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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Turret clock movement

A small 18th century striking turret clock movement

Partially verified

According to Bonhams, this lot consists of an 18th-century striking turret clock movement built in an open rectangular frame united by circular section pillars. The mechanism incorporates an anchor escapement and countwheel striking regulated by an upright vertical fly with fixed vanes. The frame measures approximately 36 cm high, 46 cm wide, and 27 cm deep. Bonhams notes that the movement was accompanied by its original pendulum, displaying patinated ironwork and exposed brass and iron gearing.

Front view of the 18th-century striking turret clock movement showing the open rectangular frame, toothed gearing, and upper vertical fly
Front view of the 18th-century striking turret clock movement showing the open rectangular frame, toothed gearing, and upper vertical fly — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Clock · Turret clock movement
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
62
Source-reported date
18th century
Country
Not established

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

Frame and Structural Configuration

The movement is built within an open rectangular framework measuring 36 cm high, 46 cm wide, and 27 cm deep (1ft 2ins by 1ft 6ins by 10.5ins). Bonhams describes the construction as having 'The rectangular frame united by circular section pillars'.

Direct visual observation confirms an 'Open rectangular iron frame joined by circular section corner pillars and vertical bars with bolted wedges.' The frame members and adjacent iron and brass components display oxidation, dark patina, and surface wear consistent with age.

Evidence for this section
  • “The rectangular frame united by circular section pillars”
  • “The frame 36cms high, 46cms wide and 27cms deep (1ft 2ins x 1ft 6ins x 10.5ins)”
  • “Open rectangular iron frame joined by circular section corner pillars and vertical bars with bolted wedges.”

Escapement and Striking Train

According to the auction catalogue, the movement functions 'with anchor escapement' and features 'the countwheel strike regulated via a vertical fly with fixed vanes.'

Visible mechanical components include 'Exposed wheel trains comprising brass and iron toothed gears, countwheel, and winding drums.' At the top of the frame sits a 'Top-mounted vertical fly governor fitted with two rectangular sheet vanes' used for regulating the strike train.

Evidence for this section
  • “with anchor escapement”
  • “the countwheel strike regulated via a vertical fly with fixed vanes.”
  • “Exposed wheel trains comprising brass and iron toothed gears, countwheel, and winding drums.”
  • “Top-mounted vertical fly governor fitted with two rectangular sheet vanes.”

Catalogue Attribution and Accompanying Parts

The lot was offered under the title 'A small 18th century striking turret clock movement' and was catalogued as 'Sold with the original pendulum.' However, the pendulum is not visible in the provided auction photograph, leaving its condition and configuration unrecorded in the visual evidence.

No maker, workshop, signature, or original site of installation is recorded in the source text. The 18th-century dating reflects the cataloguer's attribution rather than an inscribed date on the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “A small 18th century striking turret clock movement”
  • “Sold with the original pendulum.”

Open research questions

  • What are the physical dimensions, materials, and form of the pendulum reported sold with the lot?
  • Are any maker stamps, touchmarks, or assembly numbers present on the iron frame bars or wheel arbors?
  • Is there archival or provenance documentation identifying the building or turret where the movement originally served?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A small 18th century striking turret clock movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Frame ConstructionRectangular frame united by circular section pillars“The rectangular frame united by circular section pillars”
EscapementAnchor escapement“with anchor escapement”
Strike RegulationCountwheel strike regulated via a vertical fly with fixed vanes“the countwheel strike regulated via a vertical fly with fixed vanes.”
AccompanimentSold with original pendulum“Sold with the original pendulum.”
DimensionsFrame 36 cm high, 46 cm wide, and 27 cm deep“The frame 36cms high, 46cms wide and 27cms deep (1ft 2ins x 1ft 6ins x 10.5ins)”

Visible details

  • Open rectangular iron frame joined by circular section corner pillars and vertical bars with bolted wedges.
  • Top-mounted vertical fly governor fitted with two rectangular sheet vanes.
  • Exposed wheel trains comprising brass and iron toothed gears, countwheel, and winding drums.
  • Surfaces display oxidation, dark patina, and signs of age-related wear.

Research qualifications

  • No maker, place of manufacture, or signature is recorded in the auction catalogue.
  • The original pendulum mentioned by the source is not depicted in the supplied photograph.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : A small 18th century striking turret clock movement

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record d78bbfa100

Terms in this record

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

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