John Moore & Sons Giant Carriage Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1850
This "giant" carriage clock was produced by John Moore & Sons of Clerkenwell, London, circa 1850. The timepiece is housed in a silvered brass case featuring a molded, stepped base and top, with glazing on three sides and the top.
A massive fluted handle is mounted on the top for transport. The brushed silvered dial displays radial Roman numerals and an outer minute track, with blued steel "Quatrefoil" hands. Internally, the clock features a rectangular brass movement with twin fusee-and-chain trains. It includes Harrison’s maintaining power on the going side and a platform escapement with a lateral lever. The clock strikes the hours and half-hours on a coiled gong, with a repeating function activated by a button on the top.
The piece is signed and numbered on both the dial and 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
- Type
- Carriage clock
- Maker
- John Moore & Sons
- Power
- Twin fusee
- Functions
- Time, strike, repeat
- Dimensions
- 20 x 15.3 x 12.2 cm
- Escapement
- Lateral lever
- Case Material
- Silvered brass
- Serial Number
- 14166
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- John Moore & Sons
Design
- Visible features
- • Case includes a large, hinged fluted handle • Silvered finish on the case shows signs of wear • Dial features traditional Roman numeral hour markers • Movement includes an integrated platform escapement
- Case and Dial Design
- The clock is constructed with a "giant" silvered brass case that measures 20 cm in height. The architecture incorporates a molded and stepped base and top, providing a formal aesthetic. Glazing is provided on three sides and the top panel to allow visibility into the movement housing. A massive fluted hinged handle is attached to the top, facilitating the movement of the substantial timekeeper. The dial consists of a brushed silvered plate featuring radial Roman numerals and an outer minute track. Time is indicated by blued steel hands in the distinctive "Quatrefoil" pattern. The dial is signed and numbered, ensuring clear identification of the piece as a product of the Moore workshop.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description reports the clock's condition as generally good, though specific issues are noted. The case condition is classified as "Good" but with mention of oxidation described as "Rusted". The dial is also documented as "Good" but with surface scratches present. The timepiece is attributed to the firm of John Moore & Sons, who operated out of Clerkenwell, London.
- Movement and Complications
- The interior houses a rectangular brass movement characterized by a double-train configuration. Each train is powered by a fusee and chain mechanism. The going side is equipped with Harrison’s maintaining power, ensuring consistent force delivery during winding. The clock utilizes a platform-mounted lateral lever escapement, accompanied by a frosted gilt three-arm monometallic balance and a blued steel flat balance spring. The clock performs dual functions of striking and repeating. It strikes the hours and half-hours on a coiled gong. A repeating mechanism is included, which is manually triggered by a button located on the top of the clock case. Adjustment of the clock's rate is facilitated by an index regulator, and the movement is further protected by a brass back plate featuring shuttered holes for winding and setting the hands.
Identification
- Serial number
- 14166
- 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 report suggests the movement is rusted and requires an overhaul
- Research required: The silvered surface is noted by the auction house as scratched or worn