A fine mid 19th century mahogany floor-standing regulator,…
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A fine mid 19th century mahogany floor-standing regulator, Henry Frodsham, Liverpool, the tapering case surmounted by a ball finial and anthemion carved ear pieces, with glazed front door on a panel base, the 12 inch signed silvered circular dial with outer band for minutes enclosing subsidiaries for hours and running seconds with Observatory marks, the weight driven movement protected by three shaped brass covers secured with a total of nineteen screws, the substantial arched plates United with six heavy turned brass pillars screwed at both ends, with all wheels of six crossings and set in adjustable ends, tops, with high count pinions, maintaining power and deadbeat escapement with shaped pallet arm and jewelled pallets, the long steel crutch with screw micrometer beat regulation to the top, the mercury pendulum suspended from a heavy brass bracket mounted on the backboard with further screw adjustment 2.16m
mahogany. Mahogany is a dense, close grained red-coloured timber from the West Indies and Central America. It was first imported into Europe in the the early 18th century and its use continued through the 19th century. It was popular for furniture making because of its strength, the wide boards available, the distinctive grain on some boards, termed flame mahogany and the rich warm colour of the timber when it was polished.. The "flame" was produced where a limb grew out from the trunk of the tree, and this timber was usually sliced into veneers for feature panels on doors, backs and cornices.
Some terms used to describe mahogany relate to the country from which it originally came, such as "Cuban" mahogany, "Honduras" mahogany etc. However unless the wood has been tested the names assigned are more a selling feature, rather than a true indication of the timber's origin.
anthemion. A calissical decorative motif used in the decoration of ceramics, silver, textiles and furniture, based loosely on the acanthus leaf and sometimes used with the palmette, from which it is often difficult to distinguish. The form of the palmette varies from ornate to simplistic.
finial. An architectural decoration, found on the upper parts of of an object. On furniture they are usually found on pediments, canopies and shelf supports. On smaller ceramic or silver items they may decorate the top of the item itself, or the lid or cover where they provide a useful handle for removal.
Finials follow a variety of forms. They may be urn-shaped, baluster shaped round or spiral, but usually taper into an upper point. Many real life shapes may also be used as finials, such as pineapples, berries, pinecones, buds, lotus and acorns. Sometimes animals such as a lion are depicted, or fish and dolphins.
The buyers premium is an additional percentage charge on the hammer price of the item, imposed by the auction house to cover administrative costs. The buyers premium percentage varies between auction houses, with a range of 12.5% to 22%.
