A fine engraved gilt brass strut timepiece in the manner of Thomas Cole W. Vasel, London, late 19th century The eight-day movement with spotted oval frontplate and conforming backplate united by four plain pillars secured via blued steel screws to the rear, the upper margin cropped to allow for the vertical platform lever escapement with split bimetallic balance above delicate four-wheel train with large diameter greatwheel barrel and five-spoke crossings set between the plates, the 3.5 inch wide silvered brass Roman numeral dial with fine intense symmetrical foliate scroll engraved centre incorporating rectangular baton panels within narrow Roman numeral chapter ring and with fine blued steel fleur-de-lys hands, the upper margin engraved with floral sprays over apron with a central cartouche within pierced gilt-overlaid surround engraved with further floral motifs set behind bevelled front glass, the case with shaped leafy scroll and strapwork panel decorated front surround flanked by stylised half pilasters to sides beneath sculpted êrs' and shaped hinged handle to top, the rear panel profiled to match the front and fitted with regulation and hand-setting shutters, pivoted inverted heart-shaped strut and engraved with the initials M.V. to upper margin, on engraved concave gilt brass bracket feet, 18cm (7ins) high excluding handle. Although not apparently listed in the usual sources W. Vasel was known as a fine maker who worked from several Addresses in London from 1881-1907. Vasel appeared to specialise in continuing the production of high quality decorative timepieces made popular by Thomas Cole who submitted several examples both under his name and on the stand of Hunt and Roskell at the Great Exhibition in 1851. Thomas Cole died abruptly of typhoid fever in 1864 no doubt leaving a 'gap' in the market for others to continue with the production of finely made timepieces in his style. The current lot is essentially indistinguishable both in quality and design from those originating from Cole's workshop during his lifetime. The movement is made typically to Cole's specification with shaped spotted plates and delicate five-spoke wheel work throughout and the case exhibits the finest grade of engraving normally reserved for the best examples.