Double Sided GPO Fusee Wall Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
This antique double-sided wall clock was produced for the General Post Office (GPO) in the United Kingdom. It is housed in a mahogany case and features a single fusee movement, designed for an eight-day duration with key winding.
The movement incorporates an anchor escapement to regulate the timekeeping. Each of the two sides features a 12-inch (28 cm) diameter painted dial with black Roman numerals and steel spade-pattern hands. The dials bear the royal cipher of King George V (GR V surmounted by a crown). The casing includes access doors on the side and bottom for maintenance. The attribution of the production date to circa 1890 is noted alongside the presence of the George V cipher, which relates to the period between 1910 and 1936.
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
- Wall clock
- Maker
- GPO
- Dating
- circa 1890
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Duration
- 8-day
- Mechanism
- Single fusee with anchor escapement
- Case Material
- Mahogany
- Dial Diameter
- 12 inches
- Place recorded
- بریتانیا
- Maker / attribution
- W J Morris Clocks (Retailer)
Design
- Case and Dials
- The clock is constructed with a mahogany frame, measuring 36 cm in diameter and 18 cm in depth. The design is double-sided to facilitate viewing from different positions within a room. Access for servicing and winding is provided through hinged doors located on the side and bottom of the casing. Both dials are 12 inches (28 cm) in diameter and feature a white finish with black Roman numerals. The dials are marked with the royal cypher of King George V, identified by the initials 'GR V' underneath a crown. The hands are crafted from steel in a spade style.
- Visible features
- • Dual dials with George V royal cipher • Mahogany circular frame • Steel wall mounting bracket • Steel spade-pattern hands
- Movement and Escapement
- The timekeeping mechanism is an eight-day, key-wound system. It utilizes a single fusee movement, a configuration intended to provide uniform power to the gear train. An anchor escapement is used to regulate the movement. The clock is supplied with a black-painted steel bracket for wall mounting.
- Historical and Attribution Notes
- While the source provides an estimated production date of circa 1890, the presence of the George V royal cypher on the dials creates an inconsistency in the dating. The reign of King George V spanned from 1910 to 1936. Due to this conflict, the auction description suggests that the authenticity of the dials in relation to the main case, or the possibility of subsequent repainting or component replacement, requires further professional examination.
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: Discrepancy between circa 1890 dating and George V reign (1910-1936)
- Research required: Potential for re-painting or component modification