A fine early 20th century carved mahogany table clock, dated 1905Clifford Lupton, London, 1905 The inverted breakfront architectural case with glazed top and overhanging cornice supported by two Composite freestanding columns, floral scroll carving to the front and sides, the back door with brass quatrefoil sound frets on a stepped moulded base with shallow block feet. The 3.75 inch circular engraved gilt brass Roman dial signed at XII, above an elaborately engraved floral centre framed by a sight ring. The twin chain fusee movement with five robust pillars, Harrison's maintaining power to the anchor escapement, and signed backplate giving the makers name, address and date of manufacture. Ticking and striking the hours and half hours, together with a crank key included. 19cms (7.5ins) high.Footnotes:Clifford Lupton was born in 1825 and died on 26th January 1910, his death certificate listing him as a 'retired chronometer maker'. He had associations with Barraud; seemingly working for the firm initially, possibly as a foreman, before setting up his own business at St. Michael's Chambers, 42 Cornhill (Barraud were at 41 Cornhill) between 1866-1876, before relocating to 3 Newman's Court, Cornhill in 1877. His good friend and successor W. J. Barnsdale, and later Barnsdale's son Stanley would continue to operate at these premises until 1921. That Lupton remained in touch with Barraud is obvious from a quantity of correspondences between Lupton and the various Barraud brothers, including I.O.U's from the latter, possibly for the chronometers that he continued to make for them. Amongst his discovered personal papers were a number of doctor's bills, suggesting that Lupton was not particularly healthy; this clock is testimony to that fact that, despite his chronic poor health, he was retailing clocks into at least his mid 80s. Despite his ill health, Lupton was a very successful horologist, having amassed a fortune on his death of £30,656.