Description
A fine early 19th Century English quarter repeating cylinder by Vulliamy in a gold open face case. Full plate gilt keywind fusee movement, blue steel ratchet on the barrel bridge. Engraved cock with diamond endstone, plain three arm steel balance with blue steel spiral hairspring, gilt regulator below, index engraved on the plate.. Polished steel cylinder, large steel escape wheel, pivots with endstones. Push pendant quarter repeating on two polished steel gongs. Signed Silver engine turned dial signed either side of twelve, Roman numerals, very fine blue steel hands with pierced heart shaped tips. Substantial plain 18 carat rose gold open face case with ribbed middle, gold push pendant. Wound through the plain gold cuvette which is pierced for the table of the cock, maker’s mark”FH”.
In excellent overall condition. A good example of Vulliamy's work with alphabetic numbering and retaining their elegant form of hands. Vulliamy were an eminent family of watch and clockmakers. Justin Vulliamy was born in France in 1712. He briefly worked in France before going into partnership with Benjamin Gray in 1743. He married Gray's daughter, Mary, in 1746. After Benjamin Gray died in 1764 Justin Vulliamy continued the business in Pall Mall. His eldest son Benjamin Vulliamy was awarded the Royal warrant as King's clockmaker and continued the business after the death of his father in 1797. He was joined shortly afterwards by his son, Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy. The partners often met with King George III supplying many clocks and watches to Royal Palaces and government offices. A number of examples can be seen at St James Palace adjacent to their premises in Pall Mall. Vulliamy retained the Royal Warrant into Queen Victoria's reign until 1854 when Benjamin Lewis passed away. Casemaker Frederick Humbert, 21 Hyde Street, Bloomsbury.
