Late 19th Century Mahogany Balloon Bracket Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
This is a late 19th-century English bracket clock timepiece, dated to approximately 1890. Designed in the style of the George III period, it features a balloon-shaped mahogany case with figured wood grain.
The case is adorned with inlay work, including boxwood stringing and a decorative panel below the dial depicting crossed torches with ribbons and foliage, executed in satinwood and boxwood. The clock is supported by a plinth base with floral marquetry, raised on four fluted brass feet. It incorporates a silver-plated 7-inch dial with black Roman numerals, minute track, and pierced steel hands. The internal 8-day fusee mechanism is accessed via a rear door and includes a pendulum.
The auction description reports that the movement has been fully overhauled and serviced. The dimensions are 44 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 19 cm in depth. It includes a winding key and a rear door key.
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 1890
- Type
- Bracket clock
- Condition
- Overhauled
- Dial size
- 7 inches
- Dimensions
- 44 x 30 x 19 cm
- Case material
- Mahogany
- Mechanism type
- 8-day fusee
- Place recorded
- England
- Country of origin
- England
Design
- Visible features
- • Case features balloon silhouette with boxwood stringing • Dial features black Roman numerals and pierced steel hands • Base utilizes four fluted brass feet • Marquetry includes crossed torch motif below dial
- Dial and Timekeeping
- The clock features a silver-plated dial measuring 7 inches in diameter. The markings include Roman numerals in black ink and a precise minute track. The time is indicated by pierced steel hands. The movement is a mechanical 8-day English fusee timepiece. The fusee mechanism is designed to provide uniform power distribution from the mainspring. The movement is contained within the case and accessible via a rear door. A pendulum is included as part of the regulating mechanism.
- Condition and Maintenance
- According to the auction description, the clock is in excellent condition. The internal fusee mechanism has undergone a full service and overhaul. The marquetry work is described as fully intact. The clock is supplied with two keys: one for winding the movement and one for the rear door.
- Case and Aesthetic Features
- The clock is constructed in a balloon shape, a form noted in British clockmaking of the period, executed in figured mahogany. The case is decorated with inlaid boxwood stringing along the perimeter of the brass-bezelled dial. Below the dial, a decorative marquetry panel features crossed flaming torches tied with ribbons and stylized floral motifs. The base is formed on a plinth displaying floral scroll marquetry and is supported by four fluted brass feet. The aesthetic design is attributed to the George III period style. The materials used for the inlay include satinwood and boxwood set into the mahogany veneer.
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: Verification of the fusee chain or wire integrity recommended
- Research required: Verification of hinge and lock historical consistency recommended