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31410C.FM
ROSS, EXETER. AN EXTREMELY HIGH QUALITY AND ATTRACTIVE SMALL ROSEWOOD MANTEL CLOCK. CIRCA 1830.

A superb quality small rosewood mantel clock. The extravagant case with complex shaped dial opening, fine quality rosewood veneers and carved adornments to the front. Has a fretted and silk lined back door and stands some 10 ins  high.

The beautifully engraved and gilded dial signed for the maker ‘Ross, Exeter’ at the top of the chapter ring and with a strike/silent lever above 12 o’clock. Has a gilded brass sight ring shaped to conform to the door opening.

The eight day twin chain fusee movement signed on the backplate for the maker has an anchor escapement and strikes the hours on a gong mounted on the backplate. The quality of the movement is of the same level as the case. The pendulum has the nice feature of a top fixed rating nut.

Height: 10.5" (27 cms.)

Price band: B

Daniel Ross was born in Exeter in 1811/12 and his business closed in 1864.   The Exeter Gazette 2^nd September 1837 reports “Chronometer, watch, and clockmaker, 31 High Street … has commenced business … and trusts the practical knowledge he has acquired of the trade from one of the first chronometer and watchmakers in London, will secure for him that patronage it will ever be his study to deserve.   Watches and clocks on the most improved and scientific principles made and accurately repaired.”   An advert in 1848 reads “Ship chronometers rated for finding the longitude by one of Troughton’s Transit instruments”.   Ross supplied a clock for Exminster Hospital, Old Blundell’s School, Tiverton and for St. Mark’s Church, Dawlish.   Further details can be found in “Devon Clocks & Clockmakers” and “Time in Exeter” both by C.N. Ponsford. “Clocks & Clockmakers of Tiverton” by Ponsford, Scott and Authers.