J. & B. Levi Salt-box Wall Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1795
This wall clock is attributed to the makers J. & B. Levi of Dover, England, and is dated to approximately 1795. The clock features a characteristic salt-box form case constructed from mahogany.
Its 12-inch diameter dial is silvered metal, displaying hours with engraved Roman numerals. Pierced blued iron hands indicate the time, protected by a glass cover held within a hinged cast brass bezel. Internally, the timepiece operates via a single fusee spring-driven movement, which transmits force through the gear train. A notable technical feature is the inclusion of a crown wheel verge escapement, a mechanism that was frequently replaced by anchor escapements in later models.
The clock is documented as having an original mahogany case with decorative lower curvatures. , though its functional state and the recent service history remain unverified in the provided documentation.
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 1795
- Type
- Dial clock
- Maker
- J. & B. Levi
- Escapement
- Crown wheel verge
- Case Material
- Mahogany
- Dial Diameter
- 12 inches
- Movement Type
- Single fusee
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- J. & B. Levi
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is housed in a mahogany case following the salt-box design, an early British wall clock style. The primary exterior features include lower decorative curvatures and a cast brass bezel that secures the dial glass. The dial itself measures 12 inches in diameter and consists of silvered metal finished with engraved Roman numerals to denote the hours. A pair of pierced, blued iron hands provide visual time indication against the silvered dial background. The bezel is connected to the wooden body via a hinge, allowing access to the dial and hands for winding or adjustment purposes.
- Visible features
- • Silvered dial with engraved Roman numerals • Pierced blued iron clock hands • Hinged cast brass bezel • Mahogany salt-box case
- Movement and Escapement
- The mechanical system driving this timepiece is a single fusee spring-driven movement. This type of movement is designed to ensure consistent force transmission throughout the gear train as the spring unwinds. A significant technical characteristic mentioned is the presence of a crown wheel verge escapement.
- Identification and Condition
- The maker's identity, J. & B. Levi, and their location in Dover are prominently engraved on the dial. The overall construction is associated with the Georgian period in England. There is no documented record regarding the current functional condition or any recent servicing of the movement. Prospective evaluation should address the integrity of the crown wheel, the originality of the pallet arbor, and the status of the fusee components to confirm no later modifications have been made to the escapement mechanism.
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: Operational status is unverified
- Research required: Presence of original crown wheel verge escapement requires independent verification