John Walker Bracket Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1860
This antique bracket clock is attributed to the London-based maker John Walker and dates to approximately 1860. The clock features a compact mahogany cabinet constructed with flame mahogany veneers and contrasting ebonised sections.
Brass ornamentation is extensive, including a circular molded bezel surrounding the dial, corner mounts, decorative plaques at the base and forehead, side handles designed as lions, and a pineapple-shaped finial atop the case. The side panels are fitted with lattice-work vents lined with red fabric. The clock is powered by an eight-day twin-fusee mechanical movement, equipped to strike the hour on a bell. Technical features include a stop-work mechanism and a pendulum suspension assembly located at the rear of the movement.
The dial is signed "Jn. Walker 230 Regent St & 68 Cornhill London," identifying the maker's retail and workshop addresses during the nineteenth century.
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
- Bracket clock
- Maker
- John Walker
- Features
- Stop work mechanism
- Striking
- Hour bell strike
- Signature
- Jn. Walker 230 Regent St & 68 Cornhill London
- Case Material
- Flame mahogany with ebonised details
- Movement Type
- Eight-day twin fusee
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- John Walker
Design
- Visible features
- • Case features brass lion-head side handles and pineapple finial • Dial is signed with maker's name and two London addresses • Movement includes an eight-day twin-fusee mechanism • Movement is equipped with a bell for hour striking
- Movement and Functionality
- The horological movement is an eight-day twin-fusee caliber. This mechanical system provides power to the clock and is designed to strike the hour on a bowl-shaped bell. The movement also includes a stop-work feature, a technical component intended to prevent over-winding or damage to the fusee mechanism. Visible on the rear of the movement are the pendulum blade and the suspension system, supported by brass brackets. The arrangement shows the traditional configuration expected for a nineteenth-century bracket clock movement, with the pendulum swing mechanism accessible from the back panel.
- Signature and Identification
- The dial prominently displays the inscription of the maker, John Walker, along with his specific London business locations at 230 Regent Street and 68 Cornhill. The auction description reports that the object requires an independent examination by collectors to verify the originality of the hands, pendulum, and winding key, as well as the integrity of the wood finishes and brass elements. No documentation regarding recent maintenance or service history is provided.
- Cabinetry and External Appointments
- The clock is housed in an enclosure crafted from flame mahogany veneers, accented by dark ebonised sections that create visual contrast. The design incorporates brass elements, including a molded circular frame around the dial, corner decorations, and additional brass motifs on the forehead and lower section of the case. Transporting the clock is facilitated by brass handles fashioned as lions on the sides. The top of the case is finished with a brass pineapple finial. The side of the cabinet features acoustic lattice windows covered with red fabric to allow the sound of the bell to emanate from the enclosure.
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 such as springs and fusee chains remains unverified
- Research required: Functional status and potential requirement for service are not confirmed in source