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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Bracket clock by Alfred Thomas West

Partially verified

This bracket clock was created in London between 1760 and 1765 by the maker Alfred Thomas West. The clock stands at 25.4 cm in height, 14 cm in width, and 10.2 cm in depth. The construction features an ebonised wood case, which is embellished with gilt brass mounts. These decorative elements include a functional drop-handle positioned at the top of the clock, four vase-shaped finials located at the corners, and four claw feet providing support to the base. Additionally, the sides of the case incorporate panels featuring scale ornament. The dial is engraved with a central vase design accompanied by festoons. The movement is signed at the rear with the inscription "Tho: West, London". This piece was acquired by the V&A museum as a bequest from Mr. John Wastell Lawrence, forming part of the permanent collection under the accession number W.5:1-1919.

Front view of the ebonised wood bracket clock, showing the engraved dial, gilt brass finials, and claw feet.
Front view of the ebonised wood bracket clock, showing the engraved dial, gilt brass finials, and claw feet. — V&A Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Alfred Thomas West
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
W.5:1-1919
Source-reported date
1760-1765
Source-reported place
London

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 Construction and Decoration

The bracket clock is housed in an ebonised wooden case, a material choice that provides a dark, monochromatic aesthetic. These include a carry-handle situated on the upper section, four finials shaped like vases positioned at the corners, and four claw-shaped feet that elevate the base of the clock.

In addition to these elements, the design incorporates specific ornamental details to enhance the visual appeal of the case. Each side of the clock is adorned with a panel featuring a scale pattern.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case of ebonized wood with gilt brass mounts consisting of a drop-handle on the top, four vase shaped finials, four claw feet, and a panel of scale ornament at each side.”

Dial and Signature

The clock face exhibits meticulous metalwork, featuring an engraved motif of a vase suspended by festoons. This engraving is integrated into the dial layout, which displays the standard hour markers.

The identity of the maker is confirmed through an inscription located on the back of the movement. The signature is rendered as "Tho: West, London", linking the production of this timekeeping device specifically to the London workshops of Alfred Thomas West during the mid-eighteenth century.

Evidence for this section
  • “engraved on the face with a vase and festoons”
  • “signed at the back "Tho: West, London”

Provenance and Documentation

This clock was accepted into the V&A collection as a bequest from Mr. John Wastell Lawrence. It is recorded under the accession number W.5:1-1919, which serves as the primary identifier for the object within the museum's internal archives. The documentation includes technical specifications and physical dimensions derived from official department registers.

The date assigned to the object is 1760-1765. The source metadata indicates that Alfred Thomas West is the person responsible for the design and construction of the clock, reflecting his role as the master craftsman behind this particular horological work.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bequeathed by Mr. John Wastell Lawrence”
  • “W.5:1-1919”
  • “productionDates: [{"date": {"text": "1760-1765”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement contain any additional complications beyond basic timekeeping?
  • What is the reason for the conflicting date reference (1665) listed in the brief description field?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bracket clock by Alfred Thomas West
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAlfred Thomas West“Alfred Thomas West”
Production LocationLondon“London”
Accession NumberW.5:1-1919“W.5:1-1919”
Date1760-1765“1760-1765”
Case materialEbonised wood“Case of ebonized wood”
Mounts materialGilt brass“gilt brass mounts”
Signature locationBack of movement“signed at the back "Tho: West, London”

Visible details

  • Case constructed from ebonised wood
  • Fitted with four gilt brass claw feet
  • Dial features engraved vase and festoon motifs
  • Rear of the movement signed 'Tho: West, London'

Research qualifications

  • The source provides conflicting dates of 1760-1765 and 1760-1665
  • No information regarding the functional status or mechanical complexity of the movement is provided

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

Consulted source

Bracket clock, Alfred Thomas West, London, 1760-1765

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5d5910c749

Terms in this record

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

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