EARDLEY NORTON

• the three train chain-fusee movement with six knopped pillars, verge escapement, bell striking and playing one of six tunes on a nest of eight bells with eight hammers, the backplate engraved with rococo leaf scrolls • 3½" enamel dial signed Eardley Norton, London, Roman numerals with outer track for Arabic 60-minutes, set on surround decorated with enameled flowers, flanked by subsidiary dials for chime/not chime and tune selection, hour striking and music activated by means of two pulls • the ebonized arch moulded case with later top, gilt swags to each corner, standing on four gilt scroll-form feet • dial and movement signed

The movement does strike and chime the quarters. The pendulum is currently detached and the movement is not currently running. It should be cleaned and overhauled. The time cannot function as the substitute back verge pivot has been broken off, but is present. The original knife-edge ensemble working in a V-block, as well as its apron, are missing. The striking fly, fan blades to control the speed of the bells, and two of the movement straps are replacements. The lowest of the bells has been is cracked and has been repaired but the music plays despite the repairs. The hammers have been repaired. The pendulum hook is missing and one movement bracket is missing. The dial has some hairlines as well as a chip at 3 o'clock. The hour and minute hands have both been replaced, probably circa 1830 and are incongruous with the style. The subsidiary hands appear original. It appears as if the clock should have had finials on the corners that are now lacking. The hood is a later replacement and in order to have the music audible, a pierced hood more like the original will need to be constructed.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Eardley Norton, a maker of great repute, was Free of the Clockmakers' Company from 1770-1794.