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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Drop-dial wall clock

Edwardian Drop Dial Wall Clock by Chas Keates

Partially verified

This Edwardian drop dial wall clock, dated to approximately 1900, is attributed to the maker Chas Keates based in Belper, England. The clock features a case constructed from a combination of walnut and flame mahogany, enhanced by decorative satinwood inlay. The design includes carved ear-like embellishments on the sides of the case and a glass panel in the lower section that allows viewing of the pendulum. The clock is powered by an eight-day mechanical movement, which incorporates a gong striking mechanism. Winding is performed through two holes positioned on the dial, which corresponds to the dual-train movement designed for timekeeping and striking functions. The clockface displays Roman numerals and minute markers, accompanied by spade-patterned metal hands.

Front view of the Edwardian drop dial wall clock showing the dial, hands, and lower pendulum case.
Front view of the Edwardian drop dial wall clock showing the dial, hands, and lower pendulum case. — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Drop-dial wall clock
Maker / attribution
Chas Keates
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1900
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 Design

The clock is designed as a drop dial wall clock, a form produced during the Edwardian period. The main casing utilizes a combination of walnut and flame mahogany woods to provide a decorative finish. This woodwork is complemented by satinwood inlay detailing applied across the body.

The silhouette of the clock incorporates carved wood ornaments on the side panels, described as resembling earrings. The lower section of the case is fitted with a glass window, which allows for visual access to the pendulum's movement, behind a decorative fretwork screen.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه این ساعت با ساختاری هنرمندانه و ترکیب چوب‌های گردو (Walnut) و ماهون موج‌دار (Flame mahogany) ساخته شده و با حاشیه‌کاری و اینلی ظریف چوب ساتن (Satinwood inlay) تزیین گردیده است.”
  • “در طرفین بدنه، تزیینات چوبی کنده‌کاری‌شده به شکل گوشواره دیده می‌شود و در بخش پایینی، یک دریچه شیشه‌ای طرح‌دار برای مشاهده نوسان پاندول تعبیه شده است.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The clock dial bears the name of the maker, Chas Keates, along with the location of origin, Belper. Time is indicated using Roman numerals for the hours and minute marks around the outer perimeter of the dial.

The hands are identified as spade-patterned metal hands. The dial includes two winding holes, which provide access to the internal mechanical movement, signifying a dual-train design intended for both timekeeping and the operation of the striking system.

Evidence for this section
  • “نام سازنده (Chas Keates) و خاستگاه جغرافیایی آن (Belper) بر روی آن نقش بسته است.”
  • “عقربه‌های فلزی تزیینی از مدل Spade (طرح قاشقی/بیلچه‌ای) بر روی این صفحه سوار هستند”
  • “دو سوراخ کوک بر روی صفحه زیرین قرار گرفته که نشان‌دهنده قطار دوگانه حرکت زمان و نواختن زنگ می‌باشد.”

Movement and Condition

The timepiece is operated by an eight-day mechanical movement. It is equipped with a gong striking system, which is configured to sound at set intervals. The clock is considered to be in fair condition relative to its age, though the casing exhibits standard signs of wear and age-related markings.

The source advises that prospective owners should inspect the integrity of the winding springs, the operational status of the gear train, and the condition of the glass and wooden joints, as these components have not been fully surveyed.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای کارکرد مکانیکی با کوک ۸ روزه و سیستم زنگ گونگ (gong striking) است”
  • “ساعت متناسب با قدمت خود در وضعیت خوبی قرار دارد و علائم جزئی ناشی از گذر زمان و سایش‌های ظاهری بر روی بدنه چوبی آن مشهود است.”

Open research questions

  • What is the verified production window of Chas Keates in Belper?
  • Is the gong striking mechanism original to the movement or a later modification?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Edwardian Drop Dial Wall Clock by Chas Keates
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerChas Keates“کار Chas Keates در بلپر (Belper) انگلستان می‌باشد”
Datecirca 1900“حدود سال ۱۹۰۰”
MaterialsWalnut and flame mahogany“ترکیب چوب‌های گردو (Walnut) و ماهون موج‌دار (Flame mahogany)”
Movement8-day mechanical“کارکرد مکانیکی با کوک ۸ روزه”
Striking mechanismGong striking“سیستم زنگ گونگ (gong striking)”
OriginBelper, England“خاستگاه جغرافیایی آن (Belper)”
HandsSpade hands“عقربه‌های فلزی تزیینی از مدل Spade (طرح قاشقی/بیلچه‌ای)”

Visible details

  • Case features carved side ornaments resembling earrings
  • Dial is signed 'Chas Keates' and 'Belper'
  • Visible dual winding arbors on the dial plate
  • Lower case includes a glazed window with fretwork for pendulum viewing

Research qualifications

  • Internal condition of gear train and springs not independently verified
  • Completeness of original internal components not confirmed

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

Consulted source

Wonderful Walnut & flame mahogany Drop Dial Wall Clock – ca1900

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record e3637261b3

Terms in this record

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