Late 18th-century mahogany table clock by Alexander Cumming
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1790
This late 18th-century English table clock by Alexander Cumming of London is housed in a mahogany-veneered bell-top case resting on brass bracket feet. The case displays stop-fluted canted corners with line inlays, oak leaf and acorn marquetry in the upper door spandrels, brass carrying handles, and brass finials.
The top is surmounted by a fluted plinth flanked by brass ornaments. Its arched silvered brass dial is inscribed 'Alexr Cumming London' with Roman hour markers, Arabic five-minute numerals, engraved foliate spandrels, and a subsidiary Strike/Silent ring in the arch. The source reports an eight-day, two-train fusee movement striking on a bell.
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
- Table clock
- Dimensions
- 21.5in x 12.75in x 8in
- Case design
- Mahogany veneered bell top case on brass bracket feet
- Movement type
- 8 day two train fusee movement
- Reported date
- circa 1790
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker and origin
- Alexander Cumming, London
- Maker / attribution
- Alexander Cumming
Design
- Visible features
- • Silvered dial is signed 'Alexr Cumming London' across the center. • Arched upper subsidiary dial ring is engraved 'Strike' and 'Silent', lacking an indicator hand. • Mahogany bell-top case features stop-fluted canted corners and oak leaf and acorn marquetry spandrels above the glazed door. • Fluted rectangular plinth at the top center has flanking pierced brass scrollwork ornaments, but lacks a central top finial. • Case is supported on four shaped brass bracket feet and fitted with brass side carrying handles.
- Dial and Timing Mechanism
- The time is displayed via a sheet-brass silvered dial, which features Roman hour numerals and Arabic five-minute markers. The surface is decorated with engraved floral and foliate spandrels and equipped with blued steel hands. The movement is an eight-day, two-train fusee mechanism that strikes the hour on a bell. The backplate features an engraved border, and the pendulum includes a similarly engraved bob. A subsidiary dial located in the arch is designated for 'Strike/Silent' functions, though the source notes the indicator is missing.
- Condition and Historical Notes
- The clock is attributed to Alexander Cumming of London and is noted as dating to approximately 1790. A clock repairer’s label dated 1863 is present on the seat board. Reported condition issues include minor splits and losses to the veneers, with some lifting on the convex portion of the front top. The dial has been resilvered, and the dial mask shows replaced veneers, splits in the joints, and warping at the upper right.
- Case Construction and Decorative Elements
- The clock is housed in a mahogany-veneered, bell-top case, which rests upon brass bracket feet. The design includes a molded base and top, with the front corners featuring stop-fluted canting and contrasting line inlays. The door is flanked by this marquetry and features oak leaf and acorn motifs. The sides of the case are fitted with brass carrying handles and frets. The upper section is surmounted by a fluted plinth flanked by decorative brass ornaments. The top section is described as lacking a top finial.
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: Source notes the dial has been resilvered, dial mask veneers were replaced, the top finial is missing, and the strike/silent indicator is lacking.
- Research required: Internal two-train fusee movement and engraved backplate are not visible in the front photograph.