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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Carriage clock

Hunt & Roskell engraved carriage clock

Partially verified

This miniature carriage or mantel clock measures approximately 14 cm in height and features an engraved gilt-brass rectangular case. According to the owner, it was originally purchased by Thomas Bazley and is signed Hunt & Roskill. The movement reportedly incorporates an adapted watch mechanism featuring a duplex escapement, an eight-day fusee, and a minute-repeating complication. The dial features an elaborately engraved floral and foliate mask surrounding a chapter ring with Roman numerals and an engraved central medallion. Discussion on the NAWCC forums notes stylistic similarities to works by Thomas Cole.

Front view of the gilt-brass clock showing the engraved floral dial, Roman numeral chapter ring, and case finials
Front view of the gilt-brass clock showing the engraved floral dial, Roman numeral chapter ring, and case finials — HenryClocks / NAWCC Forums. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
mb.nawcc.org
Category
Clock · Carriage clock
Maker / attribution
Hunt & Roskell
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
United Kingdom

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Architecture and Exterior Decoration

The clock is housed in an upright rectangular gilt-metal case measuring approximately 14 cm in height according to the poster. Visual inspection confirms turned ball finials along the top and turned columnar feet at the base, framing an elaborately engraved foliate and floral dial mask.

A push-piece or button is situated centrally on the top rail of the case. While the poster observes that the case design looks typical of Thomas Cole, attribution to Cole is stylistic and not confirmed by any signature recorded in the source text.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rectangular gilt-metal case featuring ball finials and turned columnar feet.”
  • “Push-piece or button situated at the center of the top case rail.”
  • “The case looks to be very typical of Thomas Cole, 14cms tall”

Reported Movement and Complications

The movement is not visible in the provided photograph, but the poster reports that it comprises an adapted watch mechanism featuring a duplex escapement and a minute repeater linked to an 8-day fusée.

The mechanism has undergone substantial reported repair and restoration. According to the owner, the quarter and minute repeater racks were missing when acquired and were recreated by the late Alan Bennett, who also rebuilt the duplex escapement wheel; a subsequent repair was later completed by Seth Kennedy.

Evidence for this section
  • “works comprise an adapted watch mechanism with duplex escapement and minute repeater linked to an 8 day fusée.”
  • “When it came to me, the quarter and minute repeater racks were missing but the late Alan Bennett was able to recreate these and rebuild the duplex escapement wheel.”
  • “I am indebted to Seth Kennedy for the recent successful repair.”

Dial Configuration and Visual Presentation

Direct observation of the front shows an elaborately engraved foliate and floral dial mask framing a silvered chapter ring with black Roman numerals. A central circular medallion is also visible within the chapter ring.

The dial displays blued-steel hands with Breguet or spade tips pointing near the twelve and six o'clock positions. In the forum discussion, another member queried whether the dial was engraved or produced via electrotype.

Evidence for this section
  • “Elaborately engraved foliate and floral dial mask framing a silvered chapter ring with black Roman numerals.”
  • “Breguet or spade-tipped blued-steel hands pointing vertically near the twelve and six o'clock positions.”
  • “Is the dial engraved or electrotype?”

Provenance and Attribution Discussion

The poster states that the clock is signed "Hunt & Roskill" and was originally purchased by their great-grandfather, Thomas Bazley. It was later reported stolen, registered with the Art Loss Register, and recovered 23 years later after being withdrawn from a Bonhams auction.

Attribution to Thomas Cole remains speculative and unconfirmed in the thread. A respondent noted that Cole made clocks in this style and utilized watch movements, and that Hunt & Roskell sold clocks by the Cole brothers, but stated that whether it is by Cole cannot be determined with certainty from the initial evidence.

Evidence for this section
  • “inherited a clock originally purchased by my great grandfather Thomas Bazley which is signed Hunt & Roskill.”
  • “logged with the Art Loss Register and recovered 23 years later having been withdrawn from a Bonhams sale.”
  • “As to whether it is by Thomas Cole, I don't know that anyone, for now at least, can say for sure.”

Open research questions

  • Are there any Cole serial numbers, workshop marks, or maker stamps concealed on the movement plates or inside the case?
  • Does the dial mask exhibit hand-engraving or electrotype manufacture upon close physical inspection?
  • Can the clock be matched to Hunt & Roskell ledgers or sales records using an internal serial number?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Hunt & Roskell engraved carriage clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Retailer SignatureHunt & Roskell“signed Hunt & Roskill”
Height14 cm“14cms tall”
EscapementDuplex escapement“duplex escapement”
Drive8-day fusée“8 day fusée”
ComplicationMinute repeater“minute repeater”
Original PurchaserThomas Bazley“originally purchased by my great grandfather Thomas Bazley”
Retailer Signature ReportedHunt & Roskill“signed Hunt & Roskill”

Visible details

  • Rectangular gilt-metal case featuring ball finials and turned columnar feet.
  • Elaborately engraved foliate and floral dial mask framing a silvered chapter ring with black Roman numerals.
  • Breguet or spade-tipped blued-steel hands pointing vertically near the twelve and six o'clock positions.
  • Push-piece or button situated at the center of the top case rail.

Research qualifications

  • Attribution to Thomas Cole is traditional and stylistic, not verified by a Cole signature in the text.
  • Movement is obscured inside the case and not visible in the provided photo.
  • The poster reports replacement of missing repeater racks and repair of the duplex escapement wheel.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Clock by Thomas Cole?? | NAWCC Forums

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3ed8e4a012

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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