Joseph Windmills, London

Circa 1710

Sold

17 inches high

A fine ebony striking table clock. The case has an oak carcass entirely veneered in ebony, with double-glazed sides, shallow-arched front door with gilt-brass foliate escutcheons and ebony quartered sound frets, glazed rear door with further quartered ebony frets, inverted bell top surmounted by an impressive gilt-brass double-S baluster handle The 71⁄2 inch gilt-brass dial is impressively signed Jos. Windmills London in the shallow arch within fine quality foliate engraved borders, the main dial has gilt-brass cherub spandrels to the corners of the silvered chapter ring with blued steel hands enclosing a gilt matted centre with calendar and mock pendulum ape The substantial movement has thick front and rear plates joined by five large ring-turned pillars, twin fusees and spring barrels with wire lines, re-built pivoted verge escapement with later elaborate backcock and lenticular bob pendulum, the strike train striking the hours on a bell above the plates; the backplate is well engraved with symmetrical scrolling foliage centred by the signature Jos Windmills London within a foliate cartouche above the visible click wheels for the spring barrels PROVENANCE The Wetherfield Collection of Clocks, page 103, catalogue number 47