English Bracket Clock, signed Thos Gammage & Son
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1850
This English mantel or bracket clock, dating to approximately 1850, is constructed from dark wood with an arched, polished finish. The case features a stepped cornice with decorative dentil molding at the top and rests on rounded brass feet.
A rear-hinged door equipped with a large glass panel provides visibility into the internal brass movement and the adjustable pendulum mechanism. The dial, also arched, is decorated with engraved scroll and foliate motifs along its periphery. It displays Roman numerals and patterned hands. The lower portion of the dial is inscribed with the address '1 St Michaels Alley, Cornhill, London' and the number '356'. The movement, which displays the maker's signature 'THOs G... & Son' and their London address on the backplate, utilizes thick brass plates and a traditional British construction.
The clock is provided 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
- Type
- Bracket clock
- Case features
- Rounded brass feet and rear glass door
- Place recorded
- England
- Attributed date
- circa 1850
- Dial decoration
- Engraved scroll and foliate motifs
- Maker signature
- THOs G... & SON
- Dial inscription
- 1 St Michaels Alley, Cornhill, London
- Maker / attribution
- Thos Gammage & Son
- Movement construction
- Brass plates with traditional British layout
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is housed in a dark, polished wooden case designed in the traditional style of an English bracket clock. Its silhouette is characterized by an arched profile, echoing the shape of the dial contained within. The upper section of the case is defined by a stepped cornice enhanced with dentil molding, providing a textural element to the crest. At the base, the clock is supported by four rounded brass feet. The dial is an arched metal plate featuring intricate engraved scroll and foliate ornamentation. It utilizes standard Roman numerals for time indication, accompanied by period-style hands. Located at the base of the dial is the specific location address of the maker in London and the reference number 356. A glass pane fitted to the rear door allows for a view of the internal mechanics.
- Visible features
- • Case features dentil molding at the upper edge • Brass plate movement includes adjustable pendulum rod and anchor • Dial inscribed with address: 1 St Michaels Alley, Cornhill, London
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description reports that the clock remains in a condition appropriate for its age. The wooden casing shows minor signs of surface wear, which is consistent with its mid-19th-century dating. No explicit statements regarding the current functional status of the mechanical movement have been provided by the source. Collectors are advised to note that some images previously associated with this listing have been excluded due to inconsistencies. The physical features of the clock, including its inscriptions, strongly support the attribution to an English maker, contradicting the seller's claim of a French origin. Further independent investigation into the technical working order is recommended.
- Movement and Construction
- The internal mechanism is built with thick brass plates consistent with British horological traditions of the mid-19th century. The system includes an adjustable pendulum rod and a corresponding anchor escapement. The backplate of the movement is clearly engraved with the maker's name, 'THOs G... & Son', and their business location at Cornhill, London. While the original auction listing suggests the presence of a French 8-day striking movement, visual inspection of the internal components and the backplate signature points towards an English manufacture. The clock includes a winding key to operate the manual mechanism. Despite the uncertainty regarding the movement's precise operational history, the physical evidence identifies the piece as part of the London watchmaking tradition.
Identification
- Reference
- 356
- 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: Seller listing claims a French 8-day movement, which contradicts physical markings and internal construction
- Research required: Wood type is identified as Kingwood by the seller, though this remains an unverified attribution