Rare Australian Evan Jones mantle clock surmounted with abor...

Hammer

$1,300

Rare Australian Evan Jones mantle clock surmounted with aboriginal figure throwing boomerang, marked to dial Evan Jones Sydney. Movement number 1304. Case of square shape, with applied brass decoration. Has key, Running at time of inspection. approx 28cm H x 13cm W x 10cm D

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Evan Jones was one of the great Australian silversmiths. Of his early life it appears not much is known, but he was likely to have arrived in Sydney from England at an early age. He served his apprenticeship under another of Australia's finest silversmiths, Christian Ludwig Quist in the 1860's, on completion of his apprenticeship, Jones took over the premises of Quist's workshop at 15, Hunter Street, Sydney. His output was prolilic and he opened up several branches in Sydney during the 1880's, with the principal workshop being located in Erskine Street in the 1890's. Perhaps one of his more well-known pieces is the gold crown made for King George of Tonga. Evan Jones died in 1917, below is his obituary that was published in the Sydney Daily Telegraph of the 11th May 1917: Alderman Evan Jones, a prominent figure in the municipal life of Sydney died at his home, Bingley, Wudgong Street, Mosman, yesterday morning after a protracted illness. Alderman Jones reached the allotted span on August 31st last year. He arrived in Australia from England whilst a lad and was educated at the Fort Street School. At the age of twelve, he went to work with Messrs. Hardy Brothers, Jewellers, Hunter Street in the city and later was employed by the firm of Hogarth & Erichsen. At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to Mr. C.L. Quist from whom he received his training in the jewellery trade. Many valuable trophies remain as monuments to Alderman Jones' skill as a jeweller, among them being a silver mounted waddy which belongs to King Thakambau of Fiji on which, on the surrender of Fiji to the British Crown, was handed over with the kingdom and is now in the Tower of London. Alderman Jones first entered municipal life in 1882 as a representative of Denison. In 1866 he was appointed one of the Commissioners for The Colonial and Indian Exhibition held in London and a year later was appointed to a similar position in connection with the Adelaide Jubilee International Exhibition. In 1893 he was Commissioner at the Chicago Fair for Australia...he was also president of the Manufacturing Jewellers Association. In all he sat on the City Council for almost 23 years and several times might have occupied the mayoral chair had he accepted the advice of friends and council to contest the position. It was owing to his exertions that we have a Rotunda in Hyde Park which has been such a distinct benefit to the instrumentalists. He leaves a Widow and six children.