According to Baillie, Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, Volume I, page 178 – Robert Kelham worked in Chelmsford from 1775 to 1794. The dial is signed Chelmsford. The London maker of the same name died in 1762 so clearly not the same man moving from London to Chelmsford. The dial is brass with late rococo style engraving. We think of the transition of brass dials to painted dials being circa 1760’ s-70’ s., therefore we postulate that this clock is one of the makers early examples dating to the 1770’ s period.
Paint decorated clock having an arched top above a glazed door; engraved brass dial with maker’s name, Roman numeral hour markers and Arabic second markers, calendar dates, hemispherical painted harbor scene with sailing ship that moves back and forth with pendulum, weight-driven time-and-strike movement, above case displaying gilt and polychrome painted Chinoiserie scenes of figures and animals in architectural setting, accompanied by weights and pendulum. The movement was operational when we sold this clock some 30 years ago.
The dial signed Robert Kelham, Chelmsford
Measurement: Height: 91"
Item Condition: Good, displays well...Commensurate with age and use.
Price: $4,850
SKU 492-213
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.
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