Purvis of London small bracket clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1830
This small bracket clock stands 31cm tall and is encased in rosewood. The case features a gadrooned top, a matching gadrooned finial, and is supported by four turned rosewood bun feet.
The front and back doors are lockable and provide access to the internal movement. Each of the four sides of the case includes glass panels, with the front and sides framed by brass sightrings. The front glass is shaped as an ornate arch to frame the silvered dial, which features black Roman numerals and original hands. The dial and the internal movement are signed by Alexander Purvis of North Audley Street, London. The maker operated at this location from at least 1828 until 1851, with the source suggesting a manufacture date between 1828 and 1837.
The clock is accompanied by keys for the locking doors.
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
- Bracket clock
- Maker
- Alexander Purvis
- Dating
- circa 1828-1837
- Location
- North Audley Street, London
- Material
- Rosewood
- Dimensions
- 130 x 170 x 310 mm
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Alexander Purvis
Design
- Visible features
- • Rosewood case with gadrooned details • Ornate arched glass front panel • Silvered dial with Roman numerals • Visible internal movement through side panels
- Dial and Signature
- The clock face consists of a silvered dial displaying Roman numerals. It is fitted with original hands, though the source does not detail their specific design. The dial features the signature of Alexander Purvis, explicitly citing his address at North Audley Street, London. The maker is documented to have been active at the North Audley Street address from 1828 to 1851. Based on this, the source estimates the clock was manufactured and retailed between 1828 and 1837, placing its production prior to the mid-19th century partnership that formed Purvis & Bishop.
- Movement and Attribution
- The clock contains an internal movement that is also signed by Alexander Purvis. The design allows for viewing of the movement through the glazed side panels of the rosewood case. The clock is identified in the records as SKU CL-MA-1599. The current example reflects the earlier period of Purvis's independent practice in London.
- Case and Aesthetic Features
- The clock is constructed from rosewood and measures 31cm in height. Decorative elements include a gadrooned top section and matching gadrooned fans positioned on the door. A rosewood finial is mounted on the top of the clock, and the structure sits on four turned rosewood bun feet. The clock features glazed panels on all four sides, with the front and sides framed by brass sightrings. The glass covering the front of the dial is formed into an ornate arch shape, which houses the silvered dial. The front and back doors of the case are secured with locks, and the unit comes complete with the necessary keys.
Identification
- SKU
- CL-MA-1599
- Reference
- CL-MA-1599
- 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: Specific manufacture date is an estimation
- Research required: Attribution of original hands is an unverified claim by the seller