Victorian miniature bracket clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
This Victorian-era miniature bracket clock, dated by the source to circa 1890, features a dark case decorated with Boulle-style brass inlay and arabesque motifs.
The exterior is accented with ormolu mounts, including feet, corner embellishments, and a central bronze mask ornament on the lower front panel. A decorative urn-shaped finial surmounts the case. The clock features a circular, engraved brass dial with Roman numerals set on white enamel cartouches and delicate metal hands. The front and side panels are glazed, allowing visibility of the pendulum movement. The internal floor of the clock is decorated with a black and gold checkered pattern.
According to the source, the clock contains an 8-day mechanical movement, although the source also includes contradictory mentions regarding the chime mechanism; visual evidence confirms a bell strike system. The clock is reported to be in good working order.
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
- Period
- circa 1890
- Condition
- In good working order
- Case style
- Boulle style with brass inlay
- Mechanism type
- 8-day mechanical
- Visual features
- Bronze mask ornament
- Decorative elements
- Ormolu mounts
Design
- Case and Dial
- The clock is constructed with a dark case utilizing Boulle-style brass inlay and scrolling arabesque patterns. The structure is supported by decorative ormolu mounts on the feet and corners, with further bronze embellishments including an urn-shaped finial at the top. A distinct bronze face mask is positioned on the lower portion of the front panel. The dial is circular with an engraved brass background decorated in matching arabesque designs. Roman numerals for the hours are painted on individual white enamel cartouches. The front and sides of the clock are fitted with glass panels, providing visibility into the interior where the pendulum oscillates. The base inside the cabinet is finished with a black and gold checkered pattern.
- Visible features
- • Decorative bronze mask appliqué on the lower front case • Enamel cartouche hour markers on a circular brass dial • Visible brass bell strike and pendulum in the rear view • Internal floor features a checkerboard-style decorative motif
- Movement and Mechanism
- According to the provided information, the clock is driven by an 8-day mechanical movement. The back of the clock features an opening door which grants access to the internal movement components, which are also adorned with brass inlay. While the auction documentation contains conflicting statements regarding the strike mechanism, visual inspection of the rear of the clock clearly shows a brass bell and a hammer assembly. The pendulum is also visible through the rear access door.
- Condition and Attribution
- The source indicates that the clock is in good working order. The physical state is described as being in very good condition relative to its age, though some light surface wear is present. The source characterizes the clock as a Victorian example from circa 1890.
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 source information regarding whether the movement uses a gong or a bell
- Research required: Source provides no information regarding the clockmaker or manufacturing origin