Museum number
1990.5
Object
Mantel Clock, green tortoiseshelll, Strigel, c1770
Description
A bracket or mantel clock, English, c. 1780. Case of pine japanned in imitation of green tortoiseshell with ormolu mounts, the movement a three-train spring-driven mechanism with datework, the musical movement playing four tunes on ten bells with pull repeat, silvered dial with steel hands, signed on the dail "Geo Philp Strigel faceing her Majesty's Pallace, London", a subsidiary dial beneath the chapter ring, disguised by the ormolu decoration on the door, with steel hands and and names of the tunes played by the clock, reading, clockwise: "Lord Coventry's Minuet, Bellisle March, Minuet, Country Dance." The case straight-sided with arched top surmounted by a flat-topped caddy edged with ormolu mounts on each side, beading at the top, surmounted by a seated putto, left arm bent with finger resting on face, right arm outstretched and resting on right knee; ormolu mounts of acanthus leaves and beading around top of case; the arched door to front of case with circular ormolu beading around the dial with elaborate pendant below dial of ormolu shells and leaves; ormolu beading down the straight sides of the doors, at the base another elaborate ormolu mount of leaves and scroll, a central plinth supporting a bird with outstretched wings, an apron beneath with ormolu mount of acanthus scrolls, four ormolu acanthus and scroll feet; the interior painted red, the back of the clock with opening panel letting down from the top with simple catch.The movement of brass and steel with finely engraved backplate engraved with delicate leaves and scrolls and the inscription "Geo Philp Strigel faceing her Majesty's Pallace, London", the musical barrel and ten bells mounted above the movement.The japanning currently in poor condition and in need of conservation.
Materials
Imitation tortoiseshell
Inscription
As above
On display?
Yes

Further description

Simple name
Furniture
Subject
Decorative
Dimensions
regular: 19.9cm (d) x 37.6cm (h) x 785mm (h) x 79.0cm (w)
Mantel Clock Georg Philip Strigel (1718–98) Japanned wood case with gilt brass mounts, about 1775 Georg Philip Strigel, Watchmaker to the Queen, was described as the ‘blunt, high-dried, honest German’ who ‘had the care of his majesty’s clocks’. The clock mechanism or movement has three gear trains for going, striking and playing its four tunes on its ten bells. 1990.5 Bequest of Mrs. K M Thring through her son Mr. R.H. Thring, 1990

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