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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton clock

Brass Skeleton Clock with Oval Glass Dome

Partially verified

Catalogued by the auction house as dating from the nineteenth century, this brass skeleton clock is presented under an oval glass dome on a wooden base. The pierced brass architectural frame reveals the key-wind movement, gear train, and pendulum mechanism. It features an openwork chapter ring with black Roman numerals. Surmounting the architectural frame is a brass bell and an axe-shaped striking hammer. The movement is mounted on turned brass feet secured to the oval plinth. The auction house notes no apparent markings, and the clock is accompanied by a winding key.

Front view of nineteenth-century brass skeleton clock under an oval glass dome
Front view of nineteenth-century brass skeleton clock under an oval glass dome — DuMouchelles. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0169
Source-reported date
19th c.
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 Architecture and Mounts

Visual observation shows a pierced architectural brass skeleton frame that terminates in spires below a top-mounted brass bell, accompanied by an adjacent axe-head shaped striking hammer.

The skeletonized brass frame features turned feet that rest on a wooden base under an oval glass dome, corresponding to the source description stating that brass posts rest on a solid wood base. Observation also records a loose winding key resting on the base beneath the dome.

Evidence for this section
  • “Architectural pierced brass skeleton frame terminating in spires below a mounted brass bell.”
  • “Axe-head shaped hammer positioned adjacent to the top bell.”
  • “Brass posts rest on solid wood base.”
  • “Turned brass feet supporting the skeletonised frame on an oval wooden base covered by an oval glass dome.”
  • “A loose winding key rests on the base beneath the dome.”

Dial and Movement Details

The cataloguer notes a key-wind visible movement including a swinging pendulum, and states that the lot includes a winding key and pendulum.

The dial is described in the source as a clock face dial with black Roman numerals, visually observed as an openwork chapter ring with dark hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Key wind visible movement including swinging pendulum.”
  • “Includes winding key and pendulum.”
  • “Clock face dial with black Roman numerals.”
  • “Openwork chapter ring displaying black Roman numerals and dark hands.”

Cataloguing and Markings

The auction description titles the lot as a 19th-century brass skeleton clock with an oval glass dome, measuring 17 inches high by 12 inches wide.

The cataloguer records "No apparent markings," and the source documentation does not identify a specific maker, country of origin, or technical escapement classification.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brass Skeleton Clock with Oval Glass Dome 19th.c., H 17" W 12" 1 PC”
  • “Dimensions: H 17" W 12" 1 PC”
  • “No apparent markings.”

Open research questions

  • What escapement type (e.g., recoil or deadbeat) regulates the key-wind movement?
  • Are there any maker stamps, serial numbers, or foundry marks visible on the plates upon dismantling or closer examination?
  • Do the dimensions of 17 inches by 12 inches refer to the dome and wood base combined, or to the brass frame alone?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Brass Skeleton Clock with Oval Glass Dome
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Date19th c.“Brass Skeleton Clock with Oval Glass Dome 19th.c.”
DimensionsH 17" W 12"“Dimensions: H 17" W 12" 1 PC”
Movement MechanismKey wind visible movement including swinging pendulum“Key wind visible movement including swinging pendulum.”
DialBlack Roman numerals“Clock face dial with black Roman numerals.”
BaseSolid wood base“Brass posts rest on solid wood base.”
MarkingsNo apparent markings“No apparent markings.”
Included AccessoriesWinding key and pendulum“Includes winding key and pendulum.”

Visible details

  • Architectural pierced brass skeleton frame terminating in spires below a mounted brass bell.
  • Axe-head shaped hammer positioned adjacent to the top bell.
  • Openwork chapter ring displaying black Roman numerals and dark hands.
  • Turned brass feet supporting the skeletonised frame on an oval wooden base covered by an oval glass dome.
  • A loose winding key rests on the base beneath the dome.

Research qualifications

  • No maker's mark or country of origin is identified by the auction house.
  • Specific movement characteristics such as escapement type or train configuration are not detailed in the text.

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

Consulted source

Brass Skeleton Clock With Oval Glass Dome 19th.c., H 17" W 12" 1 Pc - Oct 15, 2026 | Dumouchelles In Mi

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 12d659c85c

Terms in this record

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

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