Regency Brass-Inlaid Library Clock by George Miles
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1810
This Regency library clock, manufactured around 1810, is constructed from mahogany with brass inlay. The case features an ebonised-edged sloped top surmounted by a gilt-brass pineapple finial, with ebonised detailing at the corners and gilt-brass floral basket handles at the sides.
It stands on a molded base with four brass spherical feet. The 6-inch diameter cream-colored dial displays Roman numerals and moon-style blued-steel hands, shielded by a convex glass in a hinged gilt-brass bezel. Internally, the clock operates on an 8-day single-fusee mechanical movement utilizing an anchor escapement and featuring an ogee backplate. According to the auction report, the movement has undergone a full service and overhaul.
The clock is accompanied by its pendulum, winding key, and door keys.
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
- George Miles
- Movement
- 8-day single fusee
- Condition
- Restored
- Dimensions
- 39.5 x 23 x 14 cm
- Escapement
- Anchor escapement
- Case material
- Mahogany
- Dial diameter
- 6 inches
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- George Miles
Design
- Visible features
- • Gilt-brass pineapple finial atop a sloped roof • Ebonised edge detailing on the clock corners • Gilt-brass handles at the case sides • Four spherical brass feet at the base
- Dial and Timekeeping
- The dial measures 6 inches in diameter and is painted in a cream-white tone. It features Roman numerals and an external minute track, complemented by blued-steel moon-style hands. The dial is protected by a hinged gilt-brass bezel and a convex glass cover. The movement is an 8-day single-fusee mechanical mechanism, featuring an anchor escapement. A key technical feature is the ogee-shaped backplate, a characteristic identified in English library clocks of the period. The auction house reports that the movement has been fully serviced and is currently in functional order.
- Provenance and Authenticity
- The clock is signed 'George Miles London' on the dial, attributing the work to this maker. The auction description reports that the dial's paint and numeral markings appear to be original, though it cautions that this should be verified independently. Accessories provided with the clock include the pendulum, winding key, and keys for the door. While the side handles are functional for aesthetic purposes, the auction report explicitly warns against using them to lift the clock, advising that the unit should always be carried from beneath the base to ensure structural safety.
- Case Construction and Design
- The clock is housed in a mahogany case defined by Regency-era proportions. It features extensive brass inlay throughout its facade, with ebonised edges bordering the corners. The top is designed with a sloped profile and molded edges, topped by a gilt-brass finial modelled as a pineapple. Side-mounted gilt-brass handles, shaped as floral baskets, are integrated into the sides of the case. The structure is supported by a base decorated with dark grooved detailing and is elevated on four spherical brass feet. There are no structural breaks in the mahogany, though older repairs are visible on the upper section of the cabinet.
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: Authenticity of the dial finish requires independent examination
- Research required: Integrity of the fusee chain connection should be independently verified