Possible one of a kind travel clock in the shape of a purse or prayer book, with a false clasp and snap closure. This beautifully gilded object fits in the palm of your hand and is incredibly tactile. Opened with the push of a button the case unfolds to reveal a sharply engraved interior with a faux book insert that houses a small watch movement behind a silvered and engraved roman dial. The back signed Leuchars, 38 Picadilly London, with winding and setting squares as well as an aperture for balance regulation.
Leuchars were specialists in Luxury items and bijouterie in the 19th Century. Started by James Leuchars at 47 Piccadilly, London in 1794. In 1820, the business moved to 38 Piccadilly shortly before James Leuchars died in 1823.
Lucy Leuchars, James’ widow, continued the business under the name of L. Leuchars. In 1837, the same year as Queen Victoria came to the throne, the firm was awarded the Royal Warrant for their supply of dressing cases to the royal family.
Expanding to 39 Piccadilly in 1841, the name had now changed to Lucy Leuchars & Son; the ‘Son’ referring to William Leuchars. After Lucy’s death in 1847, William gained sole responsibility for the business. Leuchars exhibited and won prize medals for his dressing cases at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the International Exhibition of 1862, winning a further silver medal at the International Exposition of 1867 in Paris.
The business was eventual sold by the Leuchars family to Asprey’s in 1888.
We believe this clock dates from circa 1837-1840.
This timepiece has been overhauled and comes with our two year guarantee.
10cm H x 6.5cm W x 2cm D
Possible one of a kind travel clock in the shape of a purse or prayer book, with a false clasp and snap closure. This beautifully gilded object fits in the palm of your hand and is incredibly tactile. Opened with the push of a button the case unfolds to reveal a sharply engraved interior with a faux book insert that houses a small watch movement behind a silvered and engraved roman dial. The back signed Leuchars, 38 Picadilly London, with winding and setting squares as well as an aperture for balance regulation.
Leuchars were specialists in Luxury items and bijouterie in the 19th Century. Started by James Leuchars at 47 Piccadilly, London in 1794. In 1820, the business moved to 38 Piccadilly shortly before James Leuchars died in 1823.
Lucy Leuchars, James’ widow, continued the business under the name of L. Leuchars. In 1837, the same year as Queen Victoria came to the throne, the firm was awarded the Royal Warrant for their supply of dressing cases to the royal family.
Expanding to 39 Piccadilly in 1841, the name had now changed to Lucy Leuchars & Son; the ‘Son’ referring to William Leuchars. After Lucy’s death in 1847, William gained sole responsibility for the business. Leuchars exhibited and won prize medals for his dressing cases at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the International Exhibition of 1862, winning a further silver medal at the International Exposition of 1867 in Paris.
The business was eventual sold by the Leuchars family to Asprey’s in 1888.
We believe this clock dates from circa 1837-1840.
This timepiece has been overhauled and comes with our two year guarantee.
10cm H x 6.5cm W x 2cm D
