The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.


CASE: The case mounts and feet are unusual and possibly later.
DIAL: The main chapter ring is thicker than the subsidiary rings. It is probably later and a slightly poor fit as it covers the ringed winding apertures and the lower part of the date window. The chapter ring has a large plugged hole at one o’clock which corresponds with a vacant hole in the dial plate. The original chapter ring may have had the original makers’ name and place, the rear of the ‘T. Tompion’ signature is ‘bumped up’. The mechanism behind the two lower subsidiary dials has been removed. The tip of the hour hand has been replaced.
MOVEMENT: The movement has been converted from verge escapement to recoil anchor escapement. All of the pull repeat mechanism and alarm work has been removed, together with one pillar. The front plate has numerous vacant and plugged holes. It also has one very large plugged hole 23 mm. diameter. It has 6 pillars, 5 latched, one pinned and one complete pillar missing. The current rise and fall mechanism is later. The backplate has numerous plugged holes (red brass). The seatboard has been cut for the later pendulum, this gap is where the bracket would have been to secure the movement. Interestingly underneath the case is a pulley for the pull repeat cord. Two pillars have marks from the chains when they have become unhooked or broken.
Please note Christie's do not guarantee the working condition, duration or timekeeping of clocks offered for sale. Further detailed images are available upon request from the department.