George III Dial Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1780
This George III period dial clock is housed in a mahogany case featuring shaped and carved edges. A cast brass bezel with a hinge supports a convex glass cover over the dial.
The 14-inch brass dial has a matted central section, a raised chapter ring displaying black Roman numerals, and Arabic five-minute markings with quarter-hour divisions. It features ornate pierced black steel hands and a crescent-shaped plaque signed 'L J Meyer (Bristol)', which is suggested to be a later retailer. The clock utilizes an 8-day fusee mechanism with an anchor escapement mounted between A-shaped brass plates.
The rear of the case incorporates an integrated iron hanging loop and lateral stabilizers. The clock is accompanied by a door key and a winding key. The auction description reports the clock is in excellent condition, with a fully serviced movement and original mahogany case.
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 1780
- Dial
- 14-inch brass
- Type
- Dial clock
- Maker
- L J Meyer
- Country
- England
- Movement
- 8-day fusee
- Escapement
- Anchor
- Case Material
- Mahogany
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- L J Meyer
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is constructed within a mahogany case that exhibits shaped and carved edges. The dial is protected by a cast brass bezel, which is fitted with a hinge to allow for access and is covered by a convex glass pane. The 14-inch diameter brass dial features a matted finish in the center, intended to provide visual contrast. It is marked with black Roman numerals and Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals. The dial displays ornate, pierced black steel hands.
- Visible features
- • Pierced decorative black steel hands • 14-inch diameter brass dial with matted center • Integral iron hanging ring on wooden rear box • Lateral stabilizing screws on the case back
- Movement and Mechanism
- The timekeeping is powered by an 8-day fusee movement, a standard mechanism for English dial clocks of this period. The movement is mounted between A-shaped brass plates and utilizes an anchor escapement for regulation. The mechanical system is confirmed by the source to be fully serviced and operating. The clock is supplied with the necessary winding key and a door key for the case.
- Signatures and History
- The dial includes a crescent-shaped plaque bearing the inscription 'L J Meyer (Bristol)'. According to the auction description, this is potentially the name of a later retailer of the object rather than the original manufacturer. The historical integrity of the piece is addressed by notes regarding the rear wooden box and stabilization hardware, which may indicate maintenance or modifications occurring between the early 19th century and more recent decades.
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 wooden rear case is possibly a replacement from no later than 1830
- Research required: The lateral stabilizers were installed within the last 50 years
- Research required: The identity of L J Meyer as a retailer is unconfirmed