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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table clock

Ebony quarter-chiming basket-top table clock by Thomas Bradford

Partially verified

This table clock features an ebony case with a low repoussé caddy top, adorned with fruit and flower swags, and surmounted by a large handle with a tied bud knop. Four turned finials sit above a moulded cornice, accompanied by long glazed side panels and a moulded base. The clock is currently paired with an additional turntable base. The 10-inch square brass dial displays winged cherub-head spandrels framing a silvered chapter ring with Roman and Arabic numerals, dotted half-quarter marks, and fleur-de-lys half-hour markers. The dial is signed "Tho: Bradford Londini, Fecit" and includes a date aperture at the XII position. The movement is a triple-fusee mechanism secured by ten knopped and latched pillars, with a knife-edge verge escapement, rack strike, and quarter chiming on a nest of six bells. The backplate is engraved with symmetrical flowerheads and foliate scrolls.

Front view of the ebony basket-top table clock showing the dial and brass ornamentation.
Front view of the ebony basket-top table clock showing the dial and brass ornamentation. — Bonhams / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Table clock
Maker / attribution
Thomas Bradford
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
204825940
Source-reported date
early 18th century
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 Description

The clock is housed in an ebony case designed in a basket-top format. The upper section features low repoussé decoration incorporating pairs of fruit and flower swags, topped with a substantial handle with a central tied bud knop. Four turned finials are placed at the corners of the moulded cornice. The case includes glazed side panels and a moulded base, and is described as being currently accompanied by an additional turntable base.

The dial is a 10-inch square brass plate ornamented with winged cherub-head spandrels. It features a silvered chapter ring with Roman and Arabic numerals, alongside dotted half-quarter marks and fleur-de-lys half-hour markers. The centre is finely matted, containing a date aperture located at the twelve o'clock position. The clock uses blued steel hands and is signed between the seven and five o'clock positions.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case with low repousse caddy decorated with pairs of fruit and flower swags”
  • “The 10 inch square brass dial with winged cherubs head spandrels”
  • “signed between VII and V Tho: Bradford Londini, Fecit”

Movement and Technical Features

The timepiece employs a substantial triple gut fusee movement. It is secured by ten knopped and latched pillars, although it is noted that one pillar has been replaced with a steel post. The timekeeping is regulated by a knife-edge verge escapement. The striking train operates for the hour sounding on a vertical hammer, while the chiming train performs the quarters on a nest of six bells.

The backplate of the movement is decorated with an engraving of symmetrical flowerheads enclosed within foliate scrolls. The barrels are equipped with outside steel click springs. While the hour strike and quarter chime trains are functional, the going train gut line is currently broken, rendering the clock non-operational in its present state.

Evidence for this section
  • “The substantial triple gut fusee movement with split frontplate, secured by ten knopped and latched pillars”
  • “knife-edge verge escapement”
  • “The backplate engraved with a symmetrical pattern of flowerheads within foliate scrolls”
  • “Going train gut line broken, hence not currently running”

Condition and Status

The auction description reports the physical condition of the clock, noting specific maintenance issues that impact its functionality. The breakage of the gut line for the going train prevents the clock from running, though the striking and chiming systems remain operable as assessed by the auction house. A modification to the movement architecture, involving the replacement of one pillar with a steel post, is also documented.

Attribution to the early 18th century and the identity of the maker are provided in the source; however, the source emphasizes that the overall classification and type attribution for this particular specimen require independent verification, and this record maintains that stated uncertainty regarding the item's historical status.

Evidence for this section
  • “Going train gut line broken, hence not currently running”
  • “one replaced with a steel post”
  • “Credible evidence exists but classification is not fully established.”
  • “Independent confirmation of type attribution and auction-house statements remains research required.”

Open research questions

  • Verify the authenticity of the movement pillars and internal modifications.
  • Investigate the provenance of the additional turntable base in relation to the original clock case.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Ebony quarter-chiming basket-top table clock by Thomas Bradford
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThomas Bradford“signed between VII and V Tho: Bradford Londini, Fecit”
Dateearly 18th century“early 18th century”
MovementTriple fusee“The substantial triple gut fusee movement”
Dial size10 inches“The 10 inch square brass dial”
Striking mechanismQuarter chiming on six bells“chiming the quarters on a nest of six bells and hammers”
EscapementKnife-edge verge“knife-edge verge escapement”
Dimensions52cms“52cms (20.5ins) high”

Visible details

  • Ebony case with brass decorative top
  • Silvered chapter ring with Roman and Arabic numerals
  • Engraved backplate with foliate motifs
  • Turned finials on top corners

Research qualifications

  • Independent confirmation of type attribution remains research required
  • The going train gut line is broken
  • One movement pillar is replaced with a steel post

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

Consulted source

Ebony quarter chiming basket top table clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 217fcd7042

Terms in this record

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

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