English Fusee Drop Dial Timepiece by James Collins & Son

We offer for consideration, this excellent fusee drop dial timepiece by James Collins & Son of Stratford, London. The clock is in superb condition and good working order, having been professionally restored and serviced. Collins was born in 1821 and is recorded as being a silversmith, watch and clockmaker, working from 46 Martin Street, Stratford. From the outset, Collins specialised in designing and making much sought after pocket watches with cases made under his own silversmiths’ hallmark. However, from about 1870, Collins also started to produce high quality clocks, having been joined in business by his son William, born 1849, who had served his horological apprenticeship under his father. • Wonderfully hand-crafted cabinet work with solid Mahogany turned roundhead face over drop box. Case embellishment includes a shaped and glazed front visible pendulum aperture and its original hand-carved Acanthus designed side-ears. • Two hinged inspection doors one on the side of the case. • Hinged operable lockable regulator door located at the bottom of the box. • Original metal dial with black painted Roman numerals and Collins details (with number “950”, relating to the clocks movement serial number). • Original pair of blued spade hands secured with a pinned collet. • Thick convex glaze mounted in a solid brass bezel. • Quality 8-day single fusee driven movement numbered “950” and trade marked, with rectangular plates and turned pillars. • Comes with its original brass pendulum rod and bob, with door and brass winding keys. In c1872, the family business formally changed its operating name to “J. Collins & Son” moving to larger premises at 55 Martin Street, Stratford in the process, from where this clock would have been designed and made. (NB: Martin Street existed until c2006, when as part of the London 2012 Olympic site clearance plans, it was lost to history!) A fine late Victorian example of quality English clockmaking engineering! A fine late Victorian example of quality English clockmaking engineering!