William IV Library Clock by William Wilson
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1830
This William IV period library clock, or bracket clock, dates to approximately 1830 and is attributed to the London clockmaker William Wilson. The case is constructed from rosewood, featuring a pagoda-style top with a turned wooden finial and a dentil moulding cornice.
The front door is detailed with carved spandrels, brass chamfered edges, and an ogee-arched window. The 3.75-inch silvered dial bears black Roman numerals and signed 'Wm Wilson London' in the center, paired with blued steel moon hands. Glazed panels on the sides and rear allow visibility of the movement. The clock is powered by an eight-day fusee movement, which includes an internal pendulum secured by a retaining screw.
Keys for winding and adjustment are included. According to the auction description, the clock is in working condition, maintaining an original rosewood patina, with transparent glazing to the sides and back.
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 1830
- Type
- Bracket clock
- Maker
- William Wilson
- Country
- England
- Dimensions
- 30 x 19 x 13 cm
- Case material
- Rosewood
- Dial diameter
- 3.75 inches
- Movement type
- Eight-day fusee
- Place recorded
- England
- Maker / attribution
- William Wilson
Design
- Visible features
- • Silvered dial signed 'Wm Wilson London' • Pagoda-style roof with turned wooden finial • Blued steel moon-style hands • Ogee-arched front door aperture
- Condition and Maintenance
- According to the provided source, the clock is in excellent condition without functional or cosmetic defects. The motor is reported to operate well, producing a quiet ticking sound. The wooden case retains its natural wood texture and patina. Potential owners are advised to inspect the caliber, the condition of the fusee chain or cable, and the integrity of the brass connections and the pendulum retaining screw before any significant movement or servicing.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The clock is housed in a rosewood case, measuring 30 centimeters in height, 19 centimeters in width, and 13 centimeters in depth. The top section features a tiered pagoda-style roof design topped with a turned wooden finial. Below this is a dentil moulding that sits above the primary clock face. The front door houses a 3.75-inch silvered dial. It features black Roman numerals with precise minute markers. The center of the dial is signed 'Wm Wilson London'. The time is indicated by blued steel moon-style hands. The door is decorated with carved spandrels and has brass chamfered edges, with the glass aperture styled in an ogee arch.
- Movement and Technical Features
- The movement is an eight-day fusee mechanism designed to maintain consistent force transmission. The clock includes a pendulum, which is equipped with a retaining screw to secure the assembly during transport or when the clock is not in use. Visibility of the movement is provided by glazed panels located on both the sides and the rear of the case. The auction description reports that the clock is fully functional and possesses an original rosewood patina. Winding and regulation keys are provided with the clock.
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: Integrity of the fusee chain or cable requires inspection
- Research required: Current operating status of the retaining screw assembly should be verified