Molyneux English Five-Glass Library Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1835
This rosewood library clock, described as an 'English Five Glass' timepiece, is attributed to the maker Robert Molyneux of 42 Lombard Street, London, and dates to circa 1835.
The clock features a single-chain fusee movement equipped with Harrison's maintaining power and a jewelled, oversized English lever platform escapement with a monometallic balance. The timepiece is housed in a rosewood case, characterized by a rippled corniche, a large bevelled glass observation window positioned on the top, and glazed side panels, all resting on a moulded base with adjustable brass feet. The 3 ¾-inch brass dial is engine-turned and displays Roman numerals, accompanied by blued steel moon hands and a brass sight ring.
The back plate bears the signature of Molyneux. The object was formerly held in a private collection in the United Kingdom and is noted as having been photographed prior to restoration.
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
- Library clock
- Maker
- Robert Molyneux
- Dating
- Circa 1835
- Dial size
- 3 3/4 inch
- Escapement
- English lever platform escapement
- Provenance
- Private collection, UK
- Case material
- Rosewood
- Movement type
- Single-chain fusee
- Place recorded
- London, England
- Maker / attribution
- Robert Molyneux
Design
- Case and Dial
- The rosewood case is constructed in the 'English five glass' style, featuring glazed side panels and a large bevelled glass window on the top, which allows a view of the platform escapement. The structure is accented by a stepped top and a rippled corniche, supported by a large moulded base equipped with adjustable brass feet. The 3 ¾-inch brass dial is finished with engine turning and displays engraved Roman numerals. It is signed 'Molyneux 42 Lombard St London' and fitted with original finely cut blued steel moon hands. The dial is framed by a brass sight ring, completing the presentation of the timepiece.
- Visible features
- • Large bevelled glass escapement observation window on top • Engine-turned brass dial with engraved Roman numerals • Rippled corniche detail under the top moulding • Adjustable brass feet on a moulded base
- Movement and Escapement
- The clock is powered by a high-quality single-chain fusee movement. This mechanism incorporates Harrison's maintaining power, a feature designed to keep the clock running during the winding process. The regulation is managed by a jewelled, oversized English lever platform escapement, which operates in conjunction with a monometallic balance wheel. The movement is signed on the back plate, reading 'Molyneux 42 Lombard Street London'. This indicates the involvement of Robert Molyneux, a maker who was apprenticed to Thomas Earnshaw and who had a professional history of specializing in the production of escapements for other horological firms.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The object originated from a private collection in the United Kingdom. The provided documentation notes that the available photographs were taken prior to the clock undergoing a restoration process in the workshop of the retailer. Robert Molyneux, the maker, is noted as having been active in the early 19th century. Records indicate his professional engagement with the Board of Longitude in 1805 regarding chronometers submitted by Thomas Earnshaw and John Arnold, which serves as a biographical detail regarding the maker's reputation during his working life.
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: Exact manufacturing date is an approximation (circa 1835)
- Research required: Attribution to Molyneux is based on signature on dial and back plate