Musical bracket clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1780
This musical bracket clock is an eight-day going, hour and quarter-striking timepiece featuring a musical cylinder mechanism. Housed in a case constructed of polychrome painted wood and gilt bronze, the clock exhibits a floral motif.
The timekeeping movement is of gilt brass with four pillars and a verge escapement, utilizing a brass bob pendulum with silk suspension. It includes spring barrels for the going and striking trains, with the striking mechanism operating two hammers on two bells mounted above the movement. The musical component consists of a rectangular gilt brass frame, a massive barrel with fusee and chain, and a brass pinned cylinder measuring 180 mm in length.
It plays a selection of ten tunes on twelve bells using twenty-two hammers, controlled by a fly governor with adjustable wings. The clock is unsigned and attributed to Switzerland, dating to approximately 1780.
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 1780
- Type
- Musical bracket clock
- Maker
- Unsigned
- Origin
- Switzerland
- Condition
- Overhaul recommended
- Dimensions
- 850mm height, 440mm length, 320mm width
- Escapement
- Verge escapement
- Mechanism type
- 8-day going musical table clock
- Musical system
- 12 bells, 22 hammers, 10 tunes
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is encased in polychrome painted wood, decorated with painted floral motifs throughout. The exterior is enhanced by gilt bronze mounts, including decorative elements around the dial, corners, and a finial at the top. The case rests on four ornate scrolling feet. The dial is circular and finished in white enamel. It features black Roman numerals for the hours and black Arabic numerals for the minutes at five-minute intervals. The auction description notes that the soft enamel dial has been slightly restored.
- Visible features
- • Case features polychrome floral painted wood with applied gilt bronze ornamentation • Cylinder musical mechanism is visible within the lower front of the case • Clock features a brass bob pendulum with silk suspension • White enamel dial has black Roman numerals and outer Arabic numerals for minutes
- Condition and Attribution
- The object is sold as an unsigned musical bracket clock, with the auction house attributing its manufacture to Switzerland. The date of origin is estimated to be circa 1780. Regarding condition, the auction description provides specific grades for the clock. The case is rated as grade 3 (good), the movement is grade 3 (good), and the dial is grade 3-75-01 (good).
- Movement and Musical Mechanism
- The timekeeping movement is constructed of gilt brass with four pillars. It functions on an eight-day cycle with spring barrels for both the going and striking trains. The escapement is of the verge type, regulated by a brass bob pendulum suspended by a silk thread. The clock strikes the hour and quarters using two hammers on two bells positioned above the movement, with the striking train situated on the backplate. The musical mechanism is mounted in a rectangular gilt brass frame. Power is provided by a large barrel equipped with a fusee and chain. The mechanism includes a brass pinned cylinder measuring 180 mm in length, which operates twelve bells via twenty-two hammers. A fly governor with adjustable wings controls the speed of the music, which can be played on the hour or at the operator's will.
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 the enamel dial described as slightly restored
- Research required: The auction description reports an overhaul is recommended