BY BENJAMIN VULLIAMY, LONDON, NO. 508, CIRCA 1810

Most of the clocks made by the Vulliamys were numbered from 1788 until 1854, and the survival of two Vulliamy works books (now with the British Horological Institute at Upton Hall) provides valuable information regarding the manufacture and provenance of many clocks made by the business. However, the serial numbers recorded are respectively 296-469 and 746-1067, which means that this clock, number 508, remains unidentified. Vulliamy made a series of 'lion' timepieces similar to this clock, with drum cases and on rectangular plinths and variations to their designs. A clock of very similar form but with an additional eagle finial, numbered 538, was ordered by the Prince of Wales for Carlton House and subsequently was sold in the William F. Reilly Collection, Christie's, New York, 14 October 2009, lot 33 ($68,500).