English Lichfield Cathedral Skeleton Clock by Evans of Handsworth
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1870
This English brass skeleton clock features an architectural frame designed after Lichfield Cathedral, crowned with three spires. The source attributes the timepiece to Evans of Handsworth and dates it to circa 1870.
The eight-day striking movement is reported to strike the half hour on a bell and the hour on a tuned gong. It displays time via a pierced and engraved silvered dial with black Roman numerals and ornate hands, exposing the underlying gear train. The mechanism rests on a stepped brass plinth set onto a carved wooden base with scroll and leaf motifs.
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 1870
- Type
- Skeleton clock
- Maker
- Evans of Handsworth
- Dimensions
- 18 1/2″ High x 13″ Wide x 7″ Deep
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Striking mechanism
- Strikes half hour on bell and hour on tuned gong
- Maker / attribution
- Evans of Handsworth
Design
- Visible features
- • Pierced brass gothic cathedral frame with three prominent central spires • Openwork silvered dial ring with black Roman numerals and decorative dark hands • Visible striking bell mounted beside the upper right spire structure • Movement supported on a tiered stepped brass plinth • Carved dark wooden plinth with scroll feet and foliate relief carving
- Dial and Striking Movement
- Time is displayed on an openwork silvered dial ring engraved with black Roman numerals, swept by decorative dark hands. The openwork dial allows a view directly into the motion work and wheelwork behind it. The retailer states that an eight-day movement powers the clock, striking the half hour on a bell and the hour on a tuned gong. A striking bell is visibly mounted beside the upper right spire structure, while the tuned gong and internal strike mechanism components are not verified by visible marks in the image.
- Architectural Framing and Base
- The brass skeleton clock is constructed in an open architectural frame modeled after Lichfield Cathedral, crowned with three prominent spires. The pierced structure displays gothic architecture and leaves the underlying gear train visible. Visually, the movement rests upon a tiered, stepped brass plinth set onto a carved dark wooden base with scroll feet and foliate relief. The retailer description reports that the clock resides inside a custom-made, glazed mahogany case with carved scroll and leaf detail adorning the base.
- Attribution and Source Limitations
- The clock is attributed by the seller to Evans of Handsworth (also listed as Evans of Hansworth in the source details) and dated to circa 1870. No maker's name, signature, or serial mark is visibly recorded on the front of the dial or frame in the photograph, leaving the attribution dependent on the seller's cataloging. Additionally, while the source describes a glazed mahogany case housing the timepiece, only the carved base is shown in the catalog photograph; the glazed hood or upper case is not pictured.
Identification
- SKU
- BSCH 48
- 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 source notes a custom glazed mahogany case, which is not pictured in the photograph
- Research required: Attribution to Evans of Handsworth is based on seller description; no signature is clearly discernible in the image