31922 DESBOIS, GRAYS INN PASSAGE, LONDON.
A GIANT STRIKING AND REPEATING CARRIAGE CLOCK WITH A RARE SAVAGE TWO PIN LEVER ESCAPEMENT. CIRCA 1860.
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A fine giant English carriage clock. The gilded case has a shaped handle with double leaf motifs in the centre. The top, dial and sides have bevelled glass panels and there is a silk backed sound fret for the rear door. It has nicely shaped mouldings to the top and base, and stands on four shaped corner feet.
The white enamel dial with Roman numerals is signed for the maker Desbois. It has cruciform hands and there is a repeat button to the top of the case.
The twin chain fusee movement has nicely shaped pillars and strikes the hours and the half hours on a gong mounted on the backplate. It has a Savage two pin lever escapement which is extremely rare in carriage clocks, with split bi-metallic balance with poising screws. The Savage two pin escapement was designed by George Savage with the engaging of the impulse pin on the line of centres thus getting rid of any engaging friction. The backplate has a hand setting knob and is signed for the maker Desbois Grays Inn Passage London.
Height to base of handle: 8¼” (21cm)
Daniel Desbois (II) worked with his father Daniel (I) from 1846-1885 firstly at Grays Inn Passage, then from High Holborn. His father worked at Grays Inn Passage from about 1790.
Desbois, London: P.O.A.
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