Velvet Clocks

A spectacular feat of engineering and artistry, this 19th-century skeleton clock was created by John Smith & Sons of Clerkenwell. The Clerkenwell Borough of Central London has for almost two centuries been one of the leading centers of clockmaking in England, and J. Smith & Sons was the region's most important skeleton clock craftsman. Smith & Sons' creations are desirable for both their appealing design and mechanical ingenuity, and their elaborate skeleton clocks are particularly prized. Skeleton clocks are defined by their lack of an external case, revealing the intricacy and beauty of their complex internal workings. This timepiece’s mechanics are on full display, allowing one to marvel at the technical craftsmanship of the two-train movement and the desirable English dead beat escapement. The ornate, Gothic-inspired design of the present clock is composed of a hand-crafted bronze and brass skeleton frame in the shape of the famous Royal Pavilion...

A wonderful late 19th-century brass carriage clock with it's carrying case and winding key sold by Russell's Ltd. (England/France, founded 1848), c.1890s. Signed on the dial "Russell's Ltd. Paris". A great example of a French Couaillet Freres Carriage Clock of Saint-Nicolas-D'Aliermont manufacture, France. Clock isn't marked with the makers name but has the distinctive arrow design he used above the winding post. The clock is a fine example of the corniche style, with clean brass lines framing glass panels on the sides, rear, and top, and a brass carrying handle. The internal movement is revealed and can be seen from all angles through the glass. The back panel door can be opened for access. The clock has one jewel and has been cleaned in the past, but would benefit from an additional cleaning. It keeps time but please note there is some minor variability. Clock; 5"H x 3 3/8"W x 3"D. Case, 6 3/8" x 4.5"W 4.5"D (case is well worn with significant losses to leather covering as pictured). The period carrying case has a dark brown leather exterior and a deep purple velvet interior. The top latch is opened with a push button on the right side. The front panel of the case can be switched out for either a leather panel, or a glass panel to view the clock while it is inside. Whichever panel is not in use can be stored in a slot in the rear side. There is also a special storage slot next to the hinge for the winding key. Russel's Ltd, Paris purveyors: Following the deaths of Thomas Robert and Alfred Holgate, Alfred's son Bernard Holgate Russell and his cousin Thos Townsend Russell took over the company and the name of the business was changed in 1894 to Russells Limited. From this date it appears that they continued as retail jewellers with several branches in Liverpool and, by the early 1900's, Manchester and Llandudno as well. Clock maker: Armand Couaillet (1865–1954) was a French clock maker from Saint-Nicolas-d'Aliermont in Normandy . In 1890 Couaillet started a business producing carriage clocks; shortly afterwards his three brothers join the business. By the turn of the century, the company employed about 100 workers and were producing 4000 carriage clocks each month. On the eve of World War I , The Couaillet brothers employed 300 people and their catalog listed 250 models of clocks, but during the war, the focus of production switched to precision mechanical components for fuses, parts for aircraft engines and field telegraph systems. History of Russell's Ltd: Thomas Russell 's name is synonymous with the Lancashire watch making industry and he is an icon for watch purists and enthusiasts around the world. But how he came to become a watchmaker and why Lancashire played such an important role in the watchmaking industry is a fascinating story. In the 17th century farmers and agricultural workers who needed to supplement their income during the winter months undertook much of the work of watchmaking. In and around Lancashire this was particularly important and the proximity of metalworking, the availability of fine metal tools and the port of Liverpool aided the growth of the industry. By the 18th century watch parts were being sub-contracted to small farms and cottages throughout the region. Another factor in the growth of this cottage industry were the significant lower overheads that the farmers enjoyed as part-time workers in their own homes. Elsewhere wages were the largest contributor to the total cost of watch manufacturing with the cost of raw materials, apart from gold and silver used in the making of expensive cases, relatively small. One commentator notes that, "From Prescott to Liverpool, eight miles as the crow flies, the countryside was dotted with the cottages of spring makers, wheel cutters, chain makers, case makers, dial makers - every speciality that went into the making of a watch." By the end of the 18th century between 150,000 and 200,000 watches a year were being produced by this system, satisfying the national need for accurate timekeeping as the industrial revolution took hold. The Lancashire sub-contracting system allowed the production of watch movements at such low prices that by the end of the 18th century, the Lancashire manufacturers were supplying most of the great watch firms in London, Coventry and Liverpool. All that these firms needed to do was to make or source their own case and dial, and then assemble the watch. Thomas Russell joined this hive of activity in 1848 when he moved his business as a watch manufacturer to Slater Street in Liverpool. The city was a major seafaring port and the manufacture of ships' clocks and chronometers became an important revenue stream for the business. Thomas Russell's father, also named Thomas Russell (1780-1830), the founder of this watchmaking dynasty, was born in Eskdale a small village in Cumberland. He served his time in watchmaking in New St. Broughton-in-Furness Lancashire under William Bellman, he then served his journeyman time with William Wakefield in Market St Lancaster where he later started a business of his own in the same street. He had two sons; one named Thomas was married to Mary in 1831. They also had two sons, Thomas Robert (1833-1894) born in Lancaster and Alfred Holgate Russell (1840-1893). In about 1840 the family moved to Halifax setting up a watchmaking business in Lord St. It was here that Alfred was born. By 1848 the family had moved once more and records show that Thomas Russell was a watch manufacturer with premises at 20 or 22 Slater Street, Liverpool and later at number 32 in the same street. It was here that Thomas Russell became arguably Liverpool 's finest watchmaker and the business produced quality watches and clocks, including the celebrated Russell Hunter pocket watch. Thomas Senior and his oldest son Thomas Robert were granted a Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria indicating their rapid progress in watch manufacturing. Around 1859, Thomas handed...

