Timepiece Mahogany Mantel Clock by Barwise & Sons

A fine Regency mantel clock of small proportions and with an enamel dial by this most esteemed family of clockmakers.

John Barwise took his sons Weston and John Jnr. into partnership with him in around 1816. A few years later in about 1820, they were successful if obtaining the royal warrant as watchmaker to King George IV. John Barwise Snr. died in 1820, his son Weston Barwise died in 1826, leaving the firm to John Jnr.. This clock therefore dates between 1816 and 1826.

The timepiece fusee 8-day mechanism has break arch-shaped plates, the pendulum with a locking screw, stored in the movement clamp on the photo.

The case stands only 11 inches high. It has lively flame mahogany veneer to the front, edged in a fine band of ebony, the plinth top to match. The inlaid brass pattern to the front has remained well intact. The clock is raised on four brass bun feet.

The 5-inch white enamel dial is a quality finish, unusual for this age of clock – more usual was a painted finish. It is signed for Barwise & Sons, LONDON, and has matching steel hands.

• Height: 28cms
• Width:   19cms
• Depth:   12cms

Provenance:

It is understood that this clock was originally owned by the Huddleston family at Sawston Hall, a Tudor house in Cambridgshire where in 1553 the future Mary I was sheltered when she was being hunted down by the Duke of Northumberland.
On the death of his uncle in 1980, Canon Timothy Russ of Great Missenden was bequethed the contents of the hall, including this clock. He had hoped to sell the contents to raise the funds to fulfil his dream of buying the Hall and transforming it into a Catholic heritage centre and refuge. Sadly he died in 2013, and the Hall is even now on the market.

The clock is in excellent condition, the movement overhauled and guaranteed for 3 years.

There is an excellent article about Barwise & Sons here.