Victorian Miniature Longcase Clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1890
This miniature mantel clock is presented in a mahogany case designed to resemble a full-scale longcase or "grandfather" clock. Dated by the source to circa 1890, the woodwork features satinwood inlay and a floral medallion on the trunk, supported by four circular brass feet.
The circular dial displays Roman numerals, minute tracks, and dark metallic hands. A brass bezel secures the dial, while a protective brass cover is fitted to the rear. The source identifies the movement as an eight-day mechanism with a striking bell, although photos reveal a platform escapement within a cylindrical brass housing, operated by a winding key. The origin remains subject to verification due to conflicting reports regarding French manufacture versus the English markings on the dial.
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
- circa 1890
- Type
- Mantel clock
- Material
- Mahogany with satinwood inlay
- Movement
- Platform escapement
- Condition
- Good working order
- Place recorded
- England
- Dial Inscription
- Made in England
- Seller Description
- Victorian French balloon mantle clock
Design
- Visible features
- • Miniature longcase silhouette with mahogany construction and satinwood inlay • Floral medallion centerpiece on the trunk section • Circular white dial featuring Roman numerals and 'Made in England' inscription • Four brass feet and brass bezel surrounding the dial
- Movement and Escapement
- According to the auction description, the clock is equipped with an eight-day movement designed to strike on a bell. However, examination of the provided photographic evidence indicates the presence of a winding-key operated movement housed within a cylindrical brass casing. The escapement visible in the photographs is of the platform type, which includes an adjustment lever for regulating speed. This technical configuration differs from standard internal striking mechanisms frequently associated with balloon clocks of this period.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The clock is constructed from mahogany wood, detailed with satinwood inlay and fine stringing. Its silhouette is that of a miniature longcase clock, featuring a central floral-motif medallion on the trunk. The base is elevated on four small, circular brass feet, which provide stability for the tall, narrow profile. The dial is circular with a light-colored background, printed with Roman numerals and minute markers. Dark-toned metal hands indicate the time. The dial is enclosed by a brass bezel, and the rear of the clock is protected by a secondary brass cover, as noted in the provided documentation.
- Provenance and Verification
- The seller attributes the clock to French manufacture and characterizes it as a "balloon" mantle clock. This description is contested by visual evidence, specifically the English-language inscription "Made in England" clearly visible on the dial, located below the six o'clock position. Given these contradictions, the provenance and exact origin of the object remain unverified.
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: Conflict between seller's description of French origin and the English inscription on the dial
- Research required: Discrepancy between the reported striking bell movement and the platform escapement shown in photos