Y A RARE GEORGE V SHIBIYAMA INSECT DECORATED SILVER MINIATURE CARRIAGE TIMEPIECE

Y A RARE GEORGE V SHIBIYAMA INSECT DECORATED SILVER MINIATURE CARRIAGE TIMEPIECETHE CASE BY CHARLES AND RICHARD COMYNS, LONDON 1916The French rectangular eight-day single train movement with platform lever escapement and integral winder to backplate, the 1.5 inch circular white enamel Roman numeral dial with blued steel spade hands set behind a convex glass within moulded bezel incorporating canted insert to interior, the rectangular case with hinged arched carrying handle over front and sides inlaid in mother-of-pearl, amber, abalone and other materials with random crawling insects incorporating engraved legs and antennae and with very small Japanese character signature to lower right hand corner of the front panel, the rear with hinged door, on compressed bun feet, Hallmarks for London 1916 makers C&R C, with original Morocco covered protective outer case opening via hinged panels at the front.The clock 8.2cm (3.25ins) high with handle down, 5.6cm (2,25ins) wide, 4.5cm (1.75ins) deep. Provenance: Private collection, East Midlands. The Comyns family business of silversmiths was established by William Comyns who succeeded Richard Tagg in 1858. The firm initially traded form Soho but quickly expanded taking on premises in Beak Street off Regent Street. In 1885 William's two sons Charles and Richard joined the business who then succeeded their father on his death in 1916. Charles died in 1925 and the firm was incorporated as William Comyns and Sons Limited in 1930 before being bought by Richard Copping on Richards death in 1953. The Comyns family mainly specialised in producing small decorative wares for all price brackets often produced using mechanical methods such as die stamping. The execution of Shibiyama decoration of the current lot would have been undertaken by a specialist Japanese craftsman resulting in a highly unusual luxury product.Condition Report: Movement appears complete and fundamentally original except possibly for the platform escapement which may be a later 20th century replacement. The movement will wind and the escapement will beat but stops after a couple of seconds indicating service and adjustment is required. The dial appears free from any visible damage or restoration. The case is in fine original condition with no losses to the Shibiyama and next to no wear; faults are very much limited to a couple of tiny slight scuffs and scratches to the back door. The protective case is missing almost all of its silk lining to the interior; the exterior is generally intact but with bumps, scuffs and wear and is lacking loop carrying handle.Timepiece is complete with integral winding key. Condition Report Disclaimer