Sir John Bennett Ltd

Circa 1870

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9 Inches high

A very handsome solid mahogany mantel timepiece. CASE The solid mahogany case has chamfered glass to the four sides and top, the upper cornice is set with a dentilled moulding, the base has an ogee moulding resting on adjustable brass bun feet. DIAL The silvered brass dial is set within a gilt-brass frame and is signed SIR J BENNETT Ltd 65 CHEAPSIDE LONDON on the chapter ring with engraved Roman numerals and blued steel fleur de lys hands, the dial centre and corner spandrels are finely engraved with flower heads and foliage. MOVEMENT The brass movement has four pillars, chain fusee and spring barrel, the going train has anchor escapement and a lenticular brass pendulum bob with fine adjustment and holdfast bracket on the backplate SIR JOHN BENNETT Sir John Bennett was an eminent clockmaker and watchmaker, variously described as an immense personality who seems to have aroused in his contemporaries varying degrees of ridicule, hostility, and admiration. Although trained as a clock and watchmaker Bennett's business at Cheapside was as a high- end retailer of clocks and watches. He was patently a man of very strong character and took an interest in politics; he was Sherriff of London in 1871 and a He was made Sheriff of London, also Lord Lieutenant of the City of London and he was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1871. He also stood for Parliament three times, all unsuccessful.