George III bracket clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1815
This George III period bracket clock dates to approximately 1815. The timepiece features an ebonised wooden case topped with a decorative brass carrying handle and an arched cornice.
The design incorporates gilded brass moldings, fish-scale brass acoustic frets backed by red silk, and gilded brass bracket feet. Its 7-inch convex dial is finished in a cream color with black Roman numerals and blue-steel skeletal hands. A Strike/Silent selector is positioned at the top of the dial, which is protected by a convex glass within a gilded brass bezel. The internal mechanism is an eight-day, twin fusee movement featuring an anchor escapement and a repeating function on a bell.
The backplate includes engraved edges and an oval brass plaque for the vendor, Robt Simpson of Strand, London, with the name Thwaites and Reed engraved on the interior of the movement backplate.
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 1815
- Type
- Bracket clock
- Maker
- Thwaites and Reed
- Vendor
- Robt Simpson, Strand London
- Condition
- Service history and minor bezel flaw
- Dimensions
- 41cm x 20cm x 28cm
- Escapement
- Anchor escapement
- Case Material
- Ebonised wood
- Movement Type
- Eight-day twin fusee
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- Thwaites and Reed
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is housed in an ebonised wooden case designed with an arched, molded cornice. It features a decorative brass handle mounted at the top. The case incorporates gilded brass trims and is supported by four gilded brass bracket feet. Side panels and the lower section of the front door feature brass acoustic frets, decorated with a fish-scale pattern and backed by red silk fabric. The convex dial measures 7 inches in diameter and is finished in a cream color. It displays black Roman numerals and a minute track, accompanied by blue-steel skeletal hands. The dial is set behind a convex glass pane protected by a gilded brass bezel. A Strike/Silent lever is located at the top of the dial for regulating the repeating chime.
- Visible features
- • Red silk backing behind fish-scale brass frets • Convex dial with Roman numerals • Gilded brass bracket feet • Decorative brass carrying handle
- Condition and Status
- The auction description reports that the ebonised case is in excellent condition, with no evidence of wood cracking. The gilded brass components, including the feet and bezels, are noted to have maintained their original finish. While the red silk fabric behind the acoustic frets has been replaced, the overall structure remains intact. A minor crack is reported in the brass bezel positioned above the dial. The mechanism has undergone complete servicing and inspection by the auction house to ensure functional status. The clock is sold with the winding and door keys included.
- Movement and Mechanism
- The clock utilizes an eight-day movement with a twin fusee mechanism and an anchor escapement. It is designed to strike the hours on a bell and includes a repeating function. The movement's backplate features engraved borders and an oval brass plaque detailing the vendor, Robt Simpson of Strand, London. Additionally, the interior of the backplate bears the mark of the maker, Thwaites and Reed. The auction description confirms that the movement has been serviced and is currently in working order. The clock includes its original winding key and door key for maintenance and operation.
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: Manufacturer attribution to Thwaites and Reed is based on internal movement plate engravings as reported by the source
- Research required: A minor crack is noted by the source in the brass bezel above the dial