The Three Graces' Clock: M.3-1957

Titles

The Three Graces' Clock

Maker(s)

Clockmaker: Anonymous
Case maker: Anonymous

Entities

• Table clock

Categories

• Clock

Description

Clock with 8 day movement. Round case in the form of a sphere supported by the Three Graces, surmounted by a seated Cupid.

Dial: The dial consists of a shallow rotating drum carry¬ing a white enamel ring dial with black markings. This has the hours I-XII twice in roman numerals, with the hours divided into quarters and five min¬utes. The half hours are marked by fleur-de-lys and the half quarters by dots. There is a fixed arrow design hour hand and a hidden minute hand within the spherical case for accurate setting.

Movement: 8 day movement striking the hours on a bell, with dead beat verge escapement and very short pen¬dulum with silk suspension.

Case: In the form of a sphere supported by figures of the Three Graces. The sphere divided in two horizontal¬ly by an opening to display the dial and enamelled dark blue with foliate ormolu mounts. It is sur¬mounted by a seated ormolu Cupid holding aloft a sheaf of arrows. The Three Graces face inwards and support the sphere with raised arms, whilst their hands hold swags of flowers which hang down and surround the figures. The base supporting them consists of a triangular block of white marble with concave sides decorated with arabesque and acanthus mounts and with three tapering feet, all in fine quality ormolu work, the figures being particularly well executed.

Legal notes

Given by Lady Mildred Fitzgerald

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Given (1957) by Fitzgerald, Mildred, Lady

Dating

18th Century, Late
Circa 1780 - 1800

School or Style

Neoclassical