Antique clock set - Boer War?

[camerond]

Hi there,

This clock set was given to my grandfather when he met his namesake in England, 50 or 60 years ago. He then had it shipped to Canada. I inherited it as I carry the middle name.

As you can see from the picture, the sword has been broken off (still have it, need to have it reattached). The pieces are very heavy as they are real marble.

I remember my grandfather saying that he thought it was a piece based on the Boer War, but I can't be sure. I was hoping someone might have some feedback on where it may have been made, by who, when, etc.? I'd be curious on approximate value (though I won't be parting with it!).

Thanks in advance if anyone can satisfy some of my curiosity!

[mart]

Can you take a cood clear shot of the clock face and one of the back !! There is a glare on that pic !!

[jondar]

Also a clear picture of the military figure astride the clock may give a clue.  The British forces there were in uniform where I think the Boers fought in whatever garb they dressed in.  Was the broken sword you mention in the soldier's upraised hand before being broken?  Also is the figure bronze?  If we could get a clear pic of the uniform he is wearing that may pin down the conflict.  He appears to be wearing a trench coat and a billed visor hat.

[camerond]

Thanks for the replies! You're right, the picture could be clearer. The clock is at my mother's. I will see if she can take some new pictures and post them here.

Thanks!

[mart]

Thanks !!

[KC]

Also, are those cherubs on the front of the urns?  Painted or applied decal?

[mart]

They look raised and not flat to me KC !! I think they are part of the mold !!

[jondar]

We will sure look forward to some clear pics.  FWIW, I think the military figure may be dressed in clothing used during WW1.  I will post pics of the "great coat" worn by British officers in the push thru France in 1916, and the "wrap around" leggings which have a patent date of 1904, and used thru WW1..  The U. S. military officers used a similar coat while fighting in the trenches, and oddly enough, called them trench coats. Its hard to tell for sure until we can get a clear picture of the collar.

[jondar]

Sorry, the "great coat" didn't print in the last posting.

[ghopper1924]

There were 2 Boer Wars, and the second one ended in 1902.

I've been thinking WWI with this figure all along, and the subsequent posts make me think so even more. This looks like a mantle garniture ca. 1915-20, probably English.

[camerond]

Sorry for the delay! Finally got some better pictures snapped. What are your thoughts with these?

[bigwull]

Could you take a pic of that signature that,is on the base,behind the figure...and also of the movement of the clock....this indeed is a Garniture....and the figure sure looks like bronze....and the "legs" of the urn bases..look like ormalu

[camerond]

Here's the closeup of the signature:
I can't quite make out what it says.
As for the movement, I tried cranking it but it was quite stiff, so I didn't press it. I think it would need to be taken apart and tuned up.

[bigwull]

A pic of the movement,would suffice....don,t crank it up....or you might find the old springs will go boing!

[bbc-antiques.co.uk]

similar items are common in France and the continent  in UK worth £300-600