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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Lantern clock

Brass Fusee Lantern Clock

Partially verified

This brass fusee lantern clock is catalogued as dating to circa 1880 from England. Constructed with a traditional brass lantern-style casing, it is surmounted by pierced ornamental frets, corner finials, and a bell held beneath arched straps crowned by a finial. The dial features an applied 6 1/2-inch engraved brass chapter ring with Roman numerals along with half- and quarter-hour markers, enclosing an intricately engraved dial center and matching corner spandrels. Standing 16 inches tall on turned feet, the clock is source-reported to house a two-hand chain fusee time and strike movement featuring a recoil escapement regulated by a pendulum.

Front view of the brass lantern clock showing the pierced frets, strapped bell, and engraved dial
Front view of the brass lantern clock showing the pierced frets, strapped bell, and engraved dial — Bonhams Skinner. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Clock · Lantern clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
407
Source-reported date
c. 1880
Country
England

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 Exterior Construction

This clock is presented as an English brass lantern-style timepiece measuring 16 inches in height. It features a brass case supported on four turned feet.

The upper section includes a large domed bell mounted beneath arched brass straps and topped with a finial. The dial frame incorporates pierced brass frets.

Evidence for this section
  • “brass case with strapped bell above, pierced brass frets”
  • “ht. 16 in.”
  • “Large domed bell mounted under arched brass straps topped with an urn-shaped central finial.”

Dial Composition

The dial features an applied 6 1/2-inch engraved brass chapter ring marked with Roman numerals and half- and quarter-hour markers.

The dial plate includes an engraved center and corner spandrels, accompanied by two hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “applied 6 1/2-in. engraved Roman numeral chapter ring with half- and quarter-hour markings”
  • “dial plate with engraved center and spandrels”
  • “two hands”

Mechanism and Operational Reporting

The internal mechanism is described as a chain fusee time and strike movement featuring a recoil escapement regulated by a pendulum. These components are not visible in the provided exterior photography.

The functional status ('ticks and strikes') is reported by the auction house as a summary statement. The origin and date of circa 1880 are attributed by the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “chain fusee time and strike movement with recoil escapement regulated by a pendulum”
  • “Clock ticks and strikes.”
  • “England, c. 1880”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement architecture (chain fusee) align with the stated late 19th-century date for this style of clock?
  • Are there hidden maker's marks or signatures behind the dial or fretwork?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Brass Fusee Lantern Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
OriginEngland, c. 1880“England, c. 1880”
Case constructionBrass case with strapped bell above and pierced brass frets“brass case with strapped bell above, pierced brass frets”
Chapter ringApplied 6 1/2-inch engraved Roman numeral chapter ring“applied 6 1/2-in. engraved Roman numeral chapter ring with half- and quarter-hour markings”
Movement typeChain fusee time and strike movement“chain fusee time and strike movement with recoil escapement regulated by a pendulum”
Height16 inches“ht. 16 in.”
Origin and DateEngland, c. 1880“England, c. 1880”

Visible details

  • Large domed bell mounted under arched brass straps topped with an urn-shaped central finial.
  • Elaborate pierced foliate cresting fret positioned above the dial frame.
  • Engraved floral and scrolling foliage design across the center of the dial and corner spandrels.
  • Applied chapter ring marked with Roman numerals and half-hour star markers.
  • Case supported on four turned ball-and-peg style brass feet.

Research qualifications

  • Internal chain fusee movement and pendulum are not visible in the provided exterior front photograph.
  • Operational status ('ticks and strikes') is source-reported without independent verification.

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

Consulted source

Brass Fusee Lantern Clock sold at auction on 1st November | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 644eaffb73

Terms in this record

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

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