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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table clock

Ebonised Quarter Repeating Table Clock by Richard Peckover

Partially verified

This George II period table clock is attributed to the maker Richard Peckover. The clock features an inverted bell-top case constructed from fruitwood with an ebonised finish, bound with gilt-brass mounts and topped with a knopped carrying handle. The 7-inch square break-arch brass dial includes a silvered chapter ring, mask head spandrels, and three subsidiary dials for rise and fall regulation, strike/silent adjustment, and a calendar ring in the arch. The center of the dial is matted with an aperture for a false pendulum and a silvered, engraved cartouche signed "R. Peckover London". The internal mechanism consists of an eight-day twin fusee movement with five knopped pillars, a verge escapement, and a repeating mechanism striking the quarters on six bells and the hours on a single bell. The back plate displays engraving with foliate scrolls, birds, and an urn, signed "Richard Peckover London".

Front view of the ebonised table clock featuring the break-arch brass dial and silvered chapter ring.
Front view of the ebonised table clock featuring the break-arch brass dial and silvered chapter ring. — Dorset Antique Clocks. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.dorsetantiqueclocks.co.uk
Category
Clock · Table clock
Maker / attribution
Richard Peckover
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1735
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

The clock is housed in an inverted bell-top case finished with ebonised fruitwood veneer. It is decorated with gilt-brass mounts and features a gilded knopped carrying handle. The overall design follows the aesthetic conventions attributed to the workshops of Daniel Quare and Stephen Horseman.

The dial is a 7-inch square break-arch brass design. It incorporates a silvered chapter ring alongside mask head spandrels. Additional features include three subsidiary dials for strike/silent and rise and fall regulation, with a silvered calendar ring positioned in the arch. The center is matted and features a false pendulum aperture and an engraved cartouche bearing the signature of the maker.

Evidence for this section
  • “The gilt-brass bound inverted bell-top case surmounted by a gilded knopped carrying handle is veneered with fruitwood with an ebonised finish.”
  • “The break arch brass dial is 7” square and mounted with a silvered chapter ring and mask head spandrels.”

Movement and Mechanism

The timepiece is powered by an eight-day twin fusee movement. It is constructed with five knopped pillars and employs an original verge escapement. The quarter repeating mechanism is designed to strike the quarters on a set of six graduated bells, with the hour struck on a separate bell.

The back plate is decorated with engravings of foliate scrolls, birds, and urns. It is also signed by the maker, Richard Peckover, providing confirmation of the attribution for this internal component.

Evidence for this section
  • “The twin fusee with eight-day duration movement has five knopped pillars, original verge escapement and a quarter repeating mechanism with the quarters sounded on six graduated bells, with the hours on a separate bell.”
  • “The back plate is beautifully engraved with the maker’s signature “Richard Peckover London” with foliate scrolls, birds and urns.”

Labels and Provenance

The clock retains historical documentation through various labels affixed to the internal frame. Specifically, two labels from Hart Bros. Jewellers & Watchmakers, located in Muswell Hill, London, date to 1918, 1936, and 1940. A circular label for Steinmann, London, marked number 153, is also present on the left rear door jamb.

Its historical production is linked to the transition of the business formerly held by Daniel Quare and Stephen Horseman, which Peckover is believed to have assumed in 1733.

Evidence for this section
  • “There is the nice addition of two labels attached to the inside of the rear door from Hart Bros. Jewellers & Watchmakers, Muswell Hill, London dated 1918, 1936 and 1940.”
  • “A further circular label is on the left rear door jamb for Steinmann, London no.153.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific horological significance of the Steinmann, London no.153 label?
  • Can the movement construction be definitively linked to the Quare and Horseman workshop via specific component marks?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ebonised Quarter Repeating Table Clock by Richard Peckover
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRichard Peckover“A George II quarter repeating table clock by Richard Peckover.”
Datecirca 1735“CIRCA. 1735”
Dimensions18 1/2 inches (47cm) height with handle up“Height: 18 ½″ or 47cm (Handle up)”
Movement TypeEight-day twin fusee“The twin fusee with eight-day duration movement”
EscapementVerge escapement“original verge escapement”
Dial signatureR. Peckover London“bearing the maker’s signature “R. Peckover London” beneath.”
ProvenancePrivate collection U.K.“Provenance: Private collection U.K.”

Visible details

  • Gilded knopped carrying handle atop the inverted bell-top case
  • Silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals and three subsidiary dials
  • Five knopped pillars visible within the movement
  • Multiple service labels from Hart Bros. and Steinmann on the rear door interior

Research qualifications

  • The exact origin of the movement remains unverified, with the seller suggesting it might have been inherited from the Quare and Horseman workshop
  • Attribution to Richard Peckover is based on the signed dial and backplate, though the construction design is associated by the source with Quare and Horseman

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

Consulted source

EBONISED QUARTER REPEATING TABLE CLOCK – RICHARD PECKOVER – LONDON

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 8db637074d

Terms in this record

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

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