A Musical 9 Tubular Bell Longcase Clock By Tiffany 3 Chimes Glass Trunk Superb
A very special longcase clock by Tiffany. A solid mahogany case with a slender three panelled base standing on ogee feet, canted corners to the base and trunk, carved and canted corners with a raised fretwork design, a glazed trunk door with a beadwork, the sides are unusual, large bevelled glass panels to display the workings - wonderful addition to show the tubular bells and brass work. An arched hood with full turned pillars to either side, a two tier top, the center is filled with the same pattern as the corners, fretwork side panels with a crimson fabric.
This fabric is also to the rear of the case(behind the tubes), quilted and fixed across open sections in the back board to enhance the sound quality - all original. The face consists of a brass back plate with brass spandrels, a 9 1/2 inch silvered brass dial chapter with engraved numerals and outer numbers, an upper dial plate, again in silvered brass with blued steel lever for the musical chime selection, a matted brass center, seconds subsidiary dial with pointer, and a pair of ornate blued steel hands. The movement is German, Peerless 1 Million (serial no 192542) this is a musical weight driven regulator with a choice of chimes - St Michael, Whittington and Westminster, the sound produced on the nine tubular bells is wonderful(video).
The clocks chimes sound each quarter, gradually increasing towards a full chime and strike with the hours - all can be silenced, either no chime or no strike or both silent, the switches are adjacent to numbers 3 and 9. The clock has three quality sequenced brass sleeved weights with brass pendulum bob, adjusted on a polished invar steel rod.The case stands 211cm tall and is 49cm wide and 38cm deep. The condition is very good throughout, the timbers have full colour, face excellent, all glass work is very good, both doors lock with the same key - a truly beautiful piece of craftsmanship in both case work and movement.