Miniature bracket clock
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1800
This miniature square bracket clock rests on four feet and is attached to a decorative bracket. The clock case is fabricated from gilt brass and lacquered silver, and it is surmounted by a crescent moon and the Turkish Sultan's cypher (tugra) positioned on the front. It incorporates a cylindrical lead weight encased within brass. The circular dial displays Turkish numerals and bears the engraved inscription "GEORGE PRIOR LONDON".
Executed using casting and engraving techniques, the object stands 8 3/8 inches in height and 2 1/2 inches in width. It was made in London around 1800 by clockmaker George Prior in the Turkish style.
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
George Prior (1735–1814) was a prominent London clockmaker who operated at Prescot Street, Rosamund's Row, and 5 George Yard, before being succeeded by his son Edward. He was the most significant exporter of clocks and watches to Turkey in the late 18th century. English customs books show exports to diverse global markets, but pieces for the Turkish market featured specific elements such as Turkish numerals, crescent moons, and the Sultan's cypher. This clock was given to the museum in 1928 by Sir Charles Murray Marling, British Ambassador to Iran from 1905 to 1907.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- The case of gilt brass and lacquered silver; the cylindrical lead weight in brass casing
- Dimensions
- Height: 8 3/8 in; Width: 2 1/2 in
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Date: Text: Research required; Latest: Research required; Earliest: Research required; Note: Inscribed on the dial; Type: Research required; Medium: Research required; Method: Research required; Script: Research required; Content: GEORGE PRIOR LONDON; Language: Research required; Position: Research required; Inscriber: Name: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Association: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Description: Research required; Translation: Research required; Interpretation: Research required; Transliteration: Research required
- Maker recorded
- George Prior
- Place recorded
- London
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Bracket clock (miniature)
- Museum object number
- M.824-1928
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.