A Victorian Mahogany-Cased Marine

Multi-dialled clocks are not uncommon and typically have a standard platform mechanism on top (sometimes visible through a glazed aperture) however; this timepiece is unusual as all of its four sides and roof are complete with uniformly synchronised dials!

The owner believes the clock was bought in Paris at the Exposition Universelle of 1889, by her ancestor, a prominent member of the Anglican Church, who was attending the unveiling of the Eiffel Tower. The clock has remained in the same family for around 120 years, passed down by the owner's maternal grandmother.

One of the foremost academics on the subject, Charles Allix, was informed of the clock's existence just after completing his Carriage Clocks – Their History and Development. Although this singular piece wasn't included in Allix's book, the owner has a letter from him detailing his amazement that such a clock existed! Indeed, Fellows specialists believe no other five-dial design has been referenced in literature or sold at auction within the last ten years.

Lot 616

Estimate

£12,000 - £18,000