Small library clock, James Hux Piccadilly

A good mid 19th century ebonised four glass clock by James Hux, 20 Down St., Piccadilly. This clock has been really well looked after over its 160-odd years of life. The case edges are still relatively sharp, and all locks are original and in working order. Altogether it is an excellent example of a small library timepiece that remains in original condition.

Bevelled glass panel to the top and shaped cornice, over similar glazed side panels to an ogee moulded base on a plinth

The signed 3½ inch silvered dial has finely engraved decoration to the corners, and is signed James Hux, 20 Down St., PICCADILLY and numbered 454. It has Roman numerals and blued steel moon hands within a silvered bezel.

 The 8-day fusee movement has an anchor escapement, and is numbered 454 on the front-plate, matching the serial number engraved on the dial.

James Hux is listed in Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, Vol. 2, by Brian Loomes, 1851-63. He is known to have made many pocket watches. Letters to the Editor in Antiquarian Horology Vol X (1977) tell us that one known watch with duplex escapement is signed in the backplate Jas. Hux, 20 Down Street, Piccadilly, Chronometer Maker to the Admiralty. His brother Rodwell (b.1823, d.1869) was very well-known to Thomas Mercer as a chronometer-maker.

A striking four-glass clock by James Hux was sold at Bonhams in 2007.

• Height: 24cm (9½ inches)
• Width: 16.5cm (6½ inches)
• Depth: 13cms (5 inches)

Overhauled and guaranteed for 3 years.