George III mahogany drop-dial fusee wall timepiece by William Dutton and Sons
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1794
This George III drop-dial fusee wall timepiece reflects Mudge and Dutton's 'Phase II' design and is attributed by the source to William Dutton and Sons, London, circa 1794.
The clock features a four knopped pillar single-fusee movement with thick plates and an anchor escapement regulated by a steel-rod lenticular bob pendulum stamped with serial number 227. Its 14-inch circular silvered brass dial presents Roman numerals, outer Arabic five-minute divisions, and pierced blued steel spade hands. The movement is housed inside a mahogany drop-trunk box case characterized by flame-figured paneling, flanking ogee-shaped ears, and a moulded bottom flap.
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
- Drop-dial wall timepiece
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Case dimensions
- 66 cm high, 44.5 cm wide, 16 cm deep
- Movement design
- Four knopped pillar single fusee movement with anchor escapement
- Dial description
- 14-inch circular silvered brass dial with Roman numerals and Arabic five minutes
- Maker and origin
- William Dutton and Sons, London
- Pendulum details
- Steel-rod lenticular bob pendulum stamped with serial number 227
- Maker / attribution
- William Dutton and Sons
Design
- Visible features
- • Circular silvered dial framed by a brass bezel with visible side hinge. • Mahogany drop-trunk section features a flame-veneered rectangular panel bordered by moulded edges and shaped side ears. • Pierced blued steel spade hour and minute hands point to black Roman numerals and an outer track.
- Movement and Pendulum
- The clock utilizes a four knopped pillar single-fusee movement with plates measuring 6.25 by 5 inches. The movement is secured to a seatboard, which is part of the internal case structure, by large screws passed through the bottom pillars. The train includes an anchor escapement regulated by a steel-rod lenticular bob pendulum. The pendulum features an effective length of approximately 15 inches, a T-bar suspension, and a calibrated rating nut. The rear of the bob is stamped with the serial number 227.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The timepiece is housed in a mahogany drop-trunk box case. The upper section consists of a circular cushion-moulded wooden surround, fitted with a glazed cavetto moulded cast brass bezel. The drop-trunk section includes a flame-figured panel within an astragal moulded surround, flanked by ogee-shaped ears, with an angled cavetto and ogee moulded hinged flap at the base. The case includes doors to each side behind the dial. The 14-inch circular silvered brass dial features Roman numerals and an outer track with Arabic five-minute divisions. The dial is signed 'Will'm Dutton & Sons, London' at the center and uses pierced blued steel spade hands.
- Historical Context and Attribution
- The timepiece is identified as a 'Phase II' design, a style noted in exhibition literature as dating between approximately 1780 and 1810. Based on the serial number 227, the source attributes the manufacture to circa 1794. The maker is recorded as William Dutton and Sons, a partnership formed in approximately 1775. The source states that William Dutton died in 1794, and identifies this timepiece as likely being among the last produced by the firm under his leadership.
Identification
- Serial number
- 227
- 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: Internal movement, side doors, and rear pendulum markings are not visible in the provided image.
- Research required: Dating to circa 1794 is based on catalogue serial number analysis and maker history rather than an inscribed date.