Bonhams 1793 : A rare second quarter of the 19th century English epicyclic skeleton timepiece Brookhouse, Derby. Further signed Wm Strutt Esqr. Invt.

Brookhouse, Derby. Further signed Wm Strutt Esqr. Invt.
The scroll frame united by two pairs of heavy turned pillars of matching form but different diameter, secured to the oval base via a pair of bifurcated brass brackets triple screwed through the lowermost pillars, set with an applied signature plate over a moulded edge and four brass-mounted ball feet, further set on a rosewood oval base on gilt brass ball feet, the skeletonised chapter ring with every minute dotted on the outer ring and patinated 'tumbling' Arabic numerals, with blued steel spear-shaped hands, the single chain fusee movement wound from the rear, with half deadbeat escapement and epicyclic gearing made to a design by William Strutt, comprising an outer annulas ring containing an off set counter balanced planet wheel, engaging with the two central solar wheels via an eight tooth pinion

33cms (12.5ins) high.

Sold for £4,000 inc. premium

Footnotes

Literature: F.B. Royer-Collard in his book "Skeleton Clocks", NAG Press Ltd, 1969, relates that the unusual design of the gearing was based on the epicyclic gears from steam engines, which allowed for simultaneous gearing up of the escape wheel and gearing down of the hour wheel. It is believed that because of the complexity of the design only 20 were made.

A similar example was sold in these rooms June 2011, lot 107.

Joseph and John Brookhouse are recorded as working together in Derby in 1828.

William Strutt worked in Derby as an inventor until his death circa 1830.

Category: Clocks and Watches / Clocks

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