Mantel clock 1799 - 1800
Marble, gilt metal, glass, blued steel | 31.2 x 45.5 x 10.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 30042
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A mantel drum clock mounted into a circular black marble case surmounted by a gilded Jupiter's eagle and supported by a pair of couchant lions after those on Fontana dell'Acqua Felice in Rome. All standing on a black marble rectangular 'altar' plinth with an applied gilded frieze of foliate vitruvian scrolls, sphinxes and putti. The gilded engine turned dial has an oroboros bezel with the 12 hours represented in Roman numerals and a pair of blued steel Vulliamy spade hands. The eight day timepiece has a fusee movement and an anchor recoil escapement.
Vulliamy number 439: the Clock Book records 29 processes and materials for the creation of this timepiece and describes is as 'Very large black marble with large Lions - new pattern'. costing £66 11s. 6d. Delivered to The Prince of Wales March 24 1800.
The clock is decorated in the 'antique' style of the early 19th century - a style suggested by the publications of Thomas Sheraton and Thomas Hope and influenced by C.H. Tatham's Etchings of Ancient Ornamental Architecture.Provenance
Bought by the Prince of Wales from Benjamin Vulliamy for 90 guineas (£97 6s.) and delivered to Carlton House on 24 March 1808 where it was placed in the Small Store Room under the clock. Subsequently delivered to Windsor in 1828 for the new King's refurbishment of the Castle.
Included in the Pictorial Inventory of 1827-33 – RCIN 934769. The inventory was originally created as a record of the clocks, vases, candelabra and other miscellaneous items from Carlton House, as well as selected items from the stores at Buckingham House, the Royal Pavilion, Brighton, Hampton Court and Kensington Palace for consideration in the refurbishment of Windsor Castle. -
Creator(s)
(clockmaker)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Marble, gilt metal, glass, blued steel
Measurements
31.2 x 45.5 x 10.0 cm (whole object)
Object type(s)
Subject(s)