England. 2nd half 19th century

Brass plate movement with Graham escapement, quarter hour strike with carillon on 8 bells. Going and carillon movement functional in short time test, hour strike on round gong does not trigger, overhaul recommended. Brass front with floral relief decoration, silver-plated chapter ring with Roman hours and Arabic minutes, minute ring, stylized Louis XV iron hands. In the arch field 3 auxiliary leaves for rate regulation, activation of the strike and setting the strike to 8 chimes or Westminster strike, marked "Mappin & Webb Ltd. London W.".

Ebonized wood, bronze. 68 x 37.5 x 25.5 cm. 19.5 kg.

Architectural neo-baroque case with rich bronze applications in floral and neoclassical style, side carrying handles. Slight signs of age and wear, partially cracked and rubbed, silk fabric backing of the side windows and work door with defects.

The roots of the Mappin family business go back to 1775, when the craftsman Jonathan Mappin founded a silver workshop in Sheffield, one of the centers of the English silver trade. In 1862, his great-grandson John Mappin and his brother-in-law George Webb set up their own business in London under the name Mappin, Webb & Co. The range of precious silver and gold goods was expanded to include high-quality jewelry and watches. The company quickly achieved great success and expanded worldwide. Its clientele included royalty from Europe and around the world as well as high-ranking personalities from the worlds of politics, business and art. In 1897, Mappin & Webb became the official supplier to the British Royal Family. With pendulum, key and 2 case keys. All lots with a limit (starting price) of at least €1,500 are checked against the Art Loss Register database.

Provenance : From a private household in Hesse.