Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Antique Bracket Clock by Lawson - Bishopsgate Within, London C1820

Partially verified

This eight-day bracket clock is attributed to the London-based maker Lawson, specifically John Edward Lawson of Bishopsgate Within. Dating to approximately 1820, the clock is housed in a mahogany cabinet with a pad-top design and a brass carrying handle. The front of the case features brass side frets and decorative inlays with red backing. The dial is white, convex in form, and signed 'Lawson, Bishopsgate Within, London'. It displays Roman numerals and is equipped with a strike-silent mechanism positioned at the twelve o'clock marker. The clock operates on a twin-fusee movement with an anchor escapement and a bell strike. The movement includes an engraved backplate surround and a pendulum bob. Additionally, the clock incorporates a repeat function located on the side and a rear glazed window for viewing the internal mechanisms.

Front view of the mahogany bracket clock by Lawson, showing the convex white dial and decorative brasswork.
Front view of the mahogany bracket clock by Lawson, showing the convex white dial and decorative brasswork. — Pendulum of Mayfair. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.pendulumofmayfair.co.uk
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Lawson
Reference
1024
Catalogue / lot identifier
1024
Source-reported date
circa 1820
Source-reported place
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

Case and Dial

The clock is contained within a mahogany cabinet constructed with a pad top and a brass carrying handle. The exterior aesthetic includes brass side frets and additional adornments, with visible red fabric or inlay backing.

The dial is circular and convex, finished in white with Roman numerals. It is signed with the maker's name and location, 'Lawson, Bishopsgate Within, London'. A strike-silent selector is positioned at the twelve o'clock location, operated behind the front door.

Evidence for this section
  • “Mahogany cabinet with pad top and brass carrying handle”
  • “Round convex white dial with strike silent to the 12 o’clock position”
  • “brass side frets and other adornments to the case”

Movement and Escapement

The clock is powered by a twin-fusee, eight-day movement. It utilizes an anchor escapement to regulate the timekeeping, with a bell strike mechanism for sounding the hours. The interior layout includes a pendulum with a brass bob.

The backplate of the movement is described as having an engraved surround. Access to the movement is provided by a rear glazed window. A repeat function is available on the side of the clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “fine quality twin fusee bell strike movement with engraved backplate surround and pendulum bob”
  • “Anchor escapement and bell strike movement”
  • “Rear glazed window”

Maker and Attribution

The maker is identified as Lawson of London, with the address 'Bishopsgate Within' specified on the dial. The source provides biographical information regarding John Edward Lawson, noting his apprenticeship in 1790 and his involvement with the Clockmakers Company between 1798 and 1824.

A separate cylinder movement by the same maker is noted to be held in the collection of the Guildhall Museum.

Evidence for this section
  • “John Edward Lawson apprentice CC1790, Clockmakers Company C1798 and livery Clockmakers Company 1812-24”
  • “A cylinder movement by him in the Guildhall Museum”

Open research questions

  • Is there a specific serial number located on the movement plates?
  • What is the specific nature of the red material visible behind the brass frets?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Antique Bracket Clock by Lawson - Bishopsgate Within, London C1820
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLawson of London“Lawson of London”
LocationBishopsgate Within, London“Bishopsgate Within, London”
Dial typeWhite convex dial“Round convex white dial”
Strike mechanismBell strike with strike-silent feature“strike silent to the 12 o’clock position”
EscapementAnchor escapement“Anchor escapement”
MovementEight-day twin fusee“twin fusee 8 day bracket clock”
Case materialMahogany“Mahogany cabinet”

Visible details

  • White convex dial with Roman numerals
  • Brass carrying handle on pad-top case
  • Engraved backplate surround visible from rear
  • Red fabric backing behind brass frets

Research qualifications

  • Pendulum holdfast is reported as not pictured
  • Provenance or specific history of this unit is not provided

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

Consulted source

Antique Bracket Clock by Lawson – Bishopsgate Within, London C1820

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d344f67719

Terms in this record

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

Other bracket clock records