Royalty, the aristocracy and the wealthy merchants of the time. He was succeeded by his son, Benjamin, who inherited and maintained the skills together with the Royal Warrant as Clockmaker to George III.
Clockmaker: JUSTIN VULLIAMY, London
Circa: 1760
Stock Number: 4079
Height: 12.5 inches (32 cm.)