Bracket clock by Eardley Norton
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1790
This twin fusee striking bracket clock is attributed to the London-based clockmaker Eardley Norton and dated to circa 1790. The timepiece is housed in a mahogany cabinet with glazed sides and a pediment top featuring a carrying handle.
The arched brass dial includes a chapter ring, spandrels, and a matted center incorporating a subsidiary calendar feature and a strike-silent selector positioned at 3 o'clock. An arched aperture at the top of the dial displays a moon phase feature. The clock operates via a twin fusee movement with an hour bell strike mechanism and a repeat function. The brass backplate is decorated with detailed engraving and incorporates a verge escapement.
The dial is signed "Yedrae Notron," a variation noted as being employed by the maker on clocks intended for export markets.
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
- Bracket clock
- Maker
- Eardley Norton
- Material
- Mahogany
- Movement
- Twin fusee with verge escapement
- Signature
- Yedrae Notron
- Dial features
- Subsidiary calendar and moon phase
- Place recorded
- London
- Strike/Silence
- Strike silent selector at 3 o'clock
- Maker / attribution
- Eardley Norton
Design
- Visible features
- • The moon phase display in the arch of the dial features a hand-painted face. • The backplate engraving depicts scrolling floral and foliate motifs. • The mahogany case features a shallow pediment with four brass finials. • A strike-silent indicator is located on the dial at the 3 o'clock position.
- Case Construction
- The clock is enclosed in a mahogany cabinet, described by the source as having fine color and patination. The case design incorporates glazed panels on the sides, allowing for visibility of the internal movement. The top of the case is finished with a pediment, accented by four brass finials at the corners and a carrying handle. The case exhibits proportions and design elements associated with London-made clocks of the late 18th century. The construction utilizes high-quality woodwork, maintained in a configuration intended for tabletop placement.
- Movement and Escapement
- Power is delivered to the clock through a twin fusee movement, a configuration designed to maintain consistent force throughout the winding cycle. The mechanism supports an hour strike on a bell, accompanied by a repeat function. The backplate is constructed from brass and is decorated with intricate floral engravings. The visual evidence shows the escapement components visible on the backplate, which is consistent with the auction house's description of the movement's technical profile.
- Dial and Timekeeping Functions
- The timepiece is characterized by an arched brass dial, which incorporates decorative spandrels at the corners and a matted central panel. The primary chapter ring indicates the hours, while a subsidiary calendar function is integrated into the center of the dial. Positioned at the 3 o'clock mark is a strike-silent selector, allowing for the regulation of the bell strike function. The dial's arch contains a moon phase complication, featuring a painted disc depicting lunar cycles. The signature is inscribed as "Yedrae Notron," a stylistic choice that the auction description reports was utilized by Eardley Norton specifically for export-oriented timepieces. These elements reflect common 18th-century English clock construction.
Identification
- 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: The source attributes the signature 'Yedrae Notron' specifically to export-market clocks without external verification.
- Research required: The 'circa 1790' dating is an assessment provided by the seller and is not confirmed by archival documentation.