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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Astronomical regulator

C. Barham & Son standing astronomical regulator clock

Partially verified

This English standing astronomical regulator by C. Barham & Son, Hawkhurst, is housed in a figured mahogany veneer arch-top case measuring 76 by 18 by 10 inches. The 12-inch silvered metal dial exhibits an astronomical configuration with subsidiary dials for seconds and hours alongside a central minute hand and blued steel hands. Source documentation records an eight-day, weight-driven brass movement featuring heavy plates, turned pillars, and a Graham deadbeat escapement. A gridiron pendulum with a large brass bob is displayed through the glazed trunk door.

Full front view of the C. Barham & Son mahogany astronomical regulator clock showing dial, glazed trunk door, and pendulum
Full front view of the C. Barham & Son mahogany astronomical regulator clock showing dial, glazed trunk door, and pendulum — Schmitt Horan & Co.. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Astronomical regulator
Maker / attribution
C. Barham & Son
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
269A
Source-reported date
circa 1882
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 Architecture and Visible Presentation

The standing case is documented as measuring 76 inches by 18 inches by 10 inches and is constructed with heavily figured mahogany veneer. It features an arched hood and a long glazed trunk door through which the gridiron pendulum and its circular brass bob are displayed. The hood and trunk sections are flanked by chamfered corners carved with lambs tongue motifs, terminating on a plinth base defined by applied perimeter moldings.

The auction catalog reports that the case has been professionally refinished. Recorded structural and surface defects include a split in the base, a split in the board separating the interior of the trunk, and other minor splits and veneer losses sustained throughout the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “heavily figured mahogany veneer arch top case with glazed door in trunk and chamfered corners with lambs tongue flanking hood and trunk, base framed with applied molding”
  • “the professionally refinished case with split in base and other minor veneer losses and splits throughout, the board separating the interior of the trunk is split”

Dial Configuration and Inscription

The clock is fitted with a 12-inch circular silvered metal dial configured in an astronomical regulator layout. The dial displays time via separate subsidiary dials for seconds and hours alongside a central sweep minute hand, indicated with blued steel hands and both Roman and Arabic numerals.

Engraved around the center arbor is the maker's signature, documented as 'C. Barham & Son, Manufacturer, Hawkhurst, England'. Condition notes record minor surface discoloration across the dial alongside partial loss to the engraved blacking.

Evidence for this section
  • “roman and arabic numeral 12in silvered metal dial with separate subsidiary dials for seconds and hours and a center sweep hand for minutes, maker's signature engraved around center arbor, blued steel hands”
  • “C. Barham & Son, Manufacturer, Hawkhurst, England”
  • “dial with minor discoloration and some loss to blacking”

Reported Movement, Escapement, and Accessories

The movement plates and internal escapement are concealed behind the dial in the catalog imagery, but the source lists an eight-day, time-only, weight-driven brass movement built with very heavy plates and large turned pillars. The movement utilizes a Graham deadbeat escapement regulating a gridiron pendulum.

The condition report notes that the suspension is broken. Additional loose or accompanying parts itemized in the auction listing include the pendulum, brass weight, movement, brass trim piece, and suspension.

Evidence for this section
  • “8 day, time only, weight driven brass movement with very heavy plates and large turned pillars, Graham deadbeat escapement, gridiron pendulum”
  • “suspension broken, ACCESSORIES: Pendulum, Brass Weight, Movement, Brass Trim Piece, Suspension, circa 1882”

Open research questions

  • What archival or trade directory evidence establishes the active working dates of C. Barham & Son in Hawkhurst, England around the listed 1882 date?
  • Does the brass movement feature any maker's stamp, serial numbering, or deadbeat escapement patent markings on the rear or front plate?
  • How is the split interior trunk separating board fitted within the case structure, and does it serve a weight-channel function?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for C. Barham & Son standing astronomical regulator clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker and LocationC. Barham & Son, Hawkhurst, England“C. Barham & Son, Manufacturer, Hawkhurst, England”
Case ConstructionHeavily figured mahogany veneer arch top case with glazed trunk door“heavily figured mahogany veneer arch top case with glazed door in trunk”
Dial Description12-inch silvered metal dial with subsidiary dials for seconds and hours“12in silvered metal dial with separate subsidiary dials for seconds and hours and a center sweep hand for minutes”
Movement MechanismWeight-driven 8-day brass movement with Graham deadbeat escapement and gridiron pendulum“8 day, time only, weight driven brass movement with very heavy plates and large turned pillars, Graham deadbeat escapement, gridiron pendulum”
Dimensions76in x 18in x 10in“76in x 18in x 10in”
Source Reported Date1882 (also noted as circa 1882)“Date 1882”
Case Framing DetailsChamfered corners with lambs tongue flanking hood and trunk“chamfered corners with lambs tongue flanking hood and trunk”
Catalog AccessoriesPendulum, Brass Weight, Movement, Brass Trim Piece, Suspension“ACCESSORIES: Pendulum, Brass Weight, Movement, Brass Trim Piece, Suspension”

Visible details

  • Arched-top standing clock case in figured mahogany veneer
  • Silvered circular regulator dial with subsidiary seconds and hour registers flanking the center arbor
  • Long glazed trunk door revealing a gridiron pendulum with a polished brass circular bob
  • Base plinth framed with applied rectangular molding
  • Engraved signature visible across the dial face reading 'C. BARHAM & SON' and 'HAWKHURST'

Research qualifications

  • Movement plates, escapement, and weight drive are not internally visible in the photograph; details rely on auction house descriptions
  • Source notes the case is professionally refinished with a split in the base, minor veneer losses, a split interior trunk board, and a broken suspension

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: C. Barham & Son astronomical regulator

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record fdb05f9918

Terms in this record

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

Other astronomical regulator records