English bracket clock with planetary complication by John Wright, c. 1720
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
vers 1720
The timepiece is housed in an architecturally shaped case made of molded, carved, and openwork ebony, featuring glazed panels on all sides and corner spandrels accented with red fabric imitating tortoiseshell.
The top is surmounted by four pinecone finials and a carrying handle. The annular dial is crafted from engraved and niello-filled pewter, displaying Roman numerals for the hours with fleur-de-lis motifs, and a railway-style minutes track with Arabic numerals. A complex calendar system incorporates three rotating pewter cartouches displaying the days of the week alongside allegorical engravings related to the seven planetary deities.
The movement features an exceptional striking system with eight bells and eight hammers, capable of striking on demand. The backplate is intricately engraved with foliage, scrolls, and an antique-style bust flanked by eagles. Measuring 48 cm high, 26.5 cm wide, and 18 cm deep, the clock represents the high-quality craftsmanship of early 18th-century English horology.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Depth
- 18 cm
- Width
- 26.5 cm
- Height
- 48 cm
- Material
- ebony, pewter, brass, bronze, glass, fabric
Technical characteristics
- Movement
- striking system with eight bells and eight hammers, sonnerie à la demande
- Complication
- planetary calendar system
Design
- Obverse
- engraved and niello-filled pewter annular dial, Roman numerals, railway minutes, signature cartouche
- Backplate
- engraved with foliage, scrolls, and antique bust with eagles
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- John Wright
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.