Alistair is a substantial old London-retail mantel clock with plenty of presence. His warm mahogany case, carved detailing and signed Bravingtons dial give him a distinctly smart interwar character, while the traditional two-train movement provides a pleasing gong strike on the hour and half-hour. Fully stripped, serviced, regulated and tested, he’s back in proper working order and looking every bit as respectable as his London pedigree suggests.
A particularly handsome and substantial antique mantel clock, retailed by the renowned London jewellers and clock retailers Bravingtons Ltd. Dating from approximately the 1920s–1930s, this is a considerably more impressive clock than the relatively plain mass-produced mantel clocks commonly encountered from this period, combining a large, beautifully shaped mahogany case with carved detailing, a signed silvered dial and a traditional striking mechanical movement. The clock has now received a full mechanical service and is offered in running order, complete with its pendulum and winding key.
Bravingtons Ltd, London
A Celebrated London Retailer
The original dial is signed "Bravingtons Ltd, London". Bravingtons was one of interwar London's best-known jewellers, watchmakers and clock retailers, with its flagship "chief store" standing two doors from King's Cross station and further branches across the capital, including Pentonville Road, Ludgate Hill, the Strand and Charing Cross. Trading on a scale closer to a department store than a single shop, Bravingtons supplied fine jewellery, silverware, watches and clocks to generations of Londoners, and by the 1930s could rightly claim a heritage stretching back over a century.
As was common among prestigious British retailers of the period, Bravingtons selected clocks and movements from specialist manufacturers and sold them under its own respected name. The signature on the dial therefore adds considerably more historical and decorative interest than is found on an anonymous mantel clock, a genuine piece of London's retail history rather than a name alone.
Mahogany Case
The clock is housed in an elegant architectural mahogany case with a broad rounded top and gracefully sweeping sides. The front stands upon a substantial stepped plinth decorated with a deeply carved repeating fan or scallop border. The rich reddish-brown timber, polished curved surfaces and dark carved moulding give the clock genuine presence without making it excessively ornate. At approximately 36 cm wide, it is a substantial decorative piece that will sit comfortably on a mantelpiece, sideboard or larger shelf. The front is fitted with a hinged brass bezel and convex glass, allowing convenient access to the dial and winding squares.
Dial and Hands
The original silvered metal dial has bold black Arabic numerals, an outer minute track and elegant black steel hands. The Bravingtons Ltd retail signature remains visible beneath 12 o'clock. The dial has deliberately been retained in its authentic condition rather than being aggressively refinished or replaced, its wear forming an honest part of the clock's history and contrasting attractively with the warm mahogany case. Please see the photographs for a close view of the dial.
Mechanical Movement & Gong Strike
Behind the dial is a traditional eight-day, two-train mechanical movement, wound through the two apertures in the dial.
- The right-hand winding square powers the timekeeping train
- The left-hand winding square powers the striking train
- The clock strikes the number of hours on a substantial coiled gong
- A single strike marks each half-hour
The gong produces a pleasing, resonant tone that suits the clock's generous proportions. A rear door provides access to the movement, gong, pendulum and regulation control.
Full Mechanical Service
The movement has been removed from the case and fully dismantled so that every component could be properly attended to.
- Complete dismantling of the movement
- Removal of accumulated dirt and degraded old lubricant
- Cleaning of the movement plates, wheels, pinions and associated components
- Inspection of the pivots, bearings and operating levers
- Mainsprings lubricated with Novostar oil
- Pivots lubricated with synthetic clock oil
- Checking and adjustment of the strike sequence
- Reinstallation, regulation and testing within the case
The clock is now running well and striking correctly at the time of listing.
Condition
The mahogany case presents extremely well overall, with a rich colour and attractive polished finish, retaining minor scratches, small knocks, edge wear and variations consistent with its considerable age. The original silvered dial has age-related cosmetic wear, including rubbing, staining and scratches, clearly shown in the photographs. The brass bezel retains some natural age-related marking and tarnishing; the convex glass is intact, the front bezel opens correctly and the rear door remains present and functional. As an antique clock, it should not be expected to have the flawless finish of a modern reproduction; its surviving marks and mellowed surfaces are part of its genuine period character. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
Approximate Dimensions
| Height | 23 cm (9 in) |
| Width | 36 cm (14.2 in) |
| Depth | 13 cm (5.1 in) |
Included
- Bravingtons Ltd mantel clock
- Pendulum
- Correctly fitting winding key
- Simple setup and regulation instructions
Delivery
The pendulum will be removed and packed separately within the parcel to protect the movement during transit. The clock will be carefully packaged with particular attention paid to the glass, bezel, case and movement.