English silver pair cased repeating coach clock with alarm Circa 1730

Silver half-quarter repeater in pair cases by Charles Clay
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A museum quality English silver pair cased half quarter repeating Rococo coach clock with alarm, circa 1730. Full plate movement decorated with applied scrolls and a hunting scene, the edges florally chased, baroque style pillars, chain and fusee, the balance cock intricately ornamented with an engraved mascaron, birds of prey and flowers, two barrels engraved with a geometrical pattern, three hammers, one bell, a verge escapement and three arm steel balance. Silver champlevé dial with Roman hours and outer Arabic five minute numerals, a central alarm disc, finely cut blued hands. A silver, leather covered outer case decorated with studs, the silver inner case is pierced and has very finely chased ornaments like rocailles, volutes and acanthus, a string for the repetition with a filigree ball shaped bob. Movement signed and numbered.
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Diameter: 122 mm
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Weight: 1250 g
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Signed: Charl Clay London
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Watchmaker Charles Clay was a native of Emley near Huddersfield in Yorkshire. Clay applied for a patent for a repeating, musical watch in February 1716, however, Daniel Quare disputed this patent and while the Attorney General made his decision in favour of Charles Clay, the Clockmakers’ company strongly supported Quare’s claim. Quare was a renowned maker and former Master of the Company. Clay’s patent application was finally dismissed after a year. In 1720 he established his workshop near St. Mary-Le Strand in London and in 1723 he was appointed clockmaker to His Majesty’s Board of Works. He held the position at least until 1737. Clay presumably died sometime in 1739, his will is dated January 18th, 1739.