A strut clock by Vasel

The ormolu case of this rectangular clock is profusely incised with scrolling foliage round the stepped frame. It has small feet, a hinged carrying hook and pivoted strut on the back. The silvered face has large central dial and two smaller subsidiary dials for day and date all on a chased floral ground. The Swiss movement is marked Doxa and W Vasel, London.

Provenance: H J Morgan of Square Montague London WI and Godalming, Surrey.

Footnote:
The great clockmaker Thomas Cole (1800-1864) invented the strut clock, so called because of the hinged support at the back of the clock, in the mid-19th Century. These clocks became enormously popular because they were so much more portable and slimmer than the traditional square carriage clock. W Vasel was an important Victorian clockmaker who was recorded at several addresses in London from 1886-1907. H J Morgan was a very influential figure in the world of motor cars and racing. He began by co-founding ‘The Steering Wheel Club’ in Mayfair and continued with many positions of authority inn the British Automobile Racing Club (B.A.R.C), British Racing Drivers Club (B.R.D.C), Order of the Road, Guild of Motoring Writers, the Brookland Society, The Junior Car Club until it became the B.A.D.C and the British Motor Racing Circuit Owners Association. In addition he was Clerk of the course at a host of important races including Brooklands (1937-39), all J.C.C meetings, Donnington Park, Crystal Palace, Goodward and Aintree for the British Grand Prix of 1955, 1957, 1959, 1961 & 1962.

Signed/Inscribed: Doxa and W Vasel, London