Early Victorian Oak Bracket Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1840
This Early Victorian bracket clock dates to circa 1840 and is housed in an oak case. The case features a serpentine-curved top adorned with hand-carved fruit and foliage motifs surrounding a central cartouche, with similar carvings applied to the base.
The clock is fitted with a cream-coloured circular dial featuring black Roman numerals and a minute track, set behind a cast brass bezel. The steel hands are of the club style. Bevelled glass panels are located on the sides and the rear door, facilitating view of the movement. Internally, the clock is powered by a twin fusee movement with an eight-day power reserve and a striking mechanism that functions on a metal bell.
The auction description reports that the movement has been serviced and is in full working order, and that the dial exhibits stabilized crazing.
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 1840
- Dial
- Cream-coloured with Roman numerals
- Type
- Bracket clock
- Dimensions
- 44cm x 36cm x 18cm
- Case material
- Oak
- Movement type
- Twin fusee, 8-day
- Place recorded
- England
- Country of origin
- England
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The circular dial is finished in a cream tone, providing contrast to the black Roman numerals and the peripheral minute track. The time is indicated by black steel hands featuring the 'club' motif, which is secured by a cast brass bezel. The source reports that the dial surface shows signs of age-related cracking, specifically crazing. It is stated that these cracks are superficial, non-flaking, and have been stabilized, though periodic monitoring for further development is suggested.
- Visible features
- • Case features extensive hand-carved fruit and foliage decorations • Dial displays visible craquelure patterns across the cream-coloured surface • Movement is a twin fusee type visible through glazed panels • Hands are styled in the distinctive 'club' design
- Movement and Functionality
- The timepiece operates on a mechanical twin fusee movement providing an eight-day reserve. It includes a striking mechanism that sounds the hour upon a metal bell. The auction description reports that the clock is supplied with its pendulum and keys. Regarding the operational condition, the source indicates that the movement has undergone a full service and inspection. It is currently reported to be in full working order, though the auction description includes recommendations for collectors to verify the integrity of the pendulum suspension system for long-term maintenance.
- Case and Aesthetic Features
- The clock is housed in an oak case characterized by its Early Victorian stylistic elements, specifically those dating to approximately 1840. The silhouette is defined by a serpentine-shaped top which acts as a focal point for the elaborate hand-carved ornamentation. This carving incorporates fruit and leaf motifs that frame a central cartouche. Similar decorative carvings are repeated at the base of the clock, creating visual symmetry. Practicality is integrated into the design through the inclusion of bevelled glass panels located on both side profiles and the rear access door, intended to allow inspection of the mechanical movement housed within.
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: Originality of the pendulum and keys is not explicitly confirmed by provenance
- Research required: Long-term stability of the dial's craquelure is noted for monitoring