Tortoiseshell Pique Carriage Clock by William Comyns

Description

This William Comyns & Sons tortoiseshell and silver pique clock dates to 1889. The clock is of rectangular form with a tortoiseshell body, repeating silver tulip pique decoration and is fitted with a white enamel dial with blue numbers and blue steel-cut hands.. The shaped carrying handle is fully hallmarked for William Comyns & Sons, London, while the hinged rear door is fitted with a finely crafted silver latch which opens to reveal the fully serviced French movement. The base is hallmarked for William Comyns & Sons, London, carries the registration number 8687 and is dated 1889.

View the full Accessories collection.

Measurements

12.5cm High x 8cm Wide x 7cm Deep (4.92 x 3.15 x 2.76 Inches)

Who was William Comyns? 

William Comyns was a London manufacturing silversmith whose firm operated from the mid nineteenth century through into the twentieth century. Established in 1858 following the acquisition of the Soho workshop of Robert Tagg, the business expanded steadily through a succession of London premises including Beak Street and Marshall Street as production increased during the Victorian period.

By the late nineteenth century the firm traded as William Comyns & Son after William Comyns’ sons joined the business. The company became well known for producing decorative silver retailed through leading London firms including Howell & James and Henry Lewis. Their work included a broad range of ornamental and practical silverwares recognised for consistent quality, fine finish and traditional craftsmanship.

Following incorporation in 1930 as William Comyns & Sons Ltd, the firm continued operating under later ownership and remains one of the few historic London manufacturing silversmiths still trading today.

For more information see our Makers and Retailers profile on William Comyns.

What is Tortoiseshell?

Tortoiseshell is a decorative material historically produced from the shell of the hawksbill sea turtle. The material is composed of keratin, the same natural substance found in horn, and can be heated, shaped and polished to produce a rich translucent surface with mottled tones of amber, brown and dark honey.

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries tortoiseshell was widely used in fine decorative objects including boxes, tea caddies, snuff boxes and dressing table items. The material could be worked as veneer, inlaid with metals or other materials, and polished to a deep glossy finish which enhanced its distinctive colour and pattern.

If you are purchasing Tortoiseshell or Ivory pieces and are outside the E.U. you must have a CITES certificate in order to import the item into your country. We can obtain these on your behalf at a cost of £50 and these can take up to 14 working days to arrive at our office. Due to the strict exporting rules of these pieces, they may also come with further shipping costs. Please ensure you contact us prior to purchase for a quote.

Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques?

With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide.

Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality.

Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades.

When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.

Additional information