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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton clock

David Walter 'Great Wheel' Skeleton Clock

Partially verified

This English-style 'Great Wheel' skeleton clock was custom made by clockmaker David Walter for Mr. and Mrs. Robert Urich, according to auction records. The source states that it is one of a limited edition of seven clocks made in 1989. The brass skeleton mechanism features an openwork regulator-style dial, an overhead bell with striking hammer, and prominent wheelwork, housed in an arched wood-framed glazed hood atop a glazed wooden plinth resting on ball feet. The arched brass frame displays engraved inscriptions on its forward legs.

Front view of David Walter Great Wheel skeleton clock inside arched wooden glazed case
Front view of David Walter Great Wheel skeleton clock inside arched wooden glazed case — California Auctioneers. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton clock
Maker / attribution
David Walter
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0184
Source-reported date
1989
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

Identity and Commission History

Catalogued as an English-style 'Great Wheel' skeleton clock, this piece is documented by the auction house as having been custom-made by clockmaker David Walter for Mr. and Mrs. Robert Urich.

According to statements attributed to the maker in the auction record, only seven of these clocks were produced in 1989, with no further examples to be made.

Evidence for this section
  • “Custom made for Mr. and Mrs. Robert Urich by Clock master David Walter.”
  • “English Style 'Great Wheel' Skeleton Clock”
  • “Mr. Walter has confirmed that the only 7 of these clocks were made in 1989 and no more will be made.”

Visible Case and Framework

Frontal observation shows an openwork brass clock mechanism housed inside an arched wood-framed glazed hood, positioned over a glazed base plinth supported by ball feet.

Lower movement components are visible through the glazed base. Engraved script is present along the front arch of the brass frame, though the precise inscription cannot be transcribed from the single front photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Arched wood-framed glazed hood housing an openwork brass clock mechanism.”
  • “Glazed base plinth with ball feet and lower movement components visible below.”
  • “Engraved script visible on the front arch of the brass frame.”

Dial and Movement Display

Visual observation indicates a regulator-style open dial ring accompanied by subsidiary rings, with an overhead bell and hammer positioned at the top of the openwork brass movement.

Beyond the 'Great Wheel' style designation in the lot title, technical movement specifications—such as power source, gear train details, and escapement—are not recorded in the source text and cannot be verified through the front glass enclosure.

Evidence for this section
  • “Regulator-style open dial ring with subsidiary rings and overhead bell with hammer.”
  • “English Style 'Great Wheel' Skeleton Clock”

Open research questions

  • What specific text is engraved on the front arch of the brass frame?
  • What are the precise dimensions and wood type of the glazed hood and plinth?
  • What are the mechanical specifications of the movement, including escapement type and power source?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for David Walter 'Great Wheel' Skeleton Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDavid Walter“Custom made for Mr. and Mrs. Robert Urich by Clock master David Walter.”
StyleEnglish Style 'Great Wheel' Skeleton Clock“English Style 'Great Wheel' Skeleton Clock”
Production Year1989“Mr. Walter has confirmed that the only 7 of these clocks were made in 1989”
Edition Size7 clocks made“One of seven in the World”
Commission ClientMr. and Mrs. Robert Urich“Custom made for Mr. and Mrs. Robert Urich by Clock master David Walter.”

Visible details

  • Arched wood-framed glazed hood housing an openwork brass clock mechanism.
  • Glazed base plinth with ball feet and lower movement components visible below.
  • Regulator-style open dial ring with subsidiary rings and overhead bell with hammer.
  • Engraved script visible on the front arch of the brass frame.

Research qualifications

  • Photographed only from the front behind glass; rear and side movement details are obscured.
  • Dimensions and exact case wood type are not specified in the source text.

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

Consulted source

David Walter "great Wheel" Skeleton Clock -# 48 - Jun 30, 2013 | California Auctioneers In Ca

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record cdb3023254

Terms in this record

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

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