France, for Mitchell, Vance and Co., New York, a spectacular table clock in the form of a knights helmet, constructed of sheet copper, the chased ground finished in patinated silver, and festooned with repousse ornament, the decoration consisting of

France, for Mitchell, Vance and Co., New York, a spectacular table clock in the form of a knights helmet, constructed of sheet copper, the chased ground finished in patinated silver, and festooned with repousse ornament, the decoration consisting of trailing vines and leaves, satyr masks, dragons, armorial trophies, and each side with a scene probably depicting Richard II meeting with the rebels during the Peasants Revolt of 1381, the various forms further enhanced by the application of gold, the visor opening to reveal a clock, with Roman numeral cartouches on a pale yellow enamel ground, blued steel hands, the hour in the form of a battle axe, and 8 days, time and strike movement with lever platform, striking on a coiled gong, all resting on a conforming, brass trimmed griotte marble base, c1890 case very good with minor wear and dirt, original finishes with minor losses, a few replaced screws, two empty holes on left side, one decorative screw for visor pivot replaced, dial with minor flakes around one winding arbor, minute hand replaced, hour hand with minor oxide, runs and stops, platform an appropriate replacement, needs service. Mitchell, Vance & Co., advertised as "designers and manufacturers of artistic gas fixtures, fine clock & bronzes, ornamental metal work for churches and public buildings". While they retailed the products of other makers, the individuality of this clock suggests the likelihood of their direct involvement in the design and the manufacture of the clock. It also appears that some revisions were made during the construction process, also indicating the possibility of a special order of which one, unique example was produced.