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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Chater & Son green and gold lacquered bracket clock

Partially verified

This 8-day twin fusee bracket clock, dating to circa 1780, features a green and gold lacquered case with an inverted bell top. The clock is signed by Chater & Son, London on both the brass dial and the engraved movement backplate. The case construction incorporates gilded mounts, four pineapple-shaped finials, a carrying handle, and glazed sides and rear door. The 7.5-inch brass break arch dial displays Roman and Arabic numerals, a subsidiary strike/silent dial, and a calendar aperture located above the VI position. The movement utilizes a rack and snail striking system on a bell, equipped with an original verge escapement and a repeating function. The internal backplate is decorated with engraved floral swags and scrolling foliage. The clock stands 54 cm in height, 29 cm in width, and 19 cm in depth, with provenance documented as a private collection in the United Kingdom.

Front view of the Chater & Son bracket clock showing the green and gold lacquered case, break arch dial, and subsidiary strike/silent dial.
Front view of the Chater & Son bracket clock showing the green and gold lacquered case, break arch dial, and subsidiary strike/silent dial. — Dorset Antique Clocks. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.dorsetantiqueclocks.co.uk
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Chater & Son
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1780
Source-reported place
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 Construction

The clock is housed in an inverted bell top case finished with green and gold lacquer. The design includes glazed panels on the sides and the rear door, allowing visibility into the internal mechanism. The exterior is accented with gilded mounts and topped with four pineapple-shaped finials, centered by a carrying handle.

The case rests on a molded base, with the overall proportions measuring 54 cm in height, 29 cm in width, and 19 cm in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “The green and gold lacquered inverted bell top case is exquisite in style and construction.”
  • “The gilded mounts are of excellent quality, and four pineapple-shaped finials surmount the top of the case, topped with a carrying handle.”
  • “The sides of the case are glazed, and the rear door is also glazed.”

Movement and Dial

The movement is an 8-day twin fusee striking mechanism constructed with six pillars. It utilizes a verge escapement and strikes the hour on a bell using a rack and snail system, which includes a silencing feature and a repeating mechanism. The backplate is decorated with engraved floral swags and scrolling foliage, and features the maker's signature.

The 7.5-inch brass break arch dial is set with Roman and Arabic numerals and is signed by Chater & Son. A subsidiary strike/silent dial is integrated into the break arch, and a calendar aperture is positioned above the VI numeral. The dial is completed with original finely cut blued steel hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “An 8-day twin fusee striking movement consisting of six pillars, with original verge escapement striking the hours to a bell via a rack and snail striking system, which can be silenced.”
  • “the back plate is beautifully engraved with floral swags and scrolling foliage and is also signed ‘Chater and Son London’.”
  • “The 7 ½” brass break arch dial with subsidiary strike/silent dial set within the break arch, consisting of Roman and Arabic numerals and signed ‘Chater and Son London’”

Provenance and Documentation

The clock is identified by its signature, 'Chater and Son London', which appears on both the dial and the movement.

The provenance of this clock is cited as being from a private collection in the United Kingdom.

Evidence for this section
  • “CIRCA. 1780”
  • “Provenance: Private collection – U.K.”

Open research questions

  • What is the full recorded history of the Chater & Son workshop in London during the late 18th century?
  • Are there similar extant examples of Chater & Son bracket clocks with comparable chinoiserie lacquer work to verify the originality of the finish?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Chater & Son green and gold lacquered bracket clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerChater & Son“signed ‘Chater and Son London’”
Datecirca 1780“CIRCA. 1780”
Movement8-day twin fusee“An 8-day twin fusee striking movement”
EscapementVerge“with original verge escapement”
Dimensions54 cm x 29 cm x 19 cm“Height: 21″ or 54 cm Width: 11 ½” or 29 cm Depth: 7″ or 19 cm”
Dial7.5-inch brass break arch“The 7 ½” brass break arch dial”
ProvenancePrivate collection, U.K.“Provenance: Private collection – U.K.”

Visible details

  • Case features an inverted bell top with lacquered chinoiserie decoration
  • Backplate is engraved with floral swags and scrolling foliage
  • Dial incorporates a subsidiary strike/silent dial in the break arch
  • The clock case includes pineapple-shaped finials and a carrying handle

Research qualifications

  • Condition of the lacquer surface finish is not described in detail
  • Specific restoration history regarding the movement or case is not detailed

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

Consulted source

GREEN AND GOLD LACQUERED STRIKING BRACKET CLOCK – CHATER & SON – LONDON

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 536f065c9d

Terms in this record

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

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