Beschreibung:

A fine George II ebonised quarter chiming table clock Hunter, London, circa 1730 The substantial six finned-pillar triple fusee movement chiming the quarters on a graduated nest of six bells and striking the hour on a further bell, with verge escapement and rise/fall regulation, the backplate profusely engraved with foliate scrolls around a central cartouche signed Thomas Hunter, LONDON surmounted by an allegorical figure of a Classical warrior, the 7.5 inch brass break-arch dial with false bob aperture and polished oval reserve with repeat signature within an applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with fleur-de-lys half hour markers and Arabic five minutes, the lower angles with gilt female mask and scroll cast spandrels the upper angles with silvered subsidiary Strike/Silent opposing regulation dials, the arch with further silvered calendar ring with matted centre and flanked by conforming ho-ho bird inhabited foliate cast spandrels, inverted bell top case with gilt brass carrying handle and cast vase finials above foliate scroll pierced break-arch side frets bordered by fine raised ebony mouldings, the front door with conforming mouldings to dial aperture and pierced frets to upper quadrants, on moulded base with squab feet, 48cm (19ins) high. DESCRIPTION TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH ‘IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING THE CATALOGUING OF CLOCKS’ printed in the sale catalogue or available from the auctioneers on request. Hunter senior is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as working in Fenchurch Street, London 1744-99. current lot shares many details with fine examples by the leading London makers made during the formative decades of the 18th century. The movement with its relatively robust construction, finned pillars and allegorical figure engraved backplate is reminiscent of the work of Quare or DuChesne. The dial, with its subsidiaries in the upper spandrel area, again echoes Quare and DuChesne, whilst the calendar in the arch was perhaps made popular by Windmills. case with its fine quality mouldings and elegant proportions compares with those housing movements by makers such as Delander or even George Graham (although Graham preferred rectangular dials). The subtle contrast between the relatively complex decorative dial and the simple refined elegance of the case of the current lot is particularily pleasing. The clock appears to be in good original condition with the dial in particular being of fine mellow colour. Condition report disclaimer