Clock · Nightwatchman's tell-tale bracket clock

Edwardian mahogany nightwatchman's tell-tale bracket clock

Partially verified

This Edwardian mahogany nightwatchman's tell-tale bracket clock, also referred to as a noctuary, is a specialized timepiece engineered for verifying the patrol rounds of a night watchman. The clock is constructed with a rectangular mahogany case, featuring a hinged circular bevel-glazed cast brass bezel and ornamental floral scroll carving at the base. It rests on squab feet and includes side viewing windows, measuring 36cm in height. The movement is a four-pillar, single chain fusee type with an anchor escapement and a lenticular bob pendulum, complemented by a passing strike on a bell. The 4.75-inch circular silvered brass dial presents Roman numerals and the maker's signature, Parkinson & Frodsham, 5 Budge Row, London. A unique functional element is the inclusion of a silvered ring engraved with reversed Roman numerals, equipped with push-pins at half-hour intervals, which are depressed via an external plunger to record patrol visits.

An Edwardian mahogany nightwatchman's tell-tale bracket clock featuring a silvered brass dial and an external plunger mechanism. — Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: orbiscollectibles.com
Category: Clock · Nightwatchman's tell-tale bracket clock
Maker / attribution: Parkinson & Frodsham
Reference: Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier: Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date: Early 20th century
Source-reported place: Not established

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

A prominent feature is the hinged, circular, bevel-glazed cast brass bezel that protects the dial while allowing for time setting and maintenance. The base of the case is enriched with floral scroll carving, providing a decorative foundation for the otherwise functional rectangular structure.

The design includes side viewing windows, which offer visibility into the internal movement. The entire assembly stands on squab feet, ensuring a stable platform on a surface. With an overall height of 36cm, the case is proportioned to house both the clock movement and the specific tell-tale mechanism required for its function as a patrol recorder.

Evidence for this section

“The case is rectangular with a hinged circular bevel-glazed cast brass bezel, floral scroll carving at the base, and side viewing windows.”
“It stands on squab feet and measures 36cm high overall.”

Movement and Tell-Tale Mechanism

The timekeeping component consists of a four-pillar, single chain fusee movement fitted with an anchor escapement and a lenticular bob pendulum. To assist in timekeeping notification, the movement is configured with a passing strike on a bell. This mechanical arrangement ensures a consistent rate for the duration of the fusee's potential energy release.

The tell-tale complication distinguishes this clock from standard bracket clocks. It features a silvered ring engraved with reversed Roman numerals and is fitted with push-pins at every half-hour. These pins are designed to be manually depressed by an external plunger positioned on the case, allowing the night watchman to create a verifiable record of his presence at specific times during his patrol.

Evidence for this section

“It features a four-pillar, single chain fusee movement with an anchor escapement and a lenticular bob pendulum, including a passing strike on a bell.”
“Uniquely, the clock includes a silvered ring engraved with reversed Roman numerals, fitted with push-pins at every half-hour.”

Dial and Identification

The dial is a 4.75-inch circular silvered brass plate, which serves as the primary visual interface for the user. It is inscribed with Roman numerals for the hours. Centrally located on the dial is the signature 'Parkinson & Frodsham, 5 Budge Row, London,' which identifies the maker and their place of business during the early 20th century.

The combination of the standard time display and the specialized tell-tale ring provides a dual function, allowing the clock to serve as both a reliable timekeeper and a tool for institutional security. The clear marking of the dial ensures that the watchman could easily synchronize his rounds with the required intervals for pin depression.

Evidence for this section

“The 4.75-inch circular silvered brass dial displays Roman numerals and the inscription 'Parkinson & Frodsham, 5 Budge Row, London'.”

Open research questions

Are there extant records of Parkinson & Frodsham producing nightwatchman's clocks during the early 20th century?
How did the external plunger mechanism physically engage with the internal pin ring to prevent tampering by the watchman?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Edwardian mahogany nightwatchman's tell-tale bracket clock
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker	Parkinson & Frodsham	“Parkinson & Frodsham, 5 Budge Row, London”
Movement	Four-pillar, single chain fusee	“four-pillar, single chain fusee movement”
Escapement	Anchor	“anchor escapement”
Dimensions	36cm high, 26cm wide, 18.5cm deep	“36cm high, 26cm wide, 18.5cm deep”
Dial diameter	4.75 inches	“4.75-inch circular silvered brass dial”
Function	Night watchman verification	“specialized timepiece designed to verify the patrol rounds of a night watchman”

Visible details

External plunger located at the top of the case for recording pins.
Floral scroll carvings present on the front base corners.
Circular bevel-glazed brass bezel surrounding the silvered dial.

Research qualifications

Classification as a noctuary is considered probable rather than fully established.
Originality of the inscription and the specific mechanical components is not verified beyond the auction description.

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

Consulted source

Edwardian mahogany nightwatchman's tell-tale bracket clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d815a66ec7

Terms in this record

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