There is a James Smith listed in Loomes operating in King's Lynn in 1774. He is listed as a watchmaker and silversmith in the High Street. The dial is signed at the bottom and the town is shown as Lynn without the Royal attribution. The timing fits and the name of the town has varied over the years, albeit to this day locals still refer to the town as Lynn. In the 12th century the town was known as Bishop's Lynn forming part of the Manor of the Bishop of Norwich until 1538 when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries whereupon the town became Royal property.

Movement has four turned pillars the lower two being drilled to lock the movement to the seat board. The plates are rectangular holding a four-wheel train with an anchor escapement. The winding barrel is small and the weight heavier than normal. The pendulum is of medium length with a flat rod and a brass covered bob. The hour wheel is internally lead counter-weighted. The rear of the dial has been hand shaved to allow the motion work to show through the dial, an indicator that this movement probably did not start life with this case. However the patina of the shaving is identical to the rest of the dial board so it is not possible to be certain. The unused holes in the front plate are also an indicator.The movement runs the full 8 days.

Shield dial secured with pegs to the case with two original hinged side access doors. The case is all original including the curved base moulding

Lacquer work has undergone conservation with gilding lacquer and polish. The door chinoiserie is original with minor re-touching.

Hands were very crude hand cut brass, almost industrial so new hands have been cut.

H58in, W30.5in

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VENDOR: TAVERNICUS

GUARANTEE: Case ( Restored ) as seen, movement 1 year

PRICE £ 16000                             Enquire