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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table clock

A late 17th century ebony table clock, Daniel Quare, London

Partially verified

The source identifies this item as an ebony table clock attributed to Daniel Quare of London, dated to the late 17th century. The black-finished wooden case features a cushion caddy top mounted with an ornate pierced gilt-metal foliate fret and a hinged handle on urn-shaped finials. The square brass dial plate is fitted with winged cherub-head spandrels at the corners and a silvered Roman chapter ring with outer Arabic five-minute markings. The matted center includes two winding squares, a curved pendulum aperture, a date window above six o'clock, and pierced steel hands. The lower section of the chapter ring is engraved 'Dan: Quare London'.

Front view of the Daniel Quare ebony table clock showing the dial, mounts, and case
Front view of the Daniel Quare ebony table clock showing the dial, mounts, and case — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Clock · Table clock
Maker / attribution
Daniel Quare
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
72
Source-reported date
late 17th century
Country
United Kingdom

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Attribution

The auction title catalogues the clock as an ebony table clock attributed to Daniel Quare of London, dating to the late 17th century. Direct physical evidence on the dial corresponds with this attribution, as the silvered chapter ring is engraved 'Dan: Quare London' along its lower edge.

Beyond the title listing and the engraved dial signature, the source record omits further cataloguing documentation, such as archival history or movement serial records, to expand on the attribution.

Evidence for this section
  • “A good late 17th century ebony table clock Daniel Quare, London”
  • “Signed 'Dan: Quare London' along the lower edge of the silvered chapter ring.”

Case Construction and Mounts

The clock is fitted in a black-finished cushion-top case, described in the auction title as ebony. The top is surmounted by a pierced foliate gilt mount and equipped with a brass carrying handle.

An ornate gilt-metal escutcheon plate is mounted flanking the left edge of the front door.

Evidence for this section
  • “A good late 17th century ebony table clock Daniel Quare, London”
  • “Black-finished cushion-top case surmounted by a foliate pierced gilt mount and a brass carrying handle.”
  • “Ornate gilt-metal escutcheon plate flanking the left door edge.”

Dial Configuration

The clock features a square brass dial plate mounted with gilt winged cherub-head spandrels at each corner. It holds a silvered chapter ring displaying Roman hour numerals, half-hour fleur-de-lis markers, and outer Arabic five-minute numerals.

The matted center of the dial incorporates two winding squares, a curved aperture positioned beneath the twelve o'clock marker, and a small date aperture situated above six o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “Square brass dial framed by gilt winged cherub-head corner spandrels.”
  • “Silvered chapter ring with Roman hours, half-hour fleur-de-lis markers, and outer Arabic five-minute numerals.”
  • “Matted dial center featuring a curved aperture beneath twelve o'clock, two winding squares, and a small date aperture above six o'clock.”

Open research questions

  • What movement caliber, escapement type, and striking or repeating mechanism are fitted within the case?
  • Is the backplate engraved or signed by Daniel Quare, and does it bear any numbering?
  • What are the recorded dimensions of the clock case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A late 17th century ebony table clock, Daniel Quare, London
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDaniel Quare, London“Daniel Quare, London”
Periodlate 17th century“late 17th century”
Case materialebony“ebony table clock”
Maker attributionDaniel Quare, London“A good late 17th century ebony table clock Daniel Quare, London”

Visible details

  • Black-finished cushion-top case surmounted by a foliate pierced gilt mount and a brass carrying handle.
  • Square brass dial framed by gilt winged cherub-head corner spandrels.
  • Silvered chapter ring with Roman hours, half-hour fleur-de-lis markers, and outer Arabic five-minute numerals.
  • Signed 'Dan: Quare London' along the lower edge of the silvered chapter ring.
  • Matted dial center featuring a curved aperture beneath twelve o'clock, two winding squares, and a small date aperture above six o'clock.
  • Ornate gilt-metal escutcheon plate flanking the left door edge.

Research qualifications

  • Detailed movement specifications, rear plate engraving, and internal dimensions are not included in the provided source text or visible in the primary photograph.
  • The maker attribution is based on the source title and dial signature, as full cataloguing text is omitted from the page snippet.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Bonhams : A good late 17th century ebony table clock Daniel Quare, London

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 2dbafc8f6c

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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