Description
For your consideration I present this truly unique piece of horological craftmanship and historical railway importance. This exceptional twin fusee bracket clock is of the very highest quality made by the world-famous James McCabe of London. His clocks rarely come on to the market so this is a significant chance to own a true piece of history. As if this isn”t enough this gorgeous clock was presented by the esteemed Wyndham Raymond Portal, 1st Viscount Portal, GCMG, MVO, DSO, PC to Keith Walter Chamberlain Grand. Mr Grand was the first regional manager of British Railways Western Region, morphing from GWR after nationalisation, and this clock was presented to him by the Viscount who was the last chairman of the Great Western Railway. This clock would have resided in Paddington Station, the location of the head office of the new region, and has its original numbered ivorine plaque under the case.
There are similar examples of this clock on the market from lesser makers at a cheaper price but they are mostly unrestored and as a movement overhaul is £1200 and a case refurbishment £700 as is a dial restoration, this clock represents fantastic value and gives peace of mind.
This gorgeous brass inlaid and mahogany Regency period bracket clock dates from circa 1810 and has just been overhauled, being in fine original condition. The wire-driven eight day movement has shouldered plates and five knopped pillars, the movement striking the hours on a tuneful bell and my three year guarantee comes as standard. The foliate detailing to the backplate and the original exquisite regulated scale pendulum are further examples of the high levels of workmanship applied to all McCabe”s pieces, the backplate also bearing the maker”s name and place of work. There is a strike/silent lever for the hourly strike at the XII position and the all-important original travel-stop is present.
This bracket clock”s beautiful mahogany and brass inlaid case of gothic lancet style stands an impressive 19.25 inches tall and the case is complimented by original brass carrying handles and lined fishscale frets to the sides. Two original working locks are present; one is for the glazed oak back door which is in excellent condition and allows access to the the movement, the secondary lock is for the front cast brass bezel with its original convex glass. The clock stands on beautiful original decorative brass feet and the ebonised framing of the case front is a delightful touch. The eight inch convex dial mounted to a baseplate is in extraordinary condition bearing the maker”s name and place of work and the appearance is complimented by a pair of period hands secured by the original collect and tapered steel pin.
Son of Patrick McCabe, a skilled watchmaker, James McCabe arrived in London in 1775 leaving his birthplace of Lurgan in Ireland. Aged 27 he set up his business in Fleet Street and by 1802 he had relocated his business to 97 Cornhill, Royal Exchange, London. This, according to the renowned 1930”s horological expert Granville Hugh Baillie was the address from which his masterpieces mostly came from. “McCabe’s clockmaking output was signed in three different ways, their highest quality products being signed ‘James McCabe, Royal Exchange, London’…” is the direct quote. His work was commissioned and owned by landmark figures such as Admiral Lord Nelson (for whom he made a watch), President George Washington of America and Alexander I of Russia. Indeed his famed products were exported to luminaries in every corner of the globe. McCabe was an Honorary Freeman and Senior Warden of the Clockmaker’s Company and after his death in 1811 the McCabe family business continued under the guidance of his equally distinguished and expertly trained sons, James, Thomas and Robert McCabe who were reowned and skillful makers in their own right. This dynasty really did produce some of the finest clocks in this period
