Beschreibung:

A fine early Victorian mahogany small library mantel timepiece Dent, London, circa 1848 The rectangular four pillar single chain fusee movement with anchor escapement regulated by heavy disc bob pendulum, the backplate signed Dent, LONDON over serial number 13264 and pendulum holdfast bracket, the 3.5 inch circular white enamel Roman numeral dial signed DENT, LONDON to centre and with blued steel spade hands, the rectangular plinth-form case with tablet upstand over ebonised ogee cornice and full-width front door incorporating circular glazed dial aperture inset with a canted silvered brass bezel, the rear with rectangular glazed door, on skirt base with ebonised top mouldings, 25.5cm (10ins) high. Provenance: The collection of the late R. J. Taylor formerly of Huntsgreen Farm, Boxford, near Newbury. Edward John Dent was a talented horologist who at the age of 17 transferred his apprenticeship from the trade of tallow chandler to watchmaking under the charge of Edward Gaudin in 1807. By 1817 he had become well known as a watch and clockmaker receiving commissions from the Admiralty for a 'Standard Astronomical Clock' and pocket chronometers for the Colonial Office Africa Expedition. In 1830 Dent went into partnership with the renowned watch and chronometer maker John Roger Arnold which continued until 1840 when he left and set up business alone as E.J. Dent at 82 Strand, London, primarily making marine chronometers, watches and precision clocks. In 1843 the firm expanded taking on a second premises at 33 Cocksur Street, with the Strand premises moving down the road to number 61 by 1851. In 1852 Edward Dent successfully tendered to make the 'great clock' to be housed in Stephen's tower at the New Palace of Westminster. The clock was completed by 1859, apparently at a financial loss to the firm, however it ensured that Dent became a household name synonymous with fine clockmaking. Unfortunately Edward John Dent did not live to see the installation of the 'great clock' as he died in 1853. He was succeeded by his stepson Frederick Rippon Dent, who, in partnership with his brother Richard, continued to expand the business. By 1862 the firm had added 34 Cockspur Street and 34 & 35 Royal Exchange to their list of addresses and, although having seen natural passage of ownership over the intervening years, the business still continues to trade today as Dent & Co. The serial number of the present lot would suggest a date of around 1848 (see Allix, Charles and Bonnert, Peter CARRIAGE CLOCKS, Their history and development page 253). Condition report disclaimer