Fred Whitlock 20th Century Skeleton Clock with Epicyclic Gearing
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
20th century
This 20th-century brass skeleton clock, attributed by the source to Fred Whitlock, features an openwork C-scroll frame with heavy chamfered plates and large screwed posts.
The movement is powered by a single fusee and incorporates finely spoked wheelwork with an epicyclic planetary gear positioned at the front. It is regulated by an anchor escapement with a lenticular bob pendulum suspended from a steel spring with a rating screw. The skeletonised dial exhibits white Arabic numerals, black minute markers, and steel hands, all resting on an oval brass baseplate upon a stepped wooden plinth.
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
- Skeleton clock
- Gearing
- Epicyclic planetary gear
- Dimensions
- 29 cm (11 in) high with dome
- Escapement
- Anchor escapement
- Dial Details
- Skeletonised dial with white Arabic numerals
- Movement Frame
- C-scroll frame with heavy chamfered plates
- Maker / attribution
- Fred Whitlock
Design
- Visible features
- • Open brass skeleton frame forming sweeping C-scrolls with heavy chamfered edges and blued screw accents. • Open skeletonised dial ring with white Arabic hour numerals and blued steel hands. • Movement mounted on an oval polished brass base resting upon a stepped rectangular wooden plinth with brass bracket feet.
- Dial and Epicyclic Movement
- The open skeletonised dial ring features white Arabic numerals for the hours alongside black minute markers and blued steel hands. The single fusee movement incorporates finely spoked wheelwork with an epicyclic planetary gear situated at the front of the movement. Escapement regulation is provided by an anchor escapement and a pendulum with a lenticular bob suspended from a steel suspension spring and adjusted by a rating screw.
- Attribution and Source Claims
- The auction catalogue attributes the timepiece to Fred Whitlock and dates it to the 20th century under the title 'A good 20th century skeleton clock with epicyclic gearing Fred Whitlock'. No signatures, country of origin, or specific serial numbers are recorded in the catalogue text. Regarding operational status, the catalogue noted that the movement was 'currently ticking' at the time of description. The source does not document broader timekeeping accuracy, spring condition, or past servicing history.
- Frame and Structural Configuration
- The timepiece is structured as a brass skeleton clock mounted on an oval polished brass base resting upon a stepped rectangular wooden plinth with brass bracket feet. The movement frame features open brass plates forming sweeping C-scrolls with heavy chamfered edges and blued screw accents, terminating in large screwed posts. The catalogued dimensions record the clock at 29 cm (11 inches) high with dome. However, the glass dome referenced in the measurement is not depicted in the auction photograph, leaving its physical presence unrecorded in the visible lot image.
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 cited in the auction catalog dimensions is not shown in the lot photograph.
- Research required: No specific country of origin is stated in the catalog.