{"product_id":"continental-and-american-skeleton-clocks-derek-roberts-1st-edition","title":"Continental and American Skeleton Clocks, Derek Roberts — 1st Edition","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublication:\u003c\/b\u003e West Chester, Schiffer Publishing Ltd, 1989\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormatting:\u003c\/b\u003e 4to, pp. 247.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Report:\u003c\/b\u003e Near Fine. The book presents superbly, bound in firm, dark blue cloth boards that remain remarkably rigid, square, and entirely free from bumping or shelf-wear, boasting brilliantly unoxidised silver gilt lettering to the spine. The binding is exceptionally tight and robust, suggesting the volume has been scarcely opened, let alone read. Internally, the pages are immaculately crisp, bright, and completely devoid of foxing, toning, or any unwarranted blemishes. The accompanying dust jacket is equally impressive, graded Near Fine; it remains glossy, vibrant, and unclipped, suffering only from the most marginal and superficial edge-wear to the extremities, with no tears, creases, or sun-fading to speak of. A genuinely collector-quality copy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCatalogue Note:\u003c\/b\u003e First edition, confirmed by the singular copyright declaration and a lack of subsequent printings listed on the preliminary pages. The volume is profusely illustrated throughout with hundreds of colour and monochrome plates, cementing its status as an indispensable photographic reference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe copy remains entirely free of any previous ownership signatures, bookplates, or distracting provenance marks, leaving a beautifully clean canvas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEncountering a fine, first-edition copy of this authoritative reference work on the open market is becoming increasingly uncommon—particularly one retaining a dust jacket in such a pristine, vibrant, and un-sunned state.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eContinental and American Skeleton Clocks\u003c\/i\u003e is widely regarded as the definitive reference work on the subject, expertly compiled by the esteemed horologist Derek Roberts. Delving deep into the fascinating history, aesthetics, and intricate mechanics of these 'naked' timepieces, Roberts primarily focuses on the exquisite craftsmanship emerging from France and Austria, whilst also dedicating substantial coverage to the master makers of Belgium, Holland, Spain, and America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book meticulously chronicles the evolution of skeleton clocks, demonstrating how the absence of a conventional wooden case demanded that the inner workings be both mechanically flawless and visually breathtaking. Richly illustrated and exhaustively researched, this volume is an essential resource for serious collectors, antiquarian horologists, and anyone captivated by the intersection of fine art and precision engineering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54475597906259,"sku":"4873","price":70.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260727_151107.jpg?v=1785762461","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/continental-and-american-skeleton-clocks-derek-roberts-1st-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}