Heart-Shaped Silver Desk Clock in Fitted Case from Elkington & Co., 1890

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Embossed with deep repoussé foliate scrolls and naturalistic blossom heads, the substantial silver mount forms a pronounced heart shape. Its … Read more Embossed with deep repoussé foliate scrolls and naturalistic blossom heads, the substantial silver mount forms a pronounced heart shape. Its exterior perimeter is finished with a scalloped, fluted rim that catches the light around the contours. An inner row of raised beading delineates the main silver repoussé border from a smooth inner heart-shaped mount, which is accented by an applied gilded inner slip framing the central dial. The overall front panel measures 10.7 cm wide by 10.2 cm high. The circular white enamel dial features crisp black roman hour numerals bordered by a slender minute ring, swept by delicate blued steel hands. At its heart is a compact swiss going-barrel pocket-watch style movement, designed for winding and hand-setting with a dedicated watch key via apertures at the rear. The movement dust cap or plate is cleanly stamped ""swiss make"" with two winding arbors positioned vertically. On the reverse, the silver face is secured against a shaped timber backboard by four threaded bolts with circular retaining nuts. A heavy circular silver bezel protects the movement housing, fitted with an arched silver wire easel strut that hinges downward to support the clock on a dressing table or desk. This silver bezel is struck with clear english hallmarks for birmingham in 1890, alongside the ""e.l"" maker's mark in a rectangle for elkington & co. The clock is preserved alongside its bespoke octagonal travelling box, finished in fine-grain black morocco leather with a brass hook fastening. The two panelled front doors swing open to reveal a tailored interior cushioned in rich midnight-blue velvet, complemented by ruched blue silk linings to the door recesses bearing the maker's gilt elkington stamp. The movement is reported to be in full working order. See less