Antique William Comyns Arts Crafts Sterling Silver Clock Liberty & Co Style
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:18789526 | Material: Sterling Silver |
DESCRIPTIONAntique c. 1901 boudoir clock by the London firm William Comyns & Sons. Constructed of heavy gauge sterling silver, it possesses a graceful Arts & Crafts form with sloping sides and applied arrow shapes on the front and sides. The top has a peaked roof design. The dial itself is also silver with embossed oxidized numerals in an elegant period typeface. The back has apertures for the S/F adjustment, time adjustment, and key. The clock can... be removed from the bottom by unscrewing the brass plate. The crystal is removable from the front as well. An exceptional design, one rarely sees a Comyns clock in the Arts & Crafts style.
MARKSBack is fully hallmarked with WC maker’s mark and London 1901 hallmarks.Movement is made in France.
DIMENSIONSHeight approx. 4”Base approx. 3 1/2” by 3”Weight of the case (excluding crystal, movement, and brass plate) is 214.3g
CONDITIONIn good antique condition, there are a couple of cosmetic faults to note regarding the case: one corner (front left) is slightly turned down and the top surface has been “polished” with some kind of mild abrasive, as seen in the photos. A jeweler can easily buff the top or use successively finer grits of sandpaper to create a proper polished finish by hand (I was tempted to do the latter myself but will just leave it as we found it). A silversmith will be able to straighten the corner. Otherwise, the silver could use some polishing as I only gave it a light cleaning to remove surface grime and there are some spots/tarnish.
The clock is not currently in running condition. When I attempt to wind it with the key, it does not turn. The spring needs to be professionally unwound and the movement a good cleaning, as seen in photos there is accumulated gunk here and there. When I gently tap the balance, it does tick back and forth several times--and looks like it WANTS to tick more--so it is my belief that the movement can be made functional again, but I can’t provide a guarantee. I uploaded a video on YouTube showing this--please search whatisthing clock on YouTube to view.
It came with the metal key shown, I have no way of knowing if it is original but it fits.
Finally, the time can be adjusted with the small stem on the back of the movement. However there should be a small knob attached from the outside so it can be turned without removing the movement. As it is, you can remove the clock and turn the stem with your fingers to change the time.
As you may have guessed from my lengthy description, I have no experience with clocks so I have tried my best to describe everything I have noticed about it. I purchased this for its aesthetic value. Please do not hesitate to request more photos or details.
SHIPPING1st class shipping in the US is always free, and insurance is included for no charge on orders over $200. Please inquire about upgrades and additional services (such as Priority, Express, insurance, signature confirmation, etc.). 1st class shipping outside of the US is a flat rate of $10 for jewelry and smalls. Larger items may be more. Most items cost around $13 to ship but we have factored in a discount for our international customers. Items ship within 1 business day.
MARKSBack is fully hallmarked with WC maker’s mark and London 1901 hallmarks.Movement is made in France.
DIMENSIONSHeight approx. 4”Base approx. 3 1/2” by 3”Weight of the case (excluding crystal, movement, and brass plate) is 214.3g
CONDITIONIn good antique condition, there are a couple of cosmetic faults to note regarding the case: one corner (front left) is slightly turned down and the top surface has been “polished” with some kind of mild abrasive, as seen in the photos. A jeweler can easily buff the top or use successively finer grits of sandpaper to create a proper polished finish by hand (I was tempted to do the latter myself but will just leave it as we found it). A silversmith will be able to straighten the corner. Otherwise, the silver could use some polishing as I only gave it a light cleaning to remove surface grime and there are some spots/tarnish.
The clock is not currently in running condition. When I attempt to wind it with the key, it does not turn. The spring needs to be professionally unwound and the movement a good cleaning, as seen in photos there is accumulated gunk here and there. When I gently tap the balance, it does tick back and forth several times--and looks like it WANTS to tick more--so it is my belief that the movement can be made functional again, but I can’t provide a guarantee. I uploaded a video on YouTube showing this--please search whatisthing clock on YouTube to view.
It came with the metal key shown, I have no way of knowing if it is original but it fits.
Finally, the time can be adjusted with the small stem on the back of the movement. However there should be a small knob attached from the outside so it can be turned without removing the movement. As it is, you can remove the clock and turn the stem with your fingers to change the time.
As you may have guessed from my lengthy description, I have no experience with clocks so I have tried my best to describe everything I have noticed about it. I purchased this for its aesthetic value. Please do not hesitate to request more photos or details.
SHIPPING1st class shipping in the US is always free, and insurance is included for no charge on orders over $200. Please inquire about upgrades and additional services (such as Priority, Express, insurance, signature confirmation, etc.). 1st class shipping outside of the US is a flat rate of $10 for jewelry and smalls. Larger items may be more. Most items cost around $13 to ship but we have factored in a discount for our international customers. Items ship within 1 business day.
