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Lot 234
John Smith, Midland clock works, Derby. A mid 19th Century oak tower clock, having a Roman silvered dial with outer minute track, set triple fusee movement striking 4 bells and chiming gong, the case in the Gothic taste with glazed door, raised on a blind fret cut pedestal, plinth base 77.5"h x 20.5"w x 13"d. John Smith of Derby set up business in 1856 following an apprenticeship with the celebrated Whitehurst family, the descendants of John Whitehurst 1713-88 of the Lunar Society fame. John Smith's business prospered as Northern Industrial towns flourished and many consequential buildings were fitted with Smiths clocks. The most celebrated example of their work is the great chiming clock in St Paul's Cathedral. SOLD £1300

The case is in generally good condition. There are cracks to the dial surround. There is no obvious worm or damage. The dial is in very good order.There are a few light scratches to the centre and around the arbour holes. The movement appears to be very clean and complete. There are two small extraneous holes to the top left hand corner of the front and back plates. We consider that the hammer mounting may have been altered.

From Clocks in the Clocks, Watches and Timepieces section in our Antique, Fine Art and Collectables auction held on Wednesday 15th of May 2013