Mahogany Carriage Clock by James McCabe

This solid mahogany traveling clock with balance wheel escapement was crafted by celebrated London clockmaker James McCabe for London’s Royal Exchange. Known for exquisite workmanship and precision, McCabe timepieces were owned by notable figures, including Horatio Nelson and George Washington, and they can be found in museums around the world. The well-proportioned case has a chamfered and stepped top, the sides are set with brass "fish scale" sound frets and the front and rear doors are embellished with brass chamfered angles. The entire clock rests on beautifully polished adjustable brass bun feet. Designed for traveling, carriage clocks were first developed in the early 19th century and produced in small numbers in England. McCabe remains one of the most well-known makers of these fine quality clocks., and this example has all the quintessential hallmarks of McCabe.

The fine quality double chain fusée movement has the original platform lever escapement. The hours are struck via rack strike on a bell on the backplate, which is signed "James McCabe". Likewise, the silvered brass dial is signed "James McCabe / Royal Exchange London" and numbered "1658". This fantastic timepiece is a paragon of horology representing a pivotal shift in timepiece design.

Circa 1830

Clock: 6” wide x 5 3/8“ deep x 9 1/4” highCase: 7 7/8“ wide x 7 1/4” deep x 12 5/8“ high