07-15-201607-15-2016
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
July 15, 2016 10:00 AMCalender
547

Flintlock Alarm Candle Clock

Sell one like this
$52,890$43,000
Auction: European Furniture & Decorative Arts - 2920MLocation: MarlboroughDate / Time: July 15, 2016 10:00AM

Description:

Flintlock Alarm Candle Clock, c. 1745, brass, crown wheel and verge escapement, chain drive fusee movement with alarm signed "V Des Combes Schleswig," with pierced balance bridge and silvered regulator dial, watch with roman numeral champleve dial with arcaded chapter ring, blued steel beetle and poker hands, encased in a rectangular box incscribed "Vincent Des Combes," with sides and top engraved with foliate leaf and scroll motifs, top with three divided sections, one of which contains a flintlock mechanism; the right side of the box contains a compartment covered by a hinged lid with decorated cartouche, a folding brass candle socket, and an additional lidded compartment to contain the watch key and a small pair of steel tongs; left side of the case composed of a square compartment with hinged lid, the corners of cast gilt fretwork, ht. 1 3/8, wd. 5 3/8, dp. 3 in.

Provenance: Proceeds from the sale of the collections will be used by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Williamsburg, Virginia, exclusively for the acquisition of art and antiques to be exhibited in its art museums and historic buildings.

N.B. This rare clock has only a small number of other known comparable counterparts; one is part of the collection of Snowshill Manor and Garden in Gloucestershire, dated c. 1740-1745, made of brass and inscribed "Pierre Morier London."
Estimate $20,000-40,000

All brass components on the watch and rectangular casing and candle socket may lack its original fire-gilt finish. Presently, all brass and steel components are polished and lacquered condition. Watch is complete and starts with minor winding. Components complete for spring-loaded candle socket and flint-lock mechanism. An actual firing of this timekeeper has not been attempted.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

London