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31437C.BR
GEORGE PRIEST, NORWICH. A FINE AND HIGH QUALITY QUARTER STRIKING EBONISED AND BRASS INLAID BRACKET CLOCK. CIRCA 1820.

A fine well proportioned chamfer top ebonised bracket clock. The case profusely inlayed and strung with brass has a chamfer top and is surmounted by a gilded pineapple finial. The brass bound plinth of the clock stands on four gilded brass round feet. The sides of the clock have silk lined fish scale brass frets surmounted by two unusually shaped carrying handles with floral swags.

The dial of the clock is a particularly fine feature. It is in the form of a round porcelain dial signed for the maker ‘George Priest, Norwich’ and is contained within an exquisitely fretted and chased gilded brass mask. The fretting in the form of oak leaves and acorns.

The fine quality two train quarter striking movement, with twin chain fusees strikes the quarters on two bells mounted on the plain backplate which is signed ‘Geo Priest, Norwich’. It has an anchor escapement with a nicely shaped pendulum and bob, the adjustment of which is via a centrally mounted nut thus allowing easy regulation through the rear door without having to remove the pendulum.

The quality and size of this clock make it stand out from many similar clocks of the period.

Height to base of finial: 14.25" (36 cms.)

Price band: N

George Priest, was noted as working in Norwich between 1796 and 1854. Details from a trade card are as follows:-

‘G. Priest (late Bennett & Priest) Clock & Watchmaker, No. 2 Brigg’s Lane, Norwich. Repeating & Plain clocks & Watches of every description Made & Repaired. Watch Chains Seals & Keys in great variety. Dollands spectacles, eye glasses, optical instruments &c. & c. Glasses fitted.’

A similar chamfer top bracket clock but with a painted dial and not quarter striking is in the Bridewell Museum.

Further details and the trade card can be found in "Norfolk & Norwich Clockmakers" edited by Clifford & Yvonne Bird.

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