Holman Dial Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1860
This is an English dial clock attributed to the maker Holman of Lewes, dated to approximately 1860. The clock features a mahogany housing with a circular dial surround supported by an integrated wall bracket.
The lower section of the casing incorporates decorative scrollwork and floral carvings. The painted metal dial measures 20.5 cm in diameter and displays Roman numerals. A brass bezel and protective glass encase the dial. The clock is powered by an eight-day, single-train fusee movement, identified by a single winding hole located on the dial. The fusee system uses a chain drive to transmit power from the mainspring barrel to the movement.
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 1860
- Type
- Dial clock
- Maker
- Holman (Lewes)
- Dial type
- Painted metal
- Case material
- Mahogany
- Dial diameter
- 20.5 cm
- Movement type
- 8-day fusee
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- Holman
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is housed in a circular mahogany case, which sits above an integrated carved wall bracket. The lower portion of the housing is decorated with carved scrollwork and floral motifs. The protective housing for the dial includes a brass bezel and a glass cover. The dial is a painted metal disc with a diameter of 20.5 cm, marked with Roman numerals. The maker's name, 'Holman' of Lewes, is signed centrally on the dial face. A single winding aperture is positioned on the dial, which indicates the use of a time-only movement.
- Visible features
- • Single winding hole on dial • Roman numerals on painted dial • Scroll and floral wood carvings on bracket • Circular wooden case with brass bezel
- Movement and Mechanism
- The movement is an eight-day weight or spring-driven mechanism, identified in the source as a fusee movement. This system utilizes a chain to connect the spring barrel to the fusee, providing consistent torque to the escapement as the mainspring releases its power. The presence of a single winding hole on the dial confirms that the movement is a time-only configuration, without striking or chiming complications.
- Condition and Assessment
- The source notes that there is no information available regarding the recent service history or the current functional health of the movement. It is highlighted that potential collectors should independently inspect the state of the fusee chain or gut line, as well as the spring barrel. Further examination is recommended to verify the authenticity of the pendulum and weights, as well as to ensure the painted dial has not undergone improper restoration or suffered from structural cracking.
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: Condition of fusee chain and spring barrel unverified
- Research required: Recent service history not reported