Richard Cofsins (Coffins) Crewkerne, England. This attractive mahogany case clock features an automated dial. Cronus is in the arch. PP-119.

The single-sheet brass dial has been skillfully engraved and treated with a silvered wash. The Maker's name is signed on the center of this dial. The time ring is traditionally formatted with Roman-style hour numerals, a segmented minute ring, Arabic five-minute makers, subsidiary seconds, and a calendar date dial. In the arch is the automated presentation of Cronus or Father Time. This painted figure is designed to gently rock back and forth or side to side with the pendulum's motion. Cronus holds an hourglass in one hand and a sickle in the other. The aperture framing is engraved with the slogan, "Tempus Fugit."

This case is constructed in mahogany, and the shellac-based finish exhibits a deep, rich, darker color and enhances the grain pattern. The case stands on four small ogee bracket feet. The base panel features an applied molded edge mahogany panel that is nicely shaped at the top. This pattern is repeated in the design of the long waist door. Through this door, one can access the two drive weights and pendulum. The front corners of the waist are decorated with canted corners that terminate in a lamb's tongue molding. The canted surfaces are fluted. The bonnet features a swan's neck pediment. The shaped moldings terminate in applied brass rosettes. Two brass ball and spike finials are mounted at the front corners of the hood. Fully turned and fluted bonnet columns terminate in brass capitals. The top capitals are a robust Corinthian form. The columns flank the glazed arched bonnet door.

The brass-constructed movement is of good quality. Four-turned pillars support the two brass plates. Hardened steel shafts support the polished steel pinions, brass gearing, and recoil escapement. The winding drums are grooved. The weight-driven movement is designed to run for eight days on a full wind. The movement is a two-train or a time-and-strike design, having a rack and snail striking system. As a result, it will strike each hour on the hour on a cast iron bell mounted above the movement on a bell stand.

This clock stands approximately 7 feet 4.5 inches tall to the top of the center finial.

This fine clock was made circa 1795.

Richard Cofsins is listed in Brain Loomes' Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World as working in 1795 in Somerset County, which is located in the Southwest of England.

Inventory number PP-119.