McMaster, Dublin

Circa 1850

Sold

7¼ inches high

An exceptional Victorian gilt-brass quarter striking carriage clock with duplex escapement. The Case The beautifully engraved and chased gilt brass case with finials and a heavy scroll-sided articulated carrying handle above a large glazed viewing aperture, the fluted side columns above a cushion base on gilt-brass bun feet, the plain rear door with key lock. The base mounted with a lever and engraved for Strike and Silent. The Dial The superb rectangular gilt brass dial plate is finely engraved with a central mask and foliate scrolls. The white enamel dial has Roman numerals and blued steel Breguet hands. The Movement The three train chain fusee movement with four double screwed pillars and five crossed wheels, maintaining power to the going train, a free sprung blued steel helical spring to the cut bimetallic compensated balance of duplex platform. Striking on two gongs and trip repeating via a pull cord through the base, also with a strike/silent lever to the base. The backplate signed McMaster & Son, Dublin3666. Bibliography: Carriage & other travelling clocks, Derek Roberts. Schiffer 1993. Illustrated P.334. Comments Three train carriage clocks are extremely rare and sought after, combine this with Dublin makers and this clock is exceptional and quite possibly unique. The movement is finished to the highest standards and the case retains its original gilding that is worn in areas that one would expect. It seems McMaster & Son produced only a small number of clocks, of these, only 3 are currently recorded but all are of outstanding quality. This is the only three train quarter striking example and the only one in a gilt brass case, the remaining two are two train striking clocks in wooden cases.