A GEORGE III BRASS MOUNTED EBONISED BALLOON-SHAPED BRACKET CLOCK WITH FIRED ENAMEL DIAL Allam, London, circa 1790 The five pillar twin fusee bell-striking movement with anchor escapement regulated by 12 inch pendulum with rosette decorated lenticular bob, the shallow-arch top backplate engraved with central circular panel enclosing a musical trophy within stylised Neo-Classical leafy trail and scroll infill to upper and lower margins and incorporating stepped lower edge to allow fitment into the case, the 7 inch circular fired white enamel convex Arabic numeral dial signed ALLAM, LONDON to centre, with vertical numerals and pierced gilt hands set behind hinged cast brass cavetto moulded convex-glazed hinged bezel, the waisted case with concave-sided upstand over repeating lancet-pieced brass sound frets above the dial and repeating circle motif fret within shaped leaf and bead cast panel to the shouldered waisted section beneath, the sides with hinged brass carrying handles and the rear with shaped brass grille inset door following the outline of the case, on brass fillet inset cavetto moulded skirt base incorporating break-arch shaped front rail and cast brass bracket feet. 46cm (18ins) high excluding finial, 28cm (11ins) wide, 18cm (7ins) deep. The current clock is probably by William Allam who is recorded in Baillie, G.H Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World as gaining his freedom of the Clockmaker's Company in 1743. He entered into partnership with Clements (presumably Thomas) which operated from 119 New Bond Street, London 1764-95, then worked alone until entering into another partnership with Caithness at the same address from 1800 until 1804. William Allam was a fine maker who worked in the best London tradition both whilst in partnership and alone. Condition Report: The movement is complete and in working condition with no visible evidence of alteration or significant replacements. The mechanism is a little dirty/discoloured hence a gentle clean/service is advised. The dial has some slight chipping to the enamel around both the winding holes and the right hand hole is lacking its brass collar insert and has a very faint hairline crack around 1 inch long to the right of the hole, otherwise the enamel is in fine original condition. The minute hand is slightly bent. The case is generally in sound condition with faults mainly limited to slight shrinkage cracking, bumps, scuffs and other age related blemishes. The top finial is a replacement and there has been some small veneer repairs to the slender curved fascia bordering the top of the rear door aperture. At some point the surface has been rubbed back and polished a dark chocolate brown colour and the brass fittings re-lacquered (which are now showing signs of patchy oxidation). Clock has pendulum, case keys and a winder. Condition Report Disclaimer