Thomas Mudge and William Dutton mahogany drop-dial wall timepiece
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1770
This mahogany drop-dial wall timepiece is attributed to the London partnership of Thomas Mudge and William Dutton, dating to circa 1770. It features a 14-inch circular silvered dial inscribed 'Thos.
Mudge, Willm Dutton, London' beneath the twelve o'clock numeral. The dial layout displays Roman numerals for hours and an outer chapter ring of Arabic numerals for five-minute divisions. The mahogany case is built with a moulded circular bezel, shaped side ears, and a moulded base door. According to the source, the timepiece is powered by an internal fusee movement equipped with five knopped pillars and an anchor escapement, measuring 65 cm (25½ inches) in total height.
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
- Case
- Moulded mahogany bezel, shaped ears, and moulded base door
- Dial
- 14-inch silvered dial signed Thos. Mudge, Willm Dutton, London
- Type
- Wall clock
- Movement
- Fusee movement with five knopped pillars and anchor escapement
- Dimensions
- 65 cm high (25½ in.)
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Thomas Mudge and William Dutton
Design
- Visible features
- • Circular silvered dial with Roman numerals and outer Arabic five-minute markings • Signature inscription reading 'Thos. Mudge, Willm Dutton, London' on the upper dial center • Mahogany case with moulded circular dial surround, shaped ears, and a lower drop box with a moulded base door • Pierced dark spade-tipped hands • Single winding aperture located beneath the hand arbor
- Case Architecture
- The case is constructed of mahogany and measures 65 cm (25½ inches) high. Its structure includes a moulded circular mahogany bezel surrounding the dial, shaped side ears, and a lower trunk drop fitted with a moulded base door. Visual observation confirms the mahogany construction and lower drop box layout. Cataloguer condition notes describe the case as having some old cracks and minor scuffs.
- Dial and Inscription
- The timepiece features a 14-inch circular silvered dial signed 'Thos. Mudge, Willm Dutton, London' across the upper portion below twelve o'clock. Visual observation shows the chapter ring formatted with Roman hour numerals and an outer ring of Arabic five-minute numerals. Time is marked by pierced dark spade-tipped hands, with a single winding aperture situated directly below the central hand arbor.
- Reported Movement and Mechanism
- According to the auction description, the internal mechanism is a fusee movement featuring five knopped pillars and an anchor escapement. Because the movement is not visible in exterior photographs, these specifications are recorded on the authority of the cataloguer. The condition report notes that the movement is complete and 'loos as though it would run but would benefit from a clean and fresh oil.' The lot is accompanied by a winder and two modern, ill-fitting case keys.
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: Internal movement attributes, such as the fusee, knopped pillars, and anchor escapement, cannot be confirmed from the exterior photograph
- Research required: Provenance link to the 1928 Shottesbrooke Park inventory is qualified in the source as tentative ('possibly')