Restored! RARE 1950 Elliott London Chinoiserie Painted Lacquer 8-Day Shelf Clock
(LONDON) CHINOISERIE LACQUER, GILT & SILVER LEAF SHELF CLOCK. Another prize specimen from my personal collection of historic British, French and Swiss clocks. Time has come for these horological gems to find good new homes. Operating sales showrooms and service facilities in the Chicago suburbs during the 1970s, I was proud to offer a wide selection of prestigious Elliott clocks. That's Doug gracing cover of The Naperville Sun newspaper fifty years ago.
During the late 19th century through the entire 20th century, two generations of the Elliott family produced premier quality traditional clock movements. Cases were bench-crafted at the Croydon facility.
This handsome clock was painstakingly decorated. By a highly accomplished artist working in a technically demanding medium. Is the only Elliott clock I've encountered with handpainted dial coordinating with the case. The robust three-pillar movement (backstamp dated 1950) is a pre-war Imperial design.It is fitted with a rarely encountered Smiths ABEC 7-jewel platform escapement. NOTE: In late March of 2024, I completely disassembled, ultrasonically cleaned and rinsed the movement in waterless solutions, checked for wear, polished scored contrate wheel pivots, installed a bushing, reassembled and lubricated with high-grade Swiss oils. Mainspring was removed from the barrel, cleaned and greased. The platform was disassembled with cap jewels removed, ultrasonically and hand cleaned, reassembled and lubricated with Moebius oils. Hands, dial, bezel and crystal were cleaned.
The case was sensitively cleaned and polished with Briwax. Meticulous restoration should provide reliable operation for years and preserve aesthetics. Please review descriptive information and study the photographs for details. I'm available to answer any questions or concerns.
Member since 1971 - National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.