Mid 19th Century French Porcelain Mounted Ormolu Mantel Clock

This beautiful clock, which was retailed by Howell James and Co, has a gilt demi-lune case decorated with fruiting vine mouldings, the sides with blue ground ceramic panels decorated with winged putti, the base with a central ceramic cartouche decorated with a basket of grapes and a tambourine, surmounted by two gilded cherubs, one holding a basket of grapes and the second holding a bunch of grapes and a wine goblet. The original gilding is in good order.

 

The 3 inch porcelain dial which is in excellent order, with Roman numerals and minute marks, with gilt scroll hands and marked 'Howell James & Cie, Paris'.

 

The two train spring barrel movement with Brocot type escapement and suspension, with outside countwheel strike on a bell, signed Howell, James et Cie. Also, bears makers medallion.

 

Howell James & Company were a firm of jewellers and silversmiths based in Regent Street in London which operated between 1819 and 1911. Howell and James was founded in 1819 by James Howell and Isaac James who were originally silk mercers and retail jewellers. The company had premises at 5, 7 and 9 Regent Street and was noted for the variety and quality of its stock. In 1838 James left the business and the partnership then became known as Howell James & Co. By 1865 the firm employed over 140 women, most of whom lived above the shop. In 1884 the company became a limited company and their name changed to Howell & James Ltd.