Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Bracket Clock signed Esplin / Wigan

Partially verified

According to the auction house, this English bracket clock dates to circa 1830 and is signed 'Esplin / Wigan'. The case is constructed in flamed mahogany with a rounded pediment, moulded plinth, and corresponding pediment cornice, with glazed doors at the front, back, and sides. The brass dial displays Roman numeral hour markers and an engraved signature plate within the arch. The catalog notes an internal brass movement driven by a mainspring, featuring an alarm, repeat function, and three chimes on bells. Overall dimensions are reported as 42.5 by 33 by 22 cm.

Mahogany bracket clock signed Esplin / Wigan with winding key
Mahogany bracket clock signed Esplin / Wigan with winding key — Auktionshaus Plückbaum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Esplin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
920
Source-reported date
c. 1830
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

Case Architecture and Exterior Form

The clock is housed in an arched mahogany case described in catalog records as flamed mahogany, measuring 42.5 by 33 by 22 cm. The exterior design incorporates a rounded pediment with matching pediment cornice and a moulded plinth base.

The catalog notes 'glazed doors at the front, back and side', although visual verification is limited to the front elevation. The auctioneer records condition on the exterior as having 'veneer with minor imperfections'.

Evidence for this section
  • “case with rounded pediment in flamed mahogany, moulded plinth and matching pediment cornice, glazed doors at the front, back and side”
  • “42.5 x 33 x 22 cm, movement ran during testing, veneer with minor imperfections”
  • “Arched mahogany case with moulded cornice and plinth base.”

Dial and Inscriptions

Behind the glazed front door, the clock features a brass dial displaying Roman numeral hour markers and pierced hands. An engraved plaque set within the arch above the chapter ring is signed 'Esplin / Wigan'.

A loose brass winding key is positioned directly in front of the plinth base in the provided lot image.

Evidence for this section
  • “brass dial with Roman hour markers”
  • “signed "Esplin / Wigan"”
  • “Glazed front door revealing a brass dial with Roman numerals and pierced hands.”
  • “Engraved plaque in the arch above the chapter ring inscribed 'Esplin / Wigan'.”
  • “A brass winding key rests directly in front of the base.”

Reported Movement and Operating Features

The internal mechanism is not visible in the visual documentation, but the catalog describes a spring-driven brass movement ('brass movement with mainspring'). Complications listed by the auction house comprise an alarm, a repeat function, and 'three chimes on bells'.

The listing notes that the 'movement ran during testing', though the auction conditions explicitly exclude ongoing mechanical guarantees or warranties. The catalog attributes the piece to England with an estimated date of circa 1830.

Evidence for this section
  • “brass movement with mainspring, alarm, repeat function, three chimes on bells”
  • “movement ran during testing, veneer with minor imperfections”
  • “Bracket Clock, England, c. 1830”

Open research questions

  • Does inspection of the internal back plate or dial reverse reveal a specific maker's mark or serial number associated with the Esplin workshop in Wigan?
  • What specific layout is used for the three bells and repeat mechanism within the case?
  • Where are the noted minor veneer imperfections located on the case body?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bracket Clock signed Esplin / Wigan
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureEsplin / Wigan“signed "Esplin / Wigan"”
Datingc. 1830“England, c. 1830”
Case MaterialFlamed mahogany“flamed mahogany”
Mechanism ComplicationsAlarm, repeat function, three chimes on bells“brass movement with mainspring, alarm, repeat function, three chimes on bells”
Dimensions42.5 x 33 x 22 cm“42.5 x 33 x 22 cm”
Case Glazing ConfigurationGlazed doors at front, back, and side (catalog reported)“glazed doors at the front, back and side”
Reported Test StatusMovement ran during testing“movement ran during testing, veneer with minor imperfections”

Visible details

  • Arched mahogany case with moulded cornice and plinth base.
  • Glazed front door revealing a brass dial with Roman numerals and pierced hands.
  • Engraved plaque in the arch above the chapter ring inscribed 'Esplin / Wigan'.
  • A brass winding key rests directly in front of the base.

Research qualifications

  • Internal brass movement, bells, side glazing, and rear door are reported by the source but not visible in the provided image.
  • Source states the movement ran during testing but offers no mechanical warranty; minor veneer defects are noted.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: Bracket Clock, England, c. 1830, signed "Esplin / Wigan", case with rounded pediment in flamed mahogany, moulded plinth and matching pediment cornice, glazed doors at the front, back and side, brass dial with Roman hour markers, brass movement with

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record b7e6928e6d

Terms in this record

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

Other bracket clock records