A RARE ITALIAN WALNUT TABLE CLOCK WITH PULL QUARTER-REPEAT ON TWO BELLS

A RARE ITALIAN WALNUT TABLE CLOCK WITH PULL QUARTER-REPEAT ON TWO BELLSUNSIGNED, PROBABLY NORTH ITALY, CIRCA 1700The five knopped pillar twin chain fusee countwheel bell striking movement with verge escapement for regulation by short bob pendulum, the strike train with decorative concentric ring-turned countwheel positioned to the upper right of the backplate and sounding on the larger of the two vertical bells set above the movement, the 7.75 inch square fire-gilt copper dial with ringed winding holes and shaped false bob aperture to the matted centre within applied pewter Roman numeral chapter ring with stylised foliate half hour markers and Arabic five minutes beyond the minute track, with scroll pierced steel hands and applied cast and chased winged cherub head spandrels to angles, in a case with domed caddy surmount and baluster gallery incorporating canted projecting plinths at the angles to superstructure, over architectural entablature and hinged glazed door flanked by free-standing Solomonic twist columns, the sides with rectangular windows and the flush rear with rectangular panel door, the base with apron drawer later veneered with a conch shell flanked by conforming projecting angles over ogee moulded skirt and brass ball feet.57.5cm (22.75ins) high, 41.5cm (16.25ins) wide, 21.5cm (8.5ins) deep. Although unsigned details within the movement of the present clock, such as relatively straight tapered (very shallow concave) fusees cut for thick chains, finely executed turning to some of the arbors, thick concentric turned countwheel, and decorative scroll feet to the thickly cast backcock, are all indicative of Italian work. Furthermore, as often is the case with Italian clocks, the movement has survived in fine original condition with minimal wear. The design of the repeat work employed is relatively simple and well thought-out using a rack to govern the quarters and a stepped cam pulley-stop for the quarters. Similar systems are discussed and illustrated in section 2 of Dzik, Sunny and Still, Roger BENEATH THE DIAL, English Clock Pull Repeat Striking 1675-25 pages 154-59.