English Sir Walter Scott Memorial Skeleton Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1870
According to the seller, this English skeleton clock dates to circa 1870 and was fashioned after the monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott in Edinburgh. The pierced architectural brass framework encloses an eight-day single-train fusée movement with a balance wheel escapement mounted above.
A pierced, engraved silvered dial displays Roman numerals with blued steel trefoil hands. Positioned centrally under the lower Gothic-style arch are gilt brass figures depicting Sir Walter Scott and his dog, Maida. The clock rests upon a velvet-covered plinth over a stepped marble base with bun feet, and is reported to have undergone full restoration.
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
- Dimensions
- 20″H x 13″W x 9″D
- Escapement
- Rare balance wheel escapement
- Movement type
- Eight-day one-train fusée movement
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Figures depicted
- Sir Walter Scott and his dog, Maida
Design
- Visible features
- • Pierced architectural brass frame modelled after the Gothic spire of the Scott Monument. • Circular pierced silvered dial ring with black Roman hour numerals and blued steel hands. • Gilded figures of the seated author and recumbent dog positioned inside the central lower arch. • Plinth covered in blue velvet set upon a stepped rectangular marble base raised on four bun feet.
- Dial and Movement Details
- The time is displayed on a pierced, engraved, and silvered dial ring featuring black Roman hour numerals and blued steel trefoil hands. According to the seller listing, the timepiece is powered by an eight-day single-train fusée movement and incorporates a balance wheel escapement positioned above the movement.
- Architectural Design and Figural Mounts
- The skeleton clock features a pierced architectural brass frame stated to be fashioned after the monument constructed in Edinburgh, Scotland, in honor of Sir Walter Scott. The visible design exhibits open Gothic-style architectural framework with tracery and spire forms. Positioned inside the lower central arch are gilt brass figures depicting Sir Walter Scott and his dog, Maida. Observation confirms the clock assembly rests upon a blue velvet-covered plinth supported by a stepped rectangular marble base with bun feet.
- Source Documentation and Condition Claims
- The listing dates the clock to circa 1870 and claims it bears a full restoration along with a one-year warranty. A square seamless dome is listed under details but noted as not shown, and no glass dome is visible in the provided photography. No maker signature, hallmark, or serial number is recorded in the source text or visible in the imagery, leaving workshop attribution unrecorded in this source.
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 glass dome described in the text is noted as not shown and is absent from the photograph.
- Research required: No maker signature or serial markings are visible or recorded in the listing.