Clock, Angel Santini, 1890

A gilt brass carriage clock supplied by A Santini, a retailer in Buenos Aires, circa 1890. It imitates late 18th century examples as the miniature portrait of the French Queen Marie Antoinette suggests. Bequeathed by Miss Elizabeth Watts, 1990.

The case of gilt brass, the interior enamelled, set with two miniatures, the dial inscribed A SANTINI CANGALLO 90 BUENOS AYRES Of standard form, the frame of cast and gilt brass comprising a moulded base and top with four half 'barley sugar' columns. On the top are two mounts supporting a cast brass handle; in the top at the front and at the back are panels of bevelled glass; the interior is formed of three coffer panels covered with dark blue enamel. Each panel is painted in gold with scrolling foliage, and in white, with formalized flowers; a musical trophy in white is painted below the dial. Circular dial of gilt brass with painted numerals; finely cut hands of blued steel. On the dial is the name and address of a Buenos Aires retailer.

In the centre is an applied floral mount in gilt brass; at either side of the case are oval miniatures on card representing Marie Antoinette and an unidentified lady. Standard movement of French type with repeater operated by a knob on top of the case, movement and case are stampted with the number 1880, and the frame with the number 8; base set with a later gilt copper plate on which are incised details of services carried out on the clock by S.J.Birt and Son of Brill, Buckingham, from November 1972-May 1988.