Signed Thomas Cole, London. England, Circa 1855. An exceptional and highly important gilt-bronze patent strut clock by Thomas Cole, signed "Thos. Cole, London" to the beautifully engraved silvered dial. This remarkable example represents one of the rarest forms of Cole's celebrated patent strut clocks and, owing to its extraordinary size, may well be a unique surviving example. The substantial gilt-brass case is of elegant architectural form, retaining its original folding easel support and finely engraved throughout with crisp floral decoration. The beautifully hand-engraved silvered dial features an elaborate basket of flowers within a richly chased foliate border, complemented by a Roman chapter ring and finely blued steel hands. The scale of both the case and dial creates an imposing presence rarely encountered in Thomas Cole's work. Thomas Cole (1800–1864) is rightly regarded as one of the most innovative and influential English clockmakers of the nineteenth century. A gifted designer as well as an accomplished horologist, he revolutionised portable clockmaking through a series of ingenious patents, most notably his invention of the patent strut clock. By replacing the conventional carriage clock case with an elegant folding easel support, Cole created a slimmer, more refined form that became one of the defining achievements of Victorian clock design. His inventive work earned international acclaim, including recognition at the Great Exhibition of 1851, and his clocks were retailed by many of London's most prestigious firms, including Dent, McCabe, Frodsham and Howell James. While Thomas Cole strut clocks are scarce in any size, this example is extraordinary for its monumental proportions, measuring approximately 9 inches (23 cm) high. Standard Cole strut clocks are substantially smaller, and despite extensive published research and decades of specialist collecting, another example of this remarkable size has yet to be recorded. It is therefore entirely possible that this was a special commission or one of an extremely limited number produced, making it arguably the most significant Thomas Cole patent strut clock to appear on the market in recent years. Combining exceptional craftsmanship, remarkable originality and outstanding rarity, this monumental Thomas Cole patent strut clock is an important work by one of Britain's greatest nineteenth-century clockmakers. It is a museum-quality example that would form the centrepiece of any serious collection of English horology. Dimensions: Height: 9 in. (23 cm) England, Circa 1855.