Hexagonal table clock by Johann Schmidtbaur

A striking and chiming hexagonal table clock by Johann Schmidtbaur, Bamberg, Germany, early 18th century. Outer wooden case with marquetry panels and gilt brass decorative escutchions. Padded internally with fabric. Inner case made of gilt-brass, the sides of which are glazed in silvered frames. Silvered caryatid figures positioned at each corner, and case feet designed as lions and pine cones. Brass dial with engraved and matted centre, dial winding, engraved border and applied silvered chapter ring. Two pierced steel hands. Movement with three trains, verge escapement, pierced balance bridge and a single bell with three hammers, the heads of which are engraved. Engraved border to top plate with pierced plaque around the regulating dial, engraved with 'SPAD and FRV'. Signed 'Johann Schmidtbaur bamberg'.

Originally part of the collection of the Reverend Henry Nelthropp, later donated by Nelthropp to the museum of Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. Clockmakers' Museum No. 591