Unique and Fine Mid 19th-Century Carriage Clock by Arnold and Dent

Unique and Fine Mid 19th-Century Carriage Clock by Arnold and Dent

An extremely attractive and relatively small nineteenth century carriage clock, signed and numbered on both the dial and the backplate Arnold & Dent LONDON 335, c.1830-40.

The superbly engraved gilt brass case has four slightly tapered columns to the corners, with engraved panels to the sides depicting scroll and foliate motifs. The top and bottom are also embellished with engravings, worked in a manner similar to the side panels. To the back is a plain door with a button to the side and a knob to the centre to facilitate opening, which reveals the backplate signed and numbered Arnold & Dent LONDON 335, together with the square for winding and a knob for setting the hands. At the top is a regulation pin with a calibrated sector and the words ‘Fast’ and ‘Slow’ to direct regulation.

The clock is surmounted by an engraved shaped carrying handle, chased with scrolls to both sides, together with four shaped finials. It rests on four shaped feet.

The circular white enamel dial, surrounded by a smooth bezel, is set within an engraved foliate gilt brass mask. It has a Roman chapter ring with five-minute and minute divisions. The time is indicated by a fine pair of blued steel Breguet hands. The makers have delicately signed the dial above the centre in the following manner: Arnold & Dent LONDON.

The eight-day single chain fusee movement is of excellent quality, with a tailor-made jewelled lever escapement on a platform. The clock retains its original numbered key.

The makers
John Roger Arnold (1769-1843) was the son of the eminent chronometer maker John Arnold. He was apprenticed to his father, who later sent him to the distinguished French maker Abraham-Louis Breguet. From 1830 until 1840 he was partnered with Edward John Dent (1790-1853), a celebrated name in the field of chronometer making who later became clockmaker to the Queen. Together they produced fine quality marine chronometers, mantel clocks and a number of superb carriage clocks, of which the present example is exceptional.