Thyar Pitt. A London three-panel Bracket clock. 225040.

This is a handsome London bracket (or table clock) made by Thyar Pitt of London circa 1790.

Brian Loomes lists Thyar Pitt in his book Watchmakers & Clockmakers of the World. He operated a shop in London between 1770 and 1794. He was a member of the Clockmaker Company from 1787 to 1796 and died in 1811.

Clocks, musical clocks, and watches are known.

The bracket clock form was designed to be placed on tables, chests of drawers, or other suitable furniture. Many examples were costly, exceeding the price of a tall case clock. These clocks have spring-driven movements that incorporate a fusee in the train. The fusee maintains the spring's power delivery evenly throughout the run. These components were costly to make and required specialized skills.

This fine example is a smaller size, measuring 17 inches in height with the handle in the upright position. The mahogany-constructed hardwood case retains an older surface that has been beautifully cleaned and waxed. The case is on four cast brass ogee-shaped feet, mounted under the base molding. The tombstone-shaped door is lined with a brass framing, and rectangular-shaped openings on each side of the case are fitted with brass-relieved fish-scale screens, backed in red silk. The front and back doors are equipped with glass panels, and the top of the case features three applied mahogany panels, trimmed in brass. A brass carrying handle is mounted to the center panel, adding a unique touch to this clock. The front door opens to access the clock dial.

The arched-shaped dial is brass and is constructed from a brass sheet fitted with several decorative elements. The four cast rococo-style brass corner spandrels are applied to the dial and frame enamel insert. This enamel circle measures inches in diameter. A dotted minute ring structures the Arabic hour numerals, which are presented in a tumbled fashion. This design contrasts the dial and the black steel arrow-themed hour and minute hands. Minor chips in the enamel are present around the winding squares. Additional cast spandrels are located in the arch of the dial. These are also used to frame the dual-purpose dial situated there. Here, the clockmaker signs the dial, "THYAR / PITT." This dial is also used as a "STRIKE / SILENT" selector. You can move the centrally mounted hand to the desired position. When silent is selected, the clock will not strike the hour.

The rear door provides access to the mechanism. The two large, brass plates are supported by four turned posts. The rear plate is decorated with floral engravings. The plates support the hardened steel shafts and fitted brass gearing. This is a two-train or time-and-strike design. It strikes the hour on a bell mounted on a stand and positioned above the works. The escapement is a recoil. The trains incorporate fusee cones, which help equalize the power of the two robust coil drive springs.

This clock, made circa 1790, is in excellent condition considering its age. It stands approximately 1 inch tall, with the handle in the upright position. When measured at the feet, it is inches wide and inches deep.

Inventory number 225040.