A fine small William and Mary table clock.

The ebony veneered case with well pierced basket top; pierced silk-backed side frets with oval centres; chased carrying handle and four finials of elaborate form. The 7 inch square dial with finely matted centre and ringed winding holes, mock pendulum and calendar apertures and cherub head spandrels. The silvered chapter ring signed John Shaw, Holborne with elaborated fleur-de-lys half hour divisions, Roman numerals and pierced blued steel hands. The substantial five pillar rack striking movement; leaf scroll engraved back plate signed by the maker with brass clicks and elaborate spring; knife-edge verge escapement with bob pendulum and pierced and engraved back cock. The hours sounding on a bell with strike/silent lever; the pull repeat work mounted under the dial sounding the quarters on four bells.

Case height: 13 ½ inches (34cms).

Note: John Shaw was apprenticed in 1672 to Thomas Taylor of Holborn and was free of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1682 and Master in 1712.