A good late 17th century ebony veneered basket top quarter repeating table timepiece
Thomas Cattell, LondonThe elaborate repousse top with stylised 'S' form handle over pierced scrolling foliage and applied masks, flanked by four later finials, the sides applied with a pair of repousse mounts depicting a floral niche, the front door with applied mounts, on a moulded base and button feet, the 6.5 inch square brass dial with winged cherubs head spandrels framing the silvered Roman and Arabic chapter ring with half-quarter marks, blued steel hands and finely matted centre with chamfered and engraved mock pendulum aperture and ringed winding square, the movement with substantial plates united by five knopped pillars, single gut fusee driving a knife edge verge escapement (pierced apron replaced), repeating the hours and the quarters on two bells and hammers, the latter set on a pair of sprung arbors and with brass-weighted linkages. The backplate with single line border enclosing the symmetrical pattern of engraved foliate scrolls centred by the signature 'Thos. Cattell, LONDINI Fecit. Running and repeating, together with a door key and an associated winding key. 44cms (17ins) high.