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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

Edwardian Scratch-Built Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This Edwardian mantel clock is identified as a scratch-built timepiece. The architectural, arched case is constructed from ash wood and mounted on a wide base. A printed label, applied to the rear of the case, attributes the production to Samuel Scrace of Manchester, dating the object to approximately 1903. The clock features a 4.75-inch white enamel dial with Roman