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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Wall clock

Double Sided GPO Fusee Wall Clock

Partially verified

This antique double-sided wall clock was produced for the General Post Office (GPO) in the United Kingdom. It is housed in a mahogany case and features a single fusee movement, designed for an eight-day duration with key winding. The movement incorporates an anchor escapement to regulate the timekeeping. Each of the two sides features a 12-inch (28 cm) diameter painted dial with black Roman numerals and steel spade-pattern hands. The dials bear the royal cipher of King George V (GR V surmounted by a crown). The casing includes access doors on the side and bottom for maintenance. The attribution of the production date to circa 1890 is noted alongside the presence of the George V cipher, which relates to the period between 1910 and 1936.

Front-facing view of one of the dials, showing the George V royal cipher and spade hands.
Front-facing view of one of the dials, showing the George V royal cipher and spade hands. — Zamanito / W J Morris Clocks. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Wall clock
Maker / attribution
W J Morris Clocks (Retailer)
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Source-reported place
بریتانیا

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 Dials

The clock is constructed with a mahogany frame, measuring 36 cm in diameter and 18 cm in depth. The design is double-sided to facilitate viewing from different positions within a room. Access for servicing and winding is provided through hinged doors located on the side and bottom of the casing.

Both dials are 12 inches (28 cm) in diameter and feature a white finish with black Roman numerals. The dials are marked with the royal cypher of King George V, identified by the initials 'GR V' underneath a crown. The hands are crafted from steel in a spade style.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت از چوب ماهون (Mahogany) ساخته شده و دارای درب‌های بازشو در بخش کناری و پایینی جهت دسترسی و سرویس موتور است”
  • “صفحه‌های ساعت دارای قطر ۱۲ اینچ (قطر نمای صفحه ۲۸ سانتی‌متر) با پوشش رنگی بوده و ارقام رومی مشکی، نشان پادشاهی جورج پنجم (GR V با تاج) و عقربه‌های فولادی مشکی با طرح موسوم به اسپید (Spade) بر روی آن‌ها نقش بسته است”

Movement and Escapement

The timekeeping mechanism is an eight-day, key-wound system. It utilizes a single fusee movement, a configuration intended to provide uniform power to the gear train. An anchor escapement is used to regulate the movement.

The clock is supplied with a black-painted steel bracket for wall mounting.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای کوک ۸ روزه با کلید، سیستم زنجیر و مخروطی فیوزی (Fusee) و چرخ‌دنگ لنگری (Anchor escapement) است”
  • “همراه با بست و پایه دیواری فولادی مشکی‌رنگ برای نصب معلق ارائه شده است”

Historical and Attribution Notes

While the source provides an estimated production date of circa 1890, the presence of the George V royal cypher on the dials creates an inconsistency in the dating. The reign of King George V spanned from 1910 to 1936.

Due to this conflict, the auction description suggests that the authenticity of the dials in relation to the main case, or the possibility of subsequent repainting or component replacement, requires further professional examination.

Evidence for this section
  • “تاریخ ساخت حدود ۱۸۹۰ (circa 1890) ذکر شده، در حالی که نشان سلطنتی روی صفحه متعلق به دوران پادشاهی جورج پنجم (۱۹۱۰ تا ۱۹۳۶ میلادی) است”
  • “اصالت هم‌زمانی صفحه با بدنه، احتمال بازرنگ‌آمیزی نشان یا تاریخ‌گذاری مجدد قطعات نیازمند بررسی دقیق کارشناسی است”

Open research questions

  • Does the serial number on the movement match the casing?
  • Is there evidence of the dial being repainted over an older signature?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Double Sided GPO Fusee Wall Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGPO“ساخت انگلستان برای اداره پست سلطنتی (GPO)”
MechanismSingle fusee with anchor escapement“مجهز به سیستم انتقال نیروی فیوزی تکی (Single Fusee) بوده”
Duration8-day“موتور ساعت دارای کوک ۸ روزه با کلید”
Case MaterialMahogany“بدنه ساعت از چوب ماهون (Mahogany) ساخته شده”
Dial Diameter12 inches“صفحه‌های ساعت دارای قطر ۱۲ اینچ”
Datingcirca 1890“تاریخ ساخت حدود ۱۸۹۰ (circa 1890) ذکر شده”
CountryUnited Kingdom“ساخت انگلستان”

Visible details

  • Dual dials with George V royal cipher
  • Mahogany circular frame
  • Steel wall mounting bracket
  • Steel spade-pattern hands

Research qualifications

  • Discrepancy between circa 1890 dating and George V reign (1910-1936)
  • Potential for re-painting or component modification

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

Consulted source

Double Sided GPO Fusee Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record b4658e841d

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

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