A rare mid 18th century English japanned automata table clock with chinoiserie decoration and trip repeat to activate the three automataJoseph Lum, LondonSurmounted by a brass handle and inverted bell top to a moulded cornice framed by four cone finials, the circular and shaped side apertures with particularly fine pierced wooden frets, on a moulded base and block feet, decorated all over with panels depicting figures and landscapes against a lattice-work ground and silvered borders. The 7.75 inch arched silvered dial with engraved Roman and Arabic chapter ring intersected by twin subsidiaries for 'Faster/Slower' and 'Strike/Silent', the signed centre with date aperture, painted arch depicting a couple on a see-saw pivoting in time with the swing of the pendulum, infront of a building, the door of which sits within an aperture - on the hour, the door flies out of sight and is replaced with the painted figure of man in white frock-coat and tri-corn hat - simultaneously the vanes of the windmill rotate for the period of the bell striking. The twin gut (now wire) fusee movement with five knopped pillars, anchor escapement and rack striking on a bell, the backplate centred by an engraved basket of flowers within foliage and chinoiserie-inspired trelliswork. Not currently ticking, but strike and all three automata processes (see-saw, windmill and door) operational, with trip repeat fully working. 52cms (20ins)highFootnotes:Joseph Lum is thought to have started his working life in Chelmsford in the early 18th century before moving to London.