Measuring just under 12" tall and 7 inches wide, this is a Fantasitc Antique Clock—and more! Dating to the long nose era, this sculptural work includes 5 mesh golf balls on the top of the base and 4 under the base. There is a beautiful representation of a long nose wood and an 1880s cleek positioned in a crossing pattern on the base. The Golfer is in great 1880s attire, with spats, tall socks, knickerbockers, suit coat. He is using a ten finger grip, and elbows positioned miles away from today's form as he takes aim at a small golf ball. FYI, the bend in the club shaft should straighten quite easily.
This ornate sculptured golf clock dates to the 1880s—the underside of the base is stamped "EPNS 1880 A1" (as shown in the last image)—and the clock face itself is marked "Rd 98108" which is a British registered design number (as shown in one of the last images) that dates to 1888. Its possible that the original clock was replaced or that the sculpture was fitted with a clock well after the sculpture was made. The "A1" marked on the base indicated high quality electro-plated nickel silver.
The clock is a wind-up model. The border of the face is marked "Manufactured By The British United Clock Co. Ld., Birmingham, England" The back of the clock reads "Patented in Great Britain and France / Manfd By The British United Clock Co. Ld., Birmingham, England". It also includes the word "Wind" and an arrow to show the direction
When it arrived at my office this 130-year-old clock was ticking away! The journey to my office shook things up so that it began to work again. After it stopped ticking I wound it up a little more and, after gently shaking it just a bit, it began to tick again. The consignor did not know that it still worked! I suspect that a good cleaning will put the clock back in good working order so no shaking needed. The clock itself must use quite the mechanism as it is heavy and still works after 130 years. However, I would not recommend winding it all the way up before having it inspected.
The crystal that covers the face of the clock has a small chip along the edge and is seen down around the 5 in one of the images. There is also a brass trim ring that fits in the face of the clock. The trim ring and crystal do not lock in place. They were simply placed over the front of the clock when the clock is slid into position inside the "statue" and its picture taken. AS it is, this item can be set up to make a great display, as you can see from the first couple of images. But its' entirely possible that this clock is missing a piece or two that helps the crystal and trim ring stay in place and the clock itself to become more secure inside the head. Furthermore, the clock just slides in, and the winding stem on the back of the clock can be positioned to hold the clock in place. If you move the entire piece very far, however, the clock can shift away from the front of the case. But again, once it is set up, it displays wonderfully well!
There is some tarnishing and silver loss to the top of the base, as can be seen in the image. There are initials engraved to the top of the base. The script is quite ornate and tough to properly identify.
The solid gutta percha "Woodley Flyer" golf ball shown in the first picture is not included in this lot. It is available as lot 74 in this same auction. The ball is included here to provide perspective regarding the large size of this item.
They don't make clock displays like this anymore.