A George III gilt-mounted ebonised automaton table clock, Samuel Parker,...

7-inch dial with rococo spandrels, matted centre with date aperture and signed on a recessed silvered plaque S Parker, Greenwich, the arch painted with a charming automaton scene of figures at a rural farriers shop with a windmill in the background, the fusee movement with five knopped pillars, later conversion to anchor escapement no longer linked to the automaton scene, trip repeat striking on a bell, the case with bell top and brass carrying handle above pineapple finials, caryatid corner mounts, moulded base and brass bracket feet, the underside stamped 2327,
49.5cm. 19½in. high

Condition Report:
Dial in generally good condition, some discolouration to silvering, good cut steel hands, hour hand repaired, the automaton painted scene is very dirty and has some losses to paint, particularly on the automaton features. Movement is complete but very dirty and not running, later conversion to anchor escapement has replaced the pallets, escapewheel, third wheel and backcock, the mechanism for the automaton scene has alterations and is nmo longer connected to the escapement as originally intended, the entire movement will require complete service, overhaul and repair. Case is in distressed condition with losses to both front and rear doors, ebonising heavily rubbed, finials loose, mounts dirty, old, cracks, scuffs and scratches throughout, lower left moulding loose, front left foot loose. With pendulum but no case keys or winder.

Provenance:
Possibly Sir Nicholas Bayly, 2nd Baronet (1709–1782) or his son, Henry Paget, 1st Earl of Uxbridge (1744–1812).