Late Victorian bracket clock by Rowley
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
This late Victorian bracket clock is attributed to the maker Rowley and dates to approximately 1890. It is constructed from mahogany with a distinctive arched top and molded edges.
The upper section features a stepped dome accented with gilt-brass castings, including acorn-shaped finials at the apex and corners. The sides incorporate intricate fretwork backed by silk fabric, and the base is supported by gilt-brass feet. The dial is composed of gilt brass with a silvered chapter ring, featuring Arabic numerals and outer minute indicators. Central portions of the dial are finished in a matte texture, complemented by blued steel hands.
The clock is driven by an eight-day mechanical twin-fusee movement, which powers a striking mechanism for the hour and half-hour on a coiled metallic gong. The auction description reports that the movement has been serviced and overhauled. Included accessories are a pendulum, a winding key, and a 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
- Hands
- Blued steel
- Maker
- Rowley
- Strike
- Hour and half-hour on coiled gong
- Material
- Mahogany
- Movement
- 8-day twin fusee
- Condition
- Serviced and overhauled
- Dimensions
- 43 x 25 x 18.5 cm
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- Rowley
Design
- Visible features
- • Acorn-shaped brass finials on top and corners • Fretwork side panels with silk backing • Gilt-brass decorative molding along the base • Silvered chapter ring with Arabic numerals
- Case and Dial Design
- The clock features a mahogany case characterized by an arched silhouette and molded edges. The aesthetic is defined by the use of gilt-brass accents, most notably the acorn-shaped finials mounted on the dome and the four corners of the case. Side panels are detailed with fine fretwork that conceals an underlying silk fabric. The base of the clock is raised on gilt-brass feet, providing stability and decorative continuity with the upper hardware. The dial is crafted from gilt brass and hosts a silvered chapter ring with Arabic numerals. The peripheral area features point-style minute markers. The central dial area displays a matte finish, serving as a background for the blued steel hands. A glazed front door framed with gilt borders allows for viewing the dial, while a rear glass door provides access to the movement and pendulum.
- Condition and Attribution
- The clock is attributed to Rowley and is dated to the late Victorian period, approximately 1890. According to the auction description, the item is in excellent condition. Observed signs of wear on the gilt-brass layers are characterized as very minor, and the dial inscriptions and numerals remain fully legible. The wooden case is reported to be sound and intact. Potential collectors are encouraged to perform an independent examination of the piece. Specifically, it is advised to verify the presence and authenticity of the manufacturer's signature on the dial or movement and to inspect the integrity of the fusee chains or cables, as well as the originality of the brass ornaments.
- Movement and Functionality
- The timepiece is powered by an eight-day mechanical movement utilizing a twin fusee system, a traditional configuration for English bracket clocks of this era. This mechanism regulates time and drives the strike train. The clock is designed to sound the hour and half-hour, producing the tone via a coiled metal gong. Access to the internal components, including the pendulum and the movement, is gained through the rear glass door. The auction description indicates that the piece is accompanied by its original pendulum, a winding key, and a door key. The seller reports that the movement has undergone a comprehensive overhaul to ensure accurate operation.
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: Requires independent verification of the maker's signature on dial or movement
- Research required: Originality of gilt-brass decorations and fusee system components requires expert assessment