William Tanner of Islington Crystal Palace Exhibition Polyhorion Clock

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William Tanner of Islington Crystal Palace Exhibition Polyhorion Clock

A superb and quite rare William Tanner of Islington "polyhorion" clock, with four dials on the clock face, to show four different time zones. The clock face reads, William Tanner, Islington, Sole Inventor, Proprietor. This was exhibited at the Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1851 to great acclaim and interest, and is specifically mentioned in Grace's Guide to British Industrial History. Accompanying the clock is its bronze medal for the Crystal Palace Exhibit, engraved around the rim, "United Kingdom. Class 10. No. 28." The medal bears the rather high relief bust of Prince Albert on the obverse surrounded by the words, "H.R.H. Prince Albert President of the Royal Commission." The name of the medal's designer, W.Wyon of the Royal Academy is in tiny raised letters at the base of the bust. The reverse has a globe surmounted by a dove, surrounded by a laurel wreath and the words, Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, MDCCCCLI. Also with the group is a type plate showing the clock, and the winding key. The clock is large and extremely handsome with a brass face with a main dial for "local" time, and three other dials that can be set to reflect different time zones. The case is superb, with gothic style decoration, including three gothic spires on the front. It is made to sit on its large and ornate wall mount of matching design, consisting of two elements: the main wall mounting support, and a screen that wraps around the sides of the clock itself. All of the wood appears to be mahogany, and is beautifully finished. Dimensions: Clock: 31"h x 21"w x 11"d Base: 21"h x 28"w 16"d Processing and shipping within the continental U.S. $300.00 plus 1.5% replacement cost insurance.

Condition:

Excellent outer condition. It is not known whether the clock is currently working.

The medal is EF+. The type plate is excellent. The key has a wooden part that is chipped.

Witherell's strives to provide as much information and photographs as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Condition statements are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Witherell's. All lots are sold "AS IS" under terms and conditions. Please be advised

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Estimate: $1,000 - $2,500

Price Realized Including Buyer's Premium

$3,220

03/05/2023

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Witherell strives to provide as much information and photographs as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Condition statements are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Witherell. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms and Conditions. Methods of payment are cash, check, money orders, or wire transfer for foreign payments. Please note we do not accept credit cards. This auction has a buyer's premium of 15%.

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William Tanner of Islington Crystal Palace Exhibition Polyhorion Clock