John W. Carter Wall Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
mid 19th century
This antique wall clock was manufactured in London during the mid-19th century by the clockmaker John W. Carter. The clock features a mahogany case equipped with both side and bottom access doors, the latter including a winding key.
The dial measures 12 inches in diameter and is finished in white with black Roman numerals, minute track markers, and dark metal hands, with the hour hand designed in a heart shape. The movement is a spring-driven twin fusee mechanism with an eight-day duration, designed to strike on a single bell at the top of every hour. The dial bears the inscription of the maker's name and his business address at 28 St Swithins Lane in London.
The clock is framed by a cast brass bezel with a protective glass cover.
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
- mid 19th century
- Type
- Wall clock
- Maker
- John W. Carter
- Address
- 28 St Swithins Lane
- Location
- London, UK
- Movement
- 8-day twin fusee
- Striking
- Single bell hourly
- Case Material
- Mahogany
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- John W. Carter
Design
- Case and Dial
- The wall clock is housed in a mahogany case, which incorporates side and bottom doors to allow access to the movement and pendulum. The face is protected by a cast brass bezel and glass, enclosing a 12-inch circular white dial. The dial displays black Roman numerals and a minute track, complemented by dark metal hands, with the hour hand featuring a distinctive heart-shaped tip. The dial is signed with the maker's name and address, indicating a workshop location at 28 St Swithins Lane, London. The inclusion of two winding holes confirms the presence of dual gear trains dedicated to timekeeping and the striking function.
- Visible features
- • Mahogany case with side and bottom access • 12-inch white dial with Roman numerals • Twin fusee winding holes on the dial • Dark metal heart-shaped hour hand
- Maker and Documentation
- John W. Carter was active as a clockmaker in London during the mid-19th century. Historical documentation identifies him as a member of the Clockmakers Company beginning in 1829. He attained the position of Master within the company on three separate occasions, in 1856, 1859, and 1864. The auction description reports that while the clock exhibits the characteristics of a London-made piece from this era, physical inspection of the movement's components—specifically the fusee chains and internal strike train—is required for verification of operational condition and integrity of the original hardware.
- Movement and Functionality
- The clock is powered by a mechanical spring-driven movement featuring a twin fusee system, which provides an eight-day duration. The mechanism is configured to sound on a single bell at the top of each hour. The presence of two winding holes on the dial corresponds to the twin fusee movement design, managing the separate power requirements for timekeeping and striking. As the internal components were not visible in the provided photographs, the auction description advises that a professional assessment is needed to confirm the state of the chains, springs, and hammer assembly.
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 internal components including springs, chains, and fusees is unverified
- Research required: Integrity of locks and hinges requires independent inspection