Claudius DuChesne Queen Anne basket top table clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1700
This Queen Anne basket top table clock is attributed to the maker Claudius DuChesne, London, dating to approximately 1700. The object is housed in an ebony veneered oak case, featuring a molded base and cornice, with glazed doors at the front and back.
The case is detailed with cast carrying handles, short gilt feet, and is surmounted by four urn and flame finials alongside a repousse basket top. The decorative scheme includes repousse strapwork frets on the sides, with reserves depicting St. George and the dragon on the front and back, and images of Queen Anne on the sides. The dial is a nine-inch square composite example with a wheatear border, matted center, and gilt cherub spandrels.
It features a silvered roman numeral chapter ring, a mock pendulum aperture, and a date aperture. The eight-day, three-train movement includes fusees and a knife-edge verge escapement.
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
- Date
- circa 1700
- Type
- Table clock
- Maker
- Claudius DuChesne
- Condition
- Minor losses and replacements reported
- Dial size
- 9 inch
- Dimensions
- 21.5in x 12.25in x 6.5in
- Escapement
- Knife edge verge
- Case material
- Ebony veneered oak
- Place recorded
- London
- Movement trains
- Three train
- Maker / attribution
- Claudius DuChesne
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is housed in an ebony veneered oak case, characterized by a molded base and cornice. The aesthetic is defined by its basket top, which is decorated with repousse work. The case is raised on short, round gilt feet. Additional ornamentation includes four urn and flame finials at the corners and seven smaller urn finials associated with the top structure. Access to the interior is provided by glazed doors on both the front and rear faces. The dial is a nine-inch square composite design featuring a matted center and gilt cherub spandrels. A silvered chapter ring displays roman numerals and is framed by a wheatear border. Functional apertures include a mock pendulum opening positioned below the 12 o'clock marker and a date window situated above the 6 o'clock position. The clock incorporates cast carrying handles on the sides, which also feature repousse strapwork frets containing naturalistic imagery.
- Visible features
- • Case features repousse strapwork side frets • Silvered chapter ring with roman numerals • Clock is surmounted by four urn and flame finials • Repousse basket top design
- Movement and Repeating Mechanism
- The movement is an eight-day, three-train design utilizing fusees for both the time and strike functions. The escapement is a knife-edge verge type, operating with a bob pendulum. Power is transmitted through a configuration of five knopped pillars. The clock possesses a pull quarter repeating mechanism which operates on five bells. The backplate features decorative engraving consistent with the period, incorporating a wheatear border and scrolling foliate ornamentation. Additional details on the backplate include a depiction of a bird located below the center, positioned above a grotesque mask. According to the auction description, while the movement is reported as running and striking, the quarter repeating function is noted to be inconsistent, as the quarters frequently strike incorrectly.
- Condition and Reported Replacements
- The auction description reports the clock is in good condition overall, though it notes several areas of wear and subsequent intervention. The case has been polished and displays minor losses to the gilding, alongside minor deformations and splits, including a small loss at the rear left section. The original door glasses have been replaced. Regarding the internal components, the minute hand has been replaced, as have the back cock and the guard. The pinned ends of the pillars show signs of filing, and the movement is currently lacking one mounting screw. The dial remains in good condition.
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: Quarters strike incorrectly
- Research required: One movement mounting screw is missing