Bracket clock, Paulet, London, ca. 1710
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1710
Bracket clock, Paulet, London, ca. 1710 is an object recorded by Victoria and Albert Museum, dated ca. 1710. The museum's brief description reads: Bracket Clock - Paulet.
Museum description: Object TypeSmall clocks such as this example are thought to have been used when travelling. Too large to be used in a carriage, they were designed to be carried from place to place. It has been suggested that they might well have been used on board ship, fitted into a case fixed to the wall of a cabin.PeopleLittle is known about the maker who signed himself 'Paulet'. A number of clocks with his signature are recorded and he seems to have had wealthy clients.
A clock by him in the Metropolitan Museum, New York bears the royal monogram of Queen Anne (ruled 1702-1714). The distinctly Continental style of his clocks and his French name suggest that he was a Huguenot (French Protestant emigré).DesignThe clock strikes hours in passing and repeats the hours and quarters. The central dial at the front is used to set the alarm, and the pointer on the top dial is for the calendar.
The clock was… The museum record gives measurements Height 19.5 cm; Width 10 cm; Depth 7.5 cm; place associated: London; maker recorded: Paulet. These details come from the holding museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.
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.
Historical context
Object TypeSmall clocks such as this example are thought to have been used when travelling. Too large to be used in a carriage, they were designed to be carried from place to place. It has been suggested that they might well have been used on board ship, fitted into a case fixed to the wall of a cabin.PeopleLittle is known about the maker who signed himself 'Paulet'. A number of clocks with his signature are recorded and he seems to have had wealthy clients. A clock by him in the Metropolitan Museum, New York bears the royal monogram of Queen Anne (ruled 1702-1714). The distinctly Continental style of his clocks and his French name suggest that he was a Huguenot (French Protestant emigré).DesignThe clock strikes hours in passing and repeats the hours and quarters. The central dial at the front is used to set the alarm, and the pointer on the top dial is for the calendar. The clock was not an eight-day clock; it had to be wound more frequently. The gilt-brass decoration on the sides of the case owes much to the influence of Daniel Marot (1663-1752), a French architect and printmaker active in The Netherlands, whose designs were very fashionable in England when this clock was made.
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions
- Height 19.5 cm; Width 10 cm; Depth 7.5 cm
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Chased gilt brass and parcel-gilt silver
- Maker recorded
- Paulet
- Place recorded
- London
Identification
- Museum object name
- Bracket clock
- Museum object number
- 420-1869
- Museum system number
- O77617
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: confirm materials, dimensions, maker and wider type against the holding institution and a specialist reference.