Gilt Archives - It's About Time

Howell & James London

Paul Williams — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:53:21 +0000

A very rare carriage clock indeed ! The engraved original gilt bronze case case is surmounted by a decorative chased carrying handle and fine slotted finials. The beautifully engraved and gilded dial is framed by a gilt ‘mask’ with fine Roman numerals, foliate centre, and blued steel ‘fleur de lys’ hands. The twin train movement with highly unusual British escapement with engraved balance cock, mono-metallic balance wheel and ‘under-slung’ lever with the escape wheel. The rear of the clock shows an engraved door and engraving to the inside reading Howell & James, Regent Street, London. The original outer case and original engraved key to the inner lid. It’s very likely from the workshops of the fashionable, Somerset born clockmaker Thomas Cole. The contruction, engraving and also the style of outer case with Blue velet interior makes it likely of Cole construction for Howell & James to retail. Circa 1840.

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Rare Fusee Carriage Timepiece

Paul Williams — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 14:17:48 +0000

A very attractive single fusee carriage timepiece in an engraved, original gilt bronze case, the top, front, and sides inset with malachite gemstone panels with particularly nice banded patterns on display, framed by gilded plates with foliate engraving. The case is surmounted by a decorative chased carrying handle, and to the rear a jousting knight on horseback engraved into the back door. The beautifully engraved and silvered dial is framed by a gilt engraved ‘mask’ with Roman numerals, foliate centre, and blued steel hands. The single chain fusee movement and maintaining power will run for a week on a single wind. It’s very likely from the workshops of the fashionable, Somerset born clockmaker Thomas Cole. The rear of the dial is signed Cottebrune of Dean Street, Soho. In the book about Thomas Cole we have found similar examples to this one but without the Malachite panels. The engraving and multilayered construction is almost identical to another Cole clock we have in stock. The addition of the Malachite on this clock really does make it quite unique. Charles Cottebrune of 29 Dean St was most likely of French origin and worked alongside other great clockmakers of the period.

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Henry Capt, Genève Beautiful Miniature Enamel Panelled Carriage Clock

Paul Williams — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 12:50:45 +0000

A small repeating grand sonnerie / petite sonnerie with beautiful Art Nouveau guillouché enamelled panels and enamelled dial in a gorge case, by Henry Capt of Geneva, Switzerland, a clock, watch, and jewelry maker renowned for his high-quality pieces. The front and side panels are a wonderful bright blue translucent enamel laid onto fine engine-turned silver plates, and decorated by gold and deep red shaded Iris flowers with a fine gold outline. The dial is well-balanced and has a nice patina, with perfect Roman numerals and delicate blued steel spade hands, signed ‘Henry Capt, Genève’, ‘Ls Gallopin & Cie Succrs’, with a fine golden border and matching subdial for the alarm function. The movement is quite exceptional, especially for such a small piece, wonderfully designed and fit neatly within the plates, partly visible along with the silvered escapement through the bevelled glass panel to the top. Under the base plate is a three-position lever for grand sonnerie, petite sonnerie, and silence, striking on two gongs, and stamped with serial number 9079. It comes with the original leather carry case and key, in great condition itself and with a dark red velvet interior. Made circa 1890. A very rare and special clock indeed.

Sorry now sold.

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