Regency Period GWR Provenance Clock – £4,000
For your consideration, I present an exceptional twin fusee bracket clock—a stunning fusion of historical significance and masterful craftsmanship. This remarkable piece, dating from the Regency period (circa 1810), is of the highest quality, created by the world-renowned James McCabe of London. Clocks by McCabe rarely appear on the market, making this a rare opportunity to own a true piece of horological and railway history.
Beyond its prestigious maker, this clock boasts an illustrious provenance. It was presented by Wyndham Raymond Portal, 1st Viscount Portal, GCMG, MVO, DSO, PC—the final chairman of the Great Western Railway (GWR)—to Keith Walter Chamberlain Grand, the first Regional Manager of British Railways Western Region following nationalisation. This clock would have originally resided in Paddington Station, the headquarters of the newly formed region, and still retains its original numbered ivorine plaque beneath the case, further enhancing its authenticity.
A Rare Investment in Timeless Craftsmanship
Comparable examples from lesser makers can be found at lower prices, yet they often require extensive restoration. A full movement overhaul alone costs £1,200, with case and dial restoration adding a further £700 each. This clock has already been expertly overhauled, ensuring both impeccable condition and exceptional value.
Crafted in rich mahogany with brass inlays, this Gothic lancet-style bracket clock stands at an imposing 19.25 inches. It features original brass carrying handles, beautifully lined fishscale frets, and decorative brass feet, all of which add to its undeniable grandeur. Two original working locks secure the glazed oak back door (allowing movement access) and the front cast brass bezel, which retains its original convex glass. The eight-inch convex dial, inscribed with McCabe’s name and location, remains in exquisite condition, complemented by a pair of period hands, held in place with the original collet and tapered steel pin.
Inside, the wire-driven eight-day movement is a true work of art, featuring shouldered plates, five knopped pillars, and a foliate-engraved backplate bearing the McCabe signature. The clock strikes the hours on a richly resonant bell, with a strike/silent lever positioned at XII, and even retains its original travel-stop—a crucial feature for a timepiece of this pedigree. Additionally, the original precision-regulated scale pendulum further showcases the meticulous craftsmanship that defines McCabe’s work.
The Legacy of James McCabe
Born in Lurgan, Ireland, James McCabe moved to London in 1775 and soon established himself as a leading clockmaker. By 1802, his workshop at 97 Cornhill, Royal Exchange, London became the birthplace of his finest works, a fact noted by horological expert Granville Hugh Baillie. His timepieces were highly sought after, owned by Admiral Lord Nelson, President George Washington, and Tsar Alexander I of Russia, among other historical figures. McCabe was a Senior Warden of the Clockmakers’ Company, and after his death in 1811, his legacy was carried forward by his equally talented sons, James, Thomas, and Robert McCabe.
This clock embodies both the pinnacle of Regency-era clockmaking and a tangible connection to Britain’s railway heritage. A rare and desirable collector’s piece, it represents an investment in both history and craftsmanship.
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