Charles Clay A magnificent pair-cased London Rococo half quarter repeating coach clock of museum quality, with alarm Movm. No. 1135, Dimensions 122 mm, circa 1730, Weight 1250 g, Origin English Case: outer case - silver, leather covered with decoration studs. Inner case - silver, pierced, very finely chased ornaments, string for repetition with filigree ball-shaped bob. Dial: silver, Champlevé, central alarm disc, finely cut blued hands. Movm.: full plate movement, chain/fusee, 2 barrels engraved with geometrical pattern, 3 hammers/1 bell, verge escapement, three-arm steel balance. The heavy silver case is decorated with marvellously chased rocailles, volutes and acanthus; the case is openworked to emphasise the beautiful sound of the strike. The movement is likewise lavishly decorated with baroque-style pillars, applied scrolls and a hunting scene. The balance cock is intricately ornamented with engraved mascaron, birds of prey and flowers; the barrels are embellished with geometric patterns and the edges of the movement with floral chasings. This timepiece is described in Lukas Stolberg’s book "Die Kutschenuhr" (the carriage clock), Munich 1993, pages 120-121. Watchmaker Charles Clay was a native of Emley near Huddersfield in Yorkshire. Clay applied for a patent for a repeating, musical watch in February 1716; however, Daniel Quare disputed this patent and while the Attorney General made his decision in favour of Charles Clay, the Clockmaker’s company strongly supported Quare’s claim – Quare was a renowned maker and former Master of the Company. Clay’s patent application was finally dismissed after a year. In 1720 Clay established his workshop near St. Mary-Le Strand in London and in 1723 he was appointed clockmaker to His Majesty’s Board of works. He held the position at least until 1737; Clay presumably died sometime in 1739 – his will is dated January 18, 1739. Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movm.: very good, capable of running. Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movm.: very good, capable of running.