Lot 87: A J.W. Benson Edwardian Inlaid Mahogany Balloon Mantel Clock

A mahogany balloon-shaped mantel clock dating from the Edwardian period, the waisted case featuring boxwood stringing and a central oval marquetry patera with a sunburst motif. The circular dial is housed within a brass bezel under a glass cover and displays black Roman numerals, an outer minute track with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals, and two blackened spade hands. The dial bears the printed marks J.W. BENSON to the left and LONDON to the right of the centre. The clock stands on a stepped rectangular base supported by four small brass bun feet. A white rectangular adhesive paper label is affixed to the lower front of the case, featuring the handwritten characters 12873 and an underlined 9.