A fine Swedish 18th century rococo ringtone table clock with gilt bronze signed by Augustin Bourdillon. Covered in the original velvet with great patination. The interior of the case...

This wall clock is made of gilt metal, black velvet and leather. This is a French work, in the style of Jacques Adnet, circa 1950.

This incredible arabesque skeleton clock is a stellar example by the preeminent English firm of William Frederick Evans of Handsworth, Birmingham. This horologic masterpiece is in complete, working condition, boasting an amazing brass triple-layer frame, a characteristic found in the most attractive and important Evans arabesque timepieces. Not only is this clock visually stunning, but it is also a mechanical triumph with its chain fusée movement. Time is told by blued steel hands on a pierced, engraved and silvered chapter ring. Set upon its velvet-covered and plinth beneath its original glass dome, this magnificent clock is a work of true distinction. Skeleton clocks are among the most exceptional and intriguing timepieces ever made and were designed to display as much of the working mechanism as possible. Often the result of the highest quality workmanship, skeleton clocks are actually some of the earliest clocks, some dating from the mid 16th Century as drum clocks. Popularized circa 1750 by the French, who produced wonderful spring driven antique mantle clocks...

This exquisite table clock is cast in silver and is heart shaped, and features delicate silverwork in the form of foliage and scrolls to the frame. The central, circular clock dial f...

Grandfather clock, silver dial, black numerals and hands, teak wood with padded green velvet-covered background section, New York, 1957. This elegant grandfather clock by George Nelson is produced by Howard Miller. The model is chain driven and the mechanism is made in Germany by Hermie. The clock has classic aesthetics with delicate bent legs, a padded velvet background and brass detailing combined with the teak clock...

Made by Ferdinand Barbedienne (French, 1810-1892), the design by Louis-Constant Sevin (French, 1821-1888). The central circular dial signed 'F. Barbedienne' and 'A Paris' in an architectural glass clock case applied with masks and trailing foliage surmounted by a figure of Neptune, the movement stamped 'J.E. DUPONT PARIS,' and '9658' with Apollo sun-burst pendulum, raised on a stepped rectangular plinth, the reverse of the case inscribed 'F. BARBEDIENNE. FONDEUR. PARIS.' This monumental mantel...

Nelson for Howard Miller "Swag-leg" Grandfather clock, Model #2256 Chain Driven, Double Chime "bim-bam" per hour twice and once every half hour. Mechanism made in Germany by Hermle.

Three spires over silvered bronze wheel with Roman numerals, with single fusee movement raised on turned feet resting on velvet lining of ebonized wood base fitted with glass dome.

Rare George Nelson for Howard Miller grandfather clock #2256 circa 1959. This clock features anodized brass sculpted ...