J. Tomas brass miniature skeleton mantel clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 19th century
This late 19th-century miniature skeleton mantel clock by J. Tomas of Prague is a finely detailed horological piece. The clock features skeletonized brass plates characterized by intricate, allover foliate and scroll engraving.
It is powered by a mechanical, spring-driven single-train fusee movement, which incorporates a lever escapement and a visible balance wheel positioned at the top of the assembly. Several jeweled pivots are integrated into the plates. The silvered dial, mounted within the frame, displays black Arabic numerals and a decorative foliate-engraved center, complemented by blued steel spade-style hands. The entire movement is secured to a stepped brass plinth, which is further anchored to an oval, mahogany-finished wooden base.
A custom-fitted clear glass dome protects the clock. The rear movement plate is hand-engraved in script with the maker's name, location, and serial number 'No 6', while a rear brass bridge plate bears a 'PATENT' stamp. The clock includes two brass and steel winding keys provided on a steel split ring. It measures 5 1/2 inches in height, 3 1/2 inches in width, and 2 inches in depth.
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.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- brass, steel, mahogany-finished wood, glass
- Dimensions
- 5 1/2" H x 3 1/2" W x 2" D
Technical characteristics
- Features
- visible balance wheel, jeweled pivots
- Movement
- mechanical, spring-driven single-train fusee
- Escapement
- lever
Design
- Dial
- silvered, black Arabic numerals, foliate engraved center
- Hands
- blued steel spade-style
- Plates
- skeletonized with allover foliate and scroll engraving
- Markings
- J. Tomas, a Prag, No 6; PATENT
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- J. Tomas
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.