Asprey Harding Sinclair Great Wheel Skeleton Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
20th century
This skeleton clock, identified in the auction record as a "Great Wheel" model, features a mechanism housed within a rectangular glass case on a dark base. The movement is attributed to Asprey and Harding Sinclair.
It incorporates four driving wheels, with a large primary wheel containing 288 teeth that completes one rotation per day, driving a central wheel located behind the dial. The escapement is a Graham deadbeat type, regulated by a pendulum suspended by a silk thread. The power reserve is stated as eight days. The dial displays Roman numerals. Inscriptions on the back of the pendulum include "Harding Sinclair England" and the number "1452".
The auction report describes the clock as being in excellent working condition and notes that a winding key is provided with the piece. Measurements are given as 14.5 by 10.5 inches for the clock and 18.5 by 14 inches for the housing.
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.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Skeleton clock
- Maker
- Asprey, Harding Sinclair
- Mechanism
- Graham deadbeat escapement
- Auction date
- 2026-09-15
- Power reserve
- 8 days
- Serial number
- 1452
- Place recorded
- England
- Country of origin
- England
- Maker / attribution
- Asprey; Harding Sinclair
Design
- Visible features
- • Mechanism mounted on a dark, rectangular base • Pendulum suspended from a thin cord • Roman numeral dial marked with 'Asprey' • Engraved identification on the rear of the pendulum
- Movement and Escapement
- The clock operates using a Great Wheel mechanism, a design characterized by a large primary wheel with 288 teeth. This component is engineered to complete one full rotation every 24 hours, subsequently driving a central wheel positioned behind the dial assembly. Regulation of the movement is managed by a Graham deadbeat escapement. The movement provides an eight-day power reserve.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction house Akiba Galleries reports that the clock is in excellent condition and is fully functional. The identification of the piece as a product of Asprey and Harding Sinclair is provided by the auction documentation. The source acknowledges potential inconsistencies in its own descriptive data, specifically regarding the dial material and the shape of the housing, which it does not attempt to reconcile against the provided photographs.
- Construction and Identification
- The timepiece features polished frames and is housed within a glazed case. The dial features Roman numerals. While the auction source notes an enamel dial and a glass dome, visual inspection suggests a metallic dial and a rectangular glass enclosure. Maker and origin details are confirmed by an engraving on the rear of the pendulum, which identifies the piece as "Harding Sinclair England" accompanied by the serial number 1452. The clock is accompanied by its winding key.
Identification
- Lot number
- 24
- Serial number
- 1452
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Discrepancy noted between source description (enamel dial) and visual evidence (metallic dial)
- Research required: Contradiction between source mention of a glass dome and visual evidence of a rectangular case