T. Wilson English Drop Dial Wall Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1880
This English wall clock is a Victorian-era drop dial model, featuring a single fusee mechanical movement. The clock is signed "T. Wilson" and "Islington" on the dial, indicating its origin from a maker based in the Islington district of London.
The case is constructed from wood, detailed with carved plant and scroll motifs on the side ears. It features a spun brass bezel surrounding the white dial, which displays Roman numerals and patterned metal hands. A distinct feature of this clock is the inclusion of side glass panels intended for viewing the pendulum, alongside a rectangular glass window with a scalloped border on the front lower case. The mechanism operates via a traditional English single fusee system.
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
- Drop dial wall clock
- Bezel
- Spun brass
- Maker
- T. Wilson
- Dating
- circa 1840-1880
- Country
- England
- Mechanism
- Single fusee
- Case Material
- Wood
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- T. Wilson
Design
- Visible features
- • T. Wilson Islington signature on the clock dial • Carved wooden floral or scroll-work side ears • Spun brass bezel framing the dial • Rectangular viewing window with scalloped edge on the lower case
- Case and Dial Design
- The clock is designed in the English drop dial form, a common profile for Victorian-era wall timepieces. The case is manufactured from wood, incorporating decorative carved elements including foliage and scroll patterns located on the lateral ears of the clock housing. A spun brass bezel secures the dial, which is finished in a light color and features black printed Roman numerals for the hours. The dial is signed "T. Wilson" and "Islington," providing an attribution for the clock’s geographical origins. Visibility of the internal pendulum mechanism is facilitated by glass panels installed on the sides of the case, as well as a rectangular glass window set into the front section. This front window features a distinct scalloped or ornamental border.
- Movement and Mechanism
- The timepiece is powered by a traditional English single fusee mechanical movement. The fusee system was designed to provide constant force to the gear train as the mainspring unwound. The clock relies on a pendulum for time regulation. The source notes that the movement is a key-wound type, although specific details regarding the current working order of the mechanism were not provided in the auction description.
- Condition and Attribution
- The clock is attributed to a maker named T. Wilson, based in Islington, London. While the title of the listing specifies a date of 1880, the body of the provided documentation suggests a wider window of production between 1840 and 1880. The auction description reports that the condition of the clock is generally good, consistent with its age, displaying only minor wear.
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: Contradictory dating provided as 1880 in title and 1840 in description
- Research required: Functional status of the fusee movement is not confirmed by the source