ROBERT HIGGS, London c1750
Description:
A fine and impressive George II burr walnut veneered table clock with gilt brass mouldings and mounts. The case which stands 22½ inches high has carefully chosen well-figured veneers with sound frets to the sides. The substantial moulded feet, together with the caryatids to the front and rear corners are all finely cast. There are four corner finials to the domed caddy top, which is surmounted by a pedestal supporting the fifth finial.
The six pillar twin chain fusée movement has a verge escapement, rise and fall pendulum, hour strike on a bell and a floral engraved back plate around the makers signature, Robert Higgs, London.
The seven inch break arch brass dial is mounted by Indian head cast spandrels, a silvered chapter ring and subsidiary dials at one o’clock, eleven o’clock and twelve o’clock. The subsidiary dials indicate rise and fall, strike/silent and calendar ring. All are written in Spanish indicating that the clock was requisitioned by a wealthy Spanish person. The centre of the dial is finely matted with a false pendulum aperture and an applied cartouche beneath, signed by the maker Robert Higgs, London.
Higgs is recorded as working in London at Sweetings Alley from 1750.
This clock is in exceptionally well-preserved condition with no obvious replacements to the movement though it has to be expected that the crown wheel may have been replaced.
Clockmaker: ROBERT HIGGS, London
Circa: 1750
Stock Number: 4134
Height: 22.5 inches (57 cm.)