-Rolls Royce 1927 London Art Deco Presentation Clock In .925 Sterling & 18Kt Gold

An art deco presentation desk clock by Rolls Royce.

This is a gorgeous presentation desk clock, created by the Rolls Royce Company in London England during the art deco period, back in the 1927. The clock has been crafted in the shape of the Rolls Royce radiator grill badge in solid .925/.999 sterling silver and a 18 karats yellow gold bezel at the silversmith workshops of Cornelius Desormeaux Saunders & James Francis Hollings. It is embellished with engine turned grille patterns, a three-dimensional Spirit of Ecstasy mascot and the Rolls Royce RR symbol which is decorated with applications of red glass enamel. The clock is engraved to the plinth, with the three letter initials MLH of the original owner.

History

The clock was part of a desk set made for Rolls Royce to give to VIP clients and dealers at Christmas time. The desk set items were produced one per year from 1926 to 1937 with the exception of 1931. The Spirit of Ecstasy mascot has adorned Rolls-Royce automobiles for over 100 years and is one of the world’s most readily identified images. In 1926, the Directors of Rolls-Royce Motors decided to commission a gift, to be produced in a small quantity. With the exception of 1931, each of the following years, until 1937, saw the creation of a different piece, always in Sterling silver and always incorporating the Spirit of Ecstasy as its decorative theme or inspiration, the result being known as the "Rolls-Royce Desk Set." The pieces in the set were made for Rolls-Royce to give to special clients, dealers, and other "friends of the house" – they were never for sale.

Dial: The clock has a square silvered dial with black Arabic numerals and marked 8 days Swiss made. With a square beveled glass.

Movement: The clock movement is Swiss by Smiths, mechanical and hand wingding. eight-day with rear winder and adjuster.

Weight: 408.65 Grams, (261.96 Dwt).

Measurements: 108 mm by 42.5 mm by 128 mm (4.25 x 1.68 x 5.04 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with British control marks for the city of London, the maker's mark CS*FS associated to Cornelius Desormeaux Saunders & James Francis Hollings (Frank) Shepherd, the mark for the assay of the .925 silver and the gothic letter M for the production year of 1927.

Condition: The overall condition of this desk clock is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. All parts are secured in their settings. This clock has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D052724SCEM/12.11