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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Early Victorian Mahogany Bracket Clock by Dell Bros

Partially verified

This bracket clock dates to the early Victorian period and is crafted from mahogany. The case design features a serpentine-shaped top adorned with a cornice and prominent carved scrolling foliage. The sides of the case incorporate pierced wooden fret panels, and the base rests on a stepped plinth featuring additional decorative carvings. The 8-inch dial is cream-coloured, displaying black Roman numerals and a minute track, with spade-shaped steel hands. The maker's name, 'DELL BROS BRISTOL', is inscribed at the center of the dial, which is enclosed by a cast brass bezel. The timepiece is driven by an 8-day mechanical twin fusee movement that strikes on a bell. The clock comes with its pendulum and winding keys, and the rear of the case includes a glass door to allow viewing of the movement. The clock measures 43 cm in height, 35 cm in width, and 17 cm in depth.

Front view of the Early Victorian mahogany bracket clock showing the cream dial with spade hands and the signed Dell Bros Bristol inscription.
Front view of the Early Victorian mahogany bracket clock showing the cream dial with spade hands and the signed Dell Bros Bristol inscription. — Chequers Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Dell Bros
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1840
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 and Ornamentation

The upper crest of the clock is shaped with a serpentine form, featuring detailed carvings of scrolling foliage and an overhanging cornice. This decorative theme is mirrored at the base, which is set upon a stepped plinth with corresponding foliage carvings.

The sides of the mahogany case are designed with pierced fretwork panels. Access to the interior movement is provided through a glass-paned door at the rear of the case, allowing for observation of the mechanical components.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه‌ای از چوب ماهون دارد”
  • “طراحی تاج بالایی ساعت به صورت مارپیچ (serpentine) همراه با قرنیز و کنده‌کاری‌های شاخ‌وبرگی برجسته است”
  • “در بخش کناری بدنه، پنل‌های مشبک چوبی (pierced fret) کار شده”

Dial and Timekeeping Display

The 8-inch dial is finished in a cream colour and features a traditional arrangement of black Roman numerals. A minute track is positioned along the outer edge of the dial, while the hours are indicated by black steel hands in a spade formation.

The dial is signed with the maker's name, 'DELL BROS BRISTOL', situated in the center. The face is protected by a glazed door framed by a cast brass bezel, which provides a durable and decorative boundary for the dial surface.

Evidence for this section
  • “صفحه ساعت با قطر ۸ اینچ، دارای پوشش رنگی کرم‌رنگ بوده و ارقام رومی مشکی به همراه شیار دقیقه‌شمار بیرونی بر روی آن نقش بسته است”
  • “عقربه‌های فولادی سیاه به فرم بیلچه‌ای (spade hands) زمان را نشان می‌دهند”
  • “در مرکز صفحه امضای سازنده با عنوان «DELL BROS BRISTOL» دیده می‌شود”

Movement and Condition

The timepiece functions using an 8-day mechanical twin fusee movement. The striking train produces an audible signal on a bell. The clock is supplied with its original pendulum and winding keys to support operation.

The auction description reports that the clock is in very good condition, with no breakages or faults found in the wood carvings. The movement has undergone a complete service and overhaul and is reported to be in full working order. However, prospective owners are advised to inspect the condition of the pendulum suspension and the fusee chain system.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت طبق توضیحات منبع، از نوع مکانیکی کوکی ۸ روزه با سیستم دو فیوزی (twin fusee) است”
  • “موتور به طور کامل سرویس و بازآماد (اورهال) شده و در وضعیت کارکرد کامل قرار دارد”
  • “خریداران بهتر است در هنگام تحویل، سلامت فنرهای تعلیق پاندول و سیستم سیم/زنجیر فیوزی را به صورت مستقل ارزیابی نمایند”

Open research questions

  • Can the date of manufacture be more precisely identified beyond 'early Victorian'?
  • What specific records exist for the 'Dell Bros' firm in Bristol during the mid-19th century?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Early Victorian Mahogany Bracket Clock by Dell Bros
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerDELL BROS“DELL BROS BRISTOL”
Movement type8-day twin fusee“مکانیکی کوکی ۸ روزه با سیستم دو فیوزی (twin fusee)”
Case materialMahogany“بدنه‌ای از چوب ماهون دارد”
Dial diameter8 inches“صفحه ساعت با قطر ۸ اینچ”
Dimensions43 x 35 x 17 cm“ارتفاع ساعت ۴۳ سانتی‌متر، پهنا ۳۵ سانتی‌متر و عمق آن ۱۷ سانتی‌متر است”
Condition statusServiced“موتور به طور کامل سرویس و بازآماد (اورهال) شده و در وضعیت کارکرد کامل قرار دارد”
Striking mechanismBell strike“زنگ نواختن ساعت‌ها را روی یک کاسه زنگ (bell) اجرا می‌کند”

Visible details

  • Pierced wooden fretwork panels on the side of the clock case
  • Cast brass bezel encircling the cream-coloured dial
  • Carved scrolling foliage elements on the base and the upper crest

Research qualifications

  • Source recommends independent assessment of the pendulum suspension springs
  • Source recommends independent assessment of the fusee chain or cable system

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

Consulted source

An Early Victorian Mahogany Bracket Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record a8b724db57

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

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