Queen Anne brass-mounted ebonised bracket clock by Francis Reynolds
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Early 18th century
This Queen Anne bracket clock, attributed to Francis Reynolds of Kensington, dates to the early 18th century and has undergone later restoration. The clock features a 7-inch square brass dial with a matted center, a silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals, and Arabic five-minute markers.
The dial is signed 'Fran. Reynolds, Kensington' at the top, flanked by foliate engraving, and includes winged cherub spandrels. The ebonised case is detailed with a pierced repousse double basket top surmount, a twin caryatid cast handle, and relief panels depicting St. George slaying the dragon. The movement is a twin fusee mechanism with an anchor escapement that strikes to a bell. The clock measures 50cm high with the handle, 26cm wide, and 17cm deep.
It is supported on block feet and includes gilt brass mounts, flambeau urn finials, and silk-lined sound frets on the sides.
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
- Early 18th century
- Dial
- 7-inch square brass dial
- Type
- Bracket clock
- Maker
- Francis Reynolds
- Movement
- Twin fusee
- Signature
- Fran. Reynolds, Kensington
- Dimensions
- 50cm high
- Escapement
- Anchor escapement
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Francis Reynolds
Design
- Visible features
- • The dial plate is signed 'Fran. Reynolds, Kensington' • The case features a double basket top with a cast handle • The movement is a twin fusee design with an anchor escapement • The dial has silvered chapter rings and blued steel moon hands
- Case Construction
- The ebonised case incorporates complex decorative metalwork. The top of the clock features a pierced repousse double basket surmount, which is fitted with a twin caryatid cast handle. The upper section of this mount displays a profile mask flanked by putti, while the lower section includes a relief panel of St. George slaying the dragon. The exterior is accented with brass flambeau urn finials located at the angles. The sides of the case contain silk-lined sound frets framed by gilt repousse work. The base is finished with a rope twist and beaded ogee moulded border, resting on block feet.
- Dial and Signature
- The clock features a 7-inch square brass dial that acts as the primary time-telling face. The central portion of the dial is matted and features two winding holes for the internal movement. A silvered chapter ring is present, detailing Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic markers for five-minute intervals. The dial is signed at the top edge with the inscription 'Fran. Reynolds, Kensington,' situated within an area of foliate engraving. The corners are decorated with winged cherub spandrels, and the time is indicated by a pair of blued steel moon-shaped hands.
- Movement and Restoration
- The internal mechanism is a twin fusee movement equipped with an anchor escapement, designed to strike on an internal bell. The auction description notes that the object is from the early 18th century but has undergone later restoration. The glazed door and case rails feature gilt brass mounts, and the rear of the clock matches the aesthetic details found on the front, including repeated gilt brass mounts.
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: The source indicates the clock has had 'later restoration' without specifying which components were affected
- Research required: The exact age of the components is not individually dated, and the mechanism's originality is unverified