1978 Thwaites Reed Athenase Skeleton Clock Brochure Matthew Norman Carriage For Sale

Rare Vintage Original 1978 Thwaites & Reed and Matthew Norman Luxury Portfolio Concertina ProspectusAn exceptionally scarce, investment-grade promotional retail portfolio prospectus published by The Heritage Collection (Bristol, UK) in early 1978. Titled \"Some Really Unusual Collectors\' Clocks! Hand-built in the old tradition of craftsmanship...\"This document features a stunning double-sided multi-fold concertina format. When opened, it reveals highly comprehensive, beautifully photographed descriptions, historical bios, and original pricing for the absolute pinnacle of late 20th-century luxury Swiss horology, limited edition British skeleton clocks, and mechanical collectibles. It serves as essential library provenance documentation for high-value assets.Comprehensive Content & Panel Breakdown:Thwaites & Reed Historical Pedigree: Detailed history of the celebrated clockmakers (since 1740), highlighting their prestige as By Appointment Turret Clockmakers to Her Majesty the Queen. References their maintenance of iconic public timepieces including Westminster\'s Big Ben, Bow Bells, Fortnum & Mason, Hampton Court, and Horse Guards Parade. Notes the workshop transition from Clerkenwell to Hastings.The \"Athenase\" Skeleton Clock: A dedicated feature panel highlighting the luxury dome clock named after Victor Athenase, the French clockmaker who exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851. Includes technical details of the heavily gilded ornamental brass frame, the high-quality Italian onyx base, and the gilded brass key. Limited edition of 1,000 pieces worldwide (£120.00).The \"Athenase with Strike\" Variant: Details the striking version of the dome clock, built with an identical gilded brass movement, Italian onyx base, and glass dome, but featuring a strike on passing mechanism. Notes the strict limited run of 1,000 pieces worldwide and the original retail price of £135.00.Matthew Norman Swiss Carriage Clocks: Dedicated section for the premier Swiss horologist, showcasing their luxury mechanical carriage movements boasting an 11-jewel lever escapement, mirror-finished tarnish-resistant plates, and solid steel pinions housed in classic Corniche brass cases with bevel-edged crystal.The Bryant & May Presentation Matchbox: Features the historical text detailing the official collaboration with legendary British matchmaker Bryant & May Ltd., where the miniature 30-day movement carriage clocks were supplied in custom presentation matchboxes.Carriage Clock Size and Price Breakdown: Outlines the specifications and individual retail structures for the three available variants, listing the Standard Size (4 ⅝ inches at £120.00), the Smoker\'s Matchbox Size (3 ⅛ inches at £99.50), the Small Matchbox Size (2 ½ inches at £189.00), and the complete matching set of three (£375.00).Pristine Application Order Form: Features a clean, unclipped retail checklist order form containing original 1978 pricing structures, payment options, and the official Heritage Collection address at Richmond Hill, Bristol.
Condition Report:
Overall: Fine vintage archival condition with bright, crisp color printing.
Integrity: Fully complete double-sided multi-fold sheet. The fold lines are entirely sturdy and intact. Features the printed authentication layout signed by director Michael Caudle. Free from modern clips, tears, or stains.
Wear: Very minor age-appropriate edge/handling wear from careful storage.A spectacular reference item for any carriage clock enthusiast, dome clock investor, Thwaites & Reed, Matthew Norman, or Bryant & May collector, and luxury ephemera archives.Will be sent securely flat-packed in a board-backed envelope to ensure pristine delivery. International shipping available