Edwardian Scratch-Built Mantel Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1903
This Edwardian mantel clock is identified as a scratch-built timepiece. The architectural, arched case is constructed from ash wood and mounted on a wide base. A printed label, applied to the rear of the case, attributes the production to Samuel Scrace of Manchester, dating the object to approximately 1903.
The clock features a 4.75-inch white enamel dial with Roman numerals and blued steel hands, protected by a heavy cast brass bezel with bevelled glass. Movement is provided by an eight-day mechanical caliber equipped with a platform lever escapement. The case incorporates a rear-access porthole-style heavy brass cover, also fitted with bevelled glass. The auction description reports that the movement has been fully serviced and overhauled, placing it in excellent working condition.
The clock measures 22.5 centimeters in height, 21 centimeters in width, and 8 centimeters in depth, and is supplied with a winding key.
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 1903
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Maker
- Samuel Scrace
- Dimensions
- 22.5 x 21 x 8 cm
- Escapement
- Platform lever escapement
- Case Material
- Ash wood
- Dial Diameter
- 4.75 inches
- Movement Type
- Eight-day mechanical
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Samuel Scrace
Design
- Visible features
- • Case features a simple arched design in ash wood • Dial displays Roman numerals and blued steel hands • Rear of the clock features a circular, porthole-style access door • The timepiece is accompanied by a winding key
- Movement and Mechanism
- Power is derived from an eight-day mechanical movement. The escapement is a platform-mounted lever type, which allows for the timekeeping function. The mechanical integrity of the piece is maintained through an access point located at the rear of the case. This rear entry consists of a heavy, brass porthole-style door, which also utilizes bevelled glass. The auction description reports that the movement has undergone a comprehensive overhaul and service, confirming its current status as being in excellent working order. Winding is facilitated by the included key.
- Attribution and Condition
- The primary identification of the clock as the work of Samuel Scrace of Manchester is derived from a printed label found on the back of the case. The source documentation indicates that this label is a later addition, necessitating careful verification by collectors against known historical records of Manchester-based clockmakers. In terms of condition, the clock is reported to be in excellent state. The wooden case shows no staining or damage, and the enamel dial is noted for its clarity and preservation. Prospective owners are encouraged to corroborate the manufacturer label's information independently to confirm the historical attribution.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The clock is housed in an arched case fashioned from ash wood, seated upon a wide, solid base. The design is described as scratch-built, a term indicating custom or artisanal fabrication rather than standard factory production. The visual presentation of the dial is composed of a white enamel finish measuring 4.75 inches in diameter. The dial is marked with black Roman numerals and is fitted with blued steel hands. It is secured and shielded by a heavy cast brass bezel, which integrates a piece of bevelled glass to cover the display area.
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 exact authenticity of the Samuel Scrace attribution, based on a later-applied label, remains subject to verification against Manchester clockmaker records.
- Research required: The designation 'scratch-built' implies non-standard manufacture requiring further historical assessment.