An extremely fine and very rare pre numbered striking and repeating strut clock by Thomas Cole. The multi layered case, in the typical form used by this eminent maker, and with all the nice features associated with his early strut clocks. Cole simplified his design on his later struts, removing some of the nice features, and with less highly engraved and elaborate cases. Beautifully engraved all over, with folding loop handle. The supports to the handle should be noted in that early Cole strut clocks have the brackets running to the edge and over the side of the case, being made in two separate halves, clamping the handle between them, whilst in later models, the handle and brackets are one piece and the overall length across the top of the clock is reduced. The backs of his early clocks like this model are beautifull constructed, the shutter that exposes the escapement is spring loaded, whilst there is a spring loaded strut support on the back of the clock for resting at an angle and a turnbuckle foot underneath the clock for standing upright. The back shutter engraved "C F Hancock as successor of Storr & Mortimer's by appointment to HM Queen Adelaide and HIM the Emperor of Russia, 39 Bruton Street, London" for the retailer. Thomas Cole was a wholesaler, and sold his clocks to many retailers and other makers. Charles Frederick Hancock had been a partner in the renowned firm of London silversmiths, Hunt & Roskell, between 1843 and 1849. In January 1849 Hancock left the partnership and set up on his own at 39 Bruton Street where he described himself as a successor of Storr & Mortimer, a business that had been dissolved in 1838 and eventually became Hunt & Roskell. The relationship between Cole and Hancock is described in detail by John B Hawkins in his book "Thomas Cole and Victorian Clockmaking". The silvered dial is finely engraved with floral designs, typical of Coles style from his early period, it is known Cole sometimes left the centre of the dial blank to be later engraved with monograms. This piece, made in 1845, and later mongramed in 1849. Hancock moved to this address in January 1849 and Queen Adelaide died on 2nd December 1849. The dial, with roman numerals and signed for the retailer C.F. Hancock, with blued steel fleur de lys hands. There is a repeat button on the side, and a strike/silent button atop the clock. The eight day duration two train spring barrel movement strikes the hours, and has a split backplate and is typical of Cole. The clock strikes the hours on a gong, and the quarters on another, and has a lever platform escapement. Striking Cole strut clocks are very rare and almost never seen. This top quality and early Cole clock with strike/silent button and a repeat button is incredibly rare. Thomas Cole, son of James Cole, a fine clockmaker himself was born in 1800. Thomas went into partnership with his older brother James Ferguson Cole, also a gifted clockmaker, at no. 3 New Bond Street in 1823 until around 1829, his movements unknown after this, until reappearing in 1838. Thomas Cole produced his first strut clocks, of which he invented in 1845. This is a wonderfully fine and rare clock, in its original leather and silk lined carrying case, and its original and finely engraved key, which are usually lost. 1845.