C. Barham & Son standing astronomical regulator clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1882
This English standing astronomical regulator by C. Barham & Son, Hawkhurst, is housed in a figured mahogany veneer arch-top case measuring 76 by 18 by 10 inches.
The 12-inch silvered metal dial exhibits an astronomical configuration with subsidiary dials for seconds and hours alongside a central minute hand and blued steel hands. Source documentation records an eight-day, weight-driven brass movement featuring heavy plates, turned pillars, and a Graham deadbeat escapement. A gridiron pendulum with a large brass bob is displayed through the glazed trunk door.
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
- Astronomical regulator
- Dimensions
- 76in x 18in x 10in
- Place recorded
- England
- Dial Description
- 12-inch silvered metal dial with subsidiary dials for seconds and hours
- Case Construction
- Heavily figured mahogany veneer arch top case with glazed trunk door
- Maker and Location
- C. Barham & Son, Hawkhurst, England
- Movement Mechanism
- Weight-driven 8-day brass movement with Graham deadbeat escapement and gridiron pendulum
- Maker / attribution
- C. Barham & Son
Design
- Visible features
- • Arched-top standing clock case in figured mahogany veneer • Silvered circular regulator dial with subsidiary seconds and hour registers flanking the center arbor • Long glazed trunk door revealing a gridiron pendulum with a polished brass circular bob • Base plinth framed with applied rectangular molding • Engraved signature visible across the dial face reading 'C. BARHAM & SON' and 'HAWKHURST'
- Dial Configuration and Inscription
- The clock is fitted with a 12-inch circular silvered metal dial configured in an astronomical regulator layout. The dial displays time via separate subsidiary dials for seconds and hours alongside a central sweep minute hand, indicated with blued steel hands and both Roman and Arabic numerals. Engraved around the center arbor is the maker's signature, documented as 'C. Barham & Son, Manufacturer, Hawkhurst, England'. Condition notes record minor surface discoloration across the dial alongside partial loss to the engraved blacking.
- Case Architecture and Visible Presentation
- The standing case is documented as measuring 76 inches by 18 inches by 10 inches and is constructed with heavily figured mahogany veneer. It features an arched hood and a long glazed trunk door through which the gridiron pendulum and its circular brass bob are displayed. The hood and trunk sections are flanked by chamfered corners carved with lambs tongue motifs, terminating on a plinth base defined by applied perimeter moldings. The auction catalog reports that the case has been professionally refinished. Recorded structural and surface defects include a split in the base, a split in the board separating the interior of the trunk, and other minor splits and veneer losses sustained throughout the case.
- Reported Movement, Escapement, and Accessories
- The movement plates and internal escapement are concealed behind the dial in the catalog imagery, but the source lists an eight-day, time-only, weight-driven brass movement built with very heavy plates and large turned pillars. The movement utilizes a Graham deadbeat escapement regulating a gridiron pendulum. The condition report notes that the suspension is broken. Additional loose or accompanying parts itemized in the auction listing include the pendulum, brass weight, movement, brass trim piece, and suspension.
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: Movement plates, escapement, and weight drive are not internally visible in the photograph; details rely on auction house descriptions
- Research required: Source notes the case is professionally refinished with a split in the base, minor veneer losses, a split interior trunk board, and a broken suspension