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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Early Victorian Oak Bracket Clock

Partially verified

This Early Victorian bracket clock dates to circa 1840 and is housed in an oak case. The case features a serpentine-curved top adorned with hand-carved fruit and foliage motifs surrounding a central cartouche, with similar carvings applied to the base. The clock is fitted with a cream-coloured circular dial featuring black Roman numerals and a minute track, set behind a cast brass bezel. The steel hands are of the club style. Bevelled glass panels are located on the sides and the rear door, facilitating view of the movement. Internally, the clock is powered by a twin fusee movement with an eight-day power reserve and a striking mechanism that functions on a metal bell. The auction description reports that the movement has been serviced and is in full working order, and that the dial exhibits stabilized crazing.

Frontal view of the oak bracket clock showing the carved top, dial, and base
Frontal view of the oak bracket clock showing the carved top, dial, and base — Chequers Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
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 Aesthetic Features

The clock is housed in an oak case characterized by its Early Victorian stylistic elements, specifically those dating to approximately 1840. The silhouette is defined by a serpentine-shaped top which acts as a focal point for the elaborate hand-carved ornamentation. This carving incorporates fruit and leaf motifs that frame a central cartouche.

Similar decorative carvings are repeated at the base of the clock, creating visual symmetry. Practicality is integrated into the design through the inclusion of bevelled glass panels located on both side profiles and the rear access door, intended to allow inspection of the mechanical movement housed within.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه‌ای از جنس چوب بلوط مرغوب”
  • “تاج منحنی مارپیچی (serpentine) بالای قاب با کنده‌کاری‌های دست‌ساز به شکل میوه‌ها و شاخ‌وبرگ در اطراف یک کتیبه یا ترنج مرکزی تزیین شده است”

Dial and Hands

The circular dial is finished in a cream tone, providing contrast to the black Roman numerals and the peripheral minute track. The time is indicated by black steel hands featuring the 'club' motif, which is secured by a cast brass bezel.

The source reports that the dial surface shows signs of age-related cracking, specifically crazing. It is stated that these cracks are superficial, non-flaking, and have been stabilized, though periodic monitoring for further development is suggested.

Evidence for this section
  • “صفحه گرد ساعت با زمینه رنگ کرم، اعداد رومی مشکی‌رنگ و شیار محیطی دقیقه مزین شده است”
  • “رنگ صفحه دچار ترک‌های ریز سطحی ناشی از گذر زمان (crazing) است که بدون ریزش بوده و تثبیت شده است”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece operates on a mechanical twin fusee movement providing an eight-day reserve. It includes a striking mechanism that sounds the hour upon a metal bell. The auction description reports that the clock is supplied with its pendulum and keys.

Regarding the operational condition, the source indicates that the movement has undergone a full service and inspection. It is currently reported to be in full working order, though the auction description includes recommendations for collectors to verify the integrity of the pendulum suspension system for long-term maintenance.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای سیستم انتقال قدرت فیوزه دوگانه (twin fusee) و ذخیره انرژی ۸ روزه است”
  • “موتور به‌طور کامل سرویس و بازبینی شده و در وضعیت کارکرد کامل قرار دارد”

Open research questions

  • Is there any maker's signature or stamp located on the backplate of the movement?
  • Does the current pendulum possess any hallmarks or serial identifiers linking it to the movement's production era?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Early Victorian Oak Bracket Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1840“حدود ۱۸۴۰”
Country of originEngland“انگلستان”
Case materialOak“چوب بلوط”
Movement typeTwin fusee, 8-day“سیستم انتقال قدرت فیوزه دوگانه (twin fusee) و ذخیره انرژی ۸ روزه”
DialCream-coloured with Roman numerals“صفحه گرد ساعت با زمینه رنگ کرم، اعداد رومی مشکی‌رنگ”
Dimensions44cm x 36cm x 18cm“ارتفاع ۴۴ سانتی‌متر × عرض ۳۶ سانتی‌متر × عمق ۱۸ سانتی‌متر”

Visible details

  • Case features extensive hand-carved fruit and foliage decorations
  • Dial displays visible craquelure patterns across the cream-coloured surface
  • Movement is a twin fusee type visible through glazed panels
  • Hands are styled in the distinctive 'club' design

Research qualifications

  • Originality of the pendulum and keys is not explicitly confirmed by provenance
  • Long-term stability of the dial's craquelure is noted for monitoring

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

Consulted source

An Early Victorian Oak Bracket Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 89d04ab6ca

Terms in this record

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

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