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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Overdoor dial clock

Early Victorian Barwise Overdoor Dial Clock

Partially verified

This Early Victorian overdoor dial clock is attributed to the London maker Barwise, dating to approximately 1840. The clock features an oak case carved with oak leaf and acorn motifs, accented by a knotted ribbon design at the base. The dial measures 8 inches (approximately 20.3 cm) in diameter and is finished in a cream tone with black Roman numerals, minute tracks, and black steel club-style hands, protected by a cast brass bezel. Internally, the clock is powered by an eight-day mechanical movement with a fusee drive system. The construction includes thick brass plates and a pendulum rod. The clock is reported to have undergone a complete service and overhaul, and it is currently in working order. The wooden case exhibits natural patina consistent with its age, while the dial surface shows minor discoloration and fine crazing.

Front view of the Barwise overdoor dial clock, showing the carved oak leaf case, cream dial with Roman numerals, and club hands.
Front view of the Barwise overdoor dial clock, showing the carved oak leaf case, cream dial with Roman numerals, and club hands. — Chequers Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Overdoor dial clock
Maker / attribution
Barwise
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1840
Source-reported place
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 and Dial Construction

The clock is housed within a carved oak case characterized by naturalistic decorative elements. The circular frame surrounding the dial features a detailed relief of oak leaves and acorns, while the lower section is adorned with a carved knotted ribbon detail. A simple base provides support for the structure, and a metal suspension loop is attached to the upper rear for mounting.

The 8-inch circular dial is finished in a cream hue and features black Roman numerals complemented by precise minute markers. It is fitted with black steel club-style hands. The dial is protected by a cast brass bezel. The surface of the dial displays minor discoloration and aesthetic crazing, which the source describes as natural for an object of this age.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب ساعت تماماً از چوب بلوط با جزئیات منبت‌کاری برجسته و غنی ساخته شده است که طرحی از تاج گل برگ‌های بلوط به همراه میوه‌های بلوط را به تصویر می‌کشد”
  • “بر روی لایه رنگ صفحه ساعت، تغییر رنگ جزئی و ترک‌های مویی ناشی از گذر زمان (crazing) به چشم می‌خورد”

Movement and Mechanism

This timepiece is driven by an eight-day mechanical movement equipped with a fusee transmission system, designed to maintain constant power to the escapement as the mainspring unwinds. The assembly features substantial brass plates, which are visible along with the fusee barrel, chain, and pendulum rod.

The source reports that the movement has received a complete service and overhaul. It is stated to be currently in good working order and fully operational.

Evidence for this section
  • “درون این قاب بلوطی یک موتور زمان‌سنج مکانیکی ۸ روزه با سیستم انتقال نیروی فیوزی (Fusee) قرار دارد”
  • “این موتور به طور کامل سرویس و بازآماد (اورهال) شده و در وضعیت کارکرد کامل قرار دارد”

Signatures and Provenance

The dial is signed with the mark "BARWISE LONDON" positioned in the center. The source notes that this signature appears faintly on the surface.

There is no specific provenance history provided, though the object is presented as an early Victorian piece from approximately 1840. The current physical condition is described as very good, with a well-preserved oak patina and structural integrity maintained throughout the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “این اثر که نام سازنده برجسته لندنی «BARWISE LONDON» به صورت کم‌رنگ در مرکز صفحه آن نقش بسته است”
  • “قاب چوب بلوط دارای پتینه و رنگ‌آمیزی بسیار زیبا و ساختاری سالم است”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific history of the Barwise workshop during the 1840s?
  • Are there archival records linking this specific serial number or design to a recorded catalogue of Barwise clocks?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Early Victorian Barwise Overdoor Dial Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBarwise“نام سازنده برجسته لندنی «BARWISE LONDON» به صورت کم‌رنگ در مرکز صفحه آن نقش بسته است”
Datecirca 1840“۱۸۴۰ میلادی ساخته شده است”
Mechanism8-day fusee“موتور زمان‌سنج مکانیکی ۸ روزه با سیستم انتقال نیروی فیوزی (Fusee)”
Dimensions37 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm“ارتفاع: ۳۷ سانتی‌متر (۱۴.۵ اینچ) عرض: ۳۰ سانتی‌متر (۱۲ اینچ) عمق: ۱۵ سانتی‌متر (۶ اینچ)”
Dial Diameter8 inches“صفحه ساعت ۸ اینچی (حدود ۲۰.۳ سانتی‌متر)”
Case MaterialOak“قاب ساعت تماماً از چوب بلوط با جزئیات منبت‌کاری برجسته و غنی ساخته شده است”
ConditionServiced and operational“این موتور به طور کامل سرویس و بازآماد (اورهال) شده و در وضعیت کارکرد کامل قرار دارد”

Visible details

  • Oak case with carved leaf and acorn ornamentation
  • Black club-style steel hands
  • Cream-colored dial with Roman numerals
  • Cast brass bezel surrounding the clock face

Research qualifications

  • Condition of the fusee chain or wire
  • Authenticity of fasteners and mounting hardware
  • Legibility of the manufacturer's signature under varying light

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

Consulted source

An Early Victorian Barwise Overdoor Dial Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record a49a7e0806

Terms in this record

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