A fine, rare and substantial British twin chain fusee carriage clock. The dial mask is beautifully engraved, the clock is quarter striking on two gongs and strikes the Hours on one. The rear shows a lockable, shuttered plate, the Base is signed Francis Drury and stamped F.D. in two places. Francis Drury F.D. is listed in the book of Clock & Watchmakers rather unassumingly. We have seen the F.D. stamp on many French and British clock gongs over the years and had not realised the stamp F.D was in fact a patent. Francis Drury who was part of the Drury family of clockmakers and invented the “new bell” essentially a coiled piece of hardened steel. The escapement is unusual and although not a ‘detent’ escapement, it is very high quality lever with a chronometer style ‘staple’ balance wheel.

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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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