A George I gilt metal mounted ebonised table clock

A George I gilt metal mounted ebonised table clock, James Snelling, London, circa 1725, the five finned pillar twin fusee bell striking movement with verge escapement regulated by short pendulum incorporating rise/fall regulation to suspension, pull quarter-repeat on three bells and mask-centred Ho-Ho bird inhabited symmetrical foliate scroll engraved backplate, the 6 inch brass break-arch dial with false bob and calendar apertures to the matted centre within applied silvered Roman numeral chapter ring with fleur-de-lys half hour markers and Arabic five minutes to outer track, the angles with Indian mask and scroll cast spandrels beneath arch with twin subsidiary Strike/Silent and regulation dials and set with applied signature plaque Jams Snelling, London to upper margin and with foliate engraved infill below, the inverted bell-top case with hinged gilt brass carrying handle over raised gilt brass mouldings to dial aperture and quadrant frets to front, the sides with conforming apertures inset with rosette decorated lozenge grille sound frets, the rear with matching door set within the frame of the case, 39.5cm (15.5ins) high (excluding handle), 25cm (9.75ins) wide, 16.5cm (6.5ins) deep

James Snelling is recorded in Baillie, G.H. Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World as being admitted as an apprentice in 1703, gaining his freedom of the Clockmakers Company in 1712. He was appointed master in 1736 and died 1751. Baillie notes him as an Eminent maker.