Lot 567
LARGE ARNOLD & DENT GILT BRONZE MANTEL CLOCK
CIRCA 1835
Fine Furniture and Works of Art
Auction: 31 January 2018 at 10:00 GMT
Description
the signed circular engine-turned dial with a Roman number chapter and subsidiary 'FAST/SLOW' dial, set in a waisted rococo style case with acanthus scrolls, floral garlands, and a classical mask, surmounted by the figures of Chronos and Ananke; the movement inscribed 'Arnold & Dent London/ 524'
Dimensions
61.5cm high
Footnote
Note: The partnership of Edward J. Dent and John Roger Arnold began in 1830 and lasted ten years. The firm specialised in chronometers and precise clocks and other instruments, and counted amongst their clientele prestigious civic, maritime and scientific organisations. Both Dent and Arnold were prominent clockmakers in London in their own rights prior to the partnership, with a history of important commissions and innovations between them. Dent started trading in 1814, fulfilling important commissions for the Standard Clock at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich and the Great Clock for the Houses of Parliament, known as 'Big Ben'. In 1830 he supplied a marine chronometer to the Beagle, used during Darwin's voyage while researching 'Origin of the Species'. Arnold served as apprentice to his father, a noted 18th century horologist, and to Abraham Louis Breguet, eventually taking over his father's business in 1799. In 1817 he became Master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. Clocks produced during the decade long union of Arnold and Dent are of extremely high quality.