Description

William Comyns & Sons Tortoiseshell and Silver Pique Clock 

From our accessories collection, we are pleased to offer this beautiful Silver and tortoiseshell pique carriage clock. The carriage clock is of typical form with a rectangular clock featuring a tortoiseshell body with a silver mounting and silver inlaid pique work to the face. The clock is fitted with a white enamel dial with blue numbers and blue steel-cut hands signed ‘James Atchison to the King Edinburgh’. The shaped handle with sterling silver hallmarks for William Comyns & Sons London. The rear door is solid silver with further hallmarks and when opened reveals the fully serviced French movement within. The clock stands upon four silver bun feet elevating it off the ground and is also hallmarked to the base with the registration number A1638 and date letter O for 1909, William Comyns and Sons, London.

William Comyns were a London based silversmith (1858 -1930). The firm was founded by William Comyns who bought Robert Tagg in 1858. He entered his first mark from the original Robert Tagg premises in Soho, London. As the business expanded in 1885 they became William Comyns & Son when his two sons Charles and Richard joined the business. From the 1880s they produced large numbers of silver decorative items which were retailed through leading London retailers, such as Henry Lewis and Howell & James. William Comyns died in 1916, and his son Charles died in 1925 whilst at a sale at Christie’s. They registered as a limited company in 1930 as William Comyns & Sons Ltd with the remaining son, Richard, registered as the permanent governing director. When Richard died in 1953, the company was bought by Bernard Copping. They are now one of the few remaining manufacturing silversmiths in London with premises in London WC2.

“Tortoiseshell” describes a type of decorative material made from the shells of certain species of sea turtles. The shells of these turtles are composed of a hard, glossy substance called keratin, which can be cut and shaped into a variety of decorative items. Tortoiseshell has been used for centuries to make a range of decorative objects, including combs, brush handles, and other small items. It is also sometimes used to make tea caddies, as it is strong, durable, and can be polished to a high shine. The term “tortoiseshell” is used to describe these decorative items, even though they are made from the shells of sea turtles because the term has been used historically to refer to this material.

If you are purchasing Tortoiseshell or Ivory pieces and are outside the UK 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 30 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.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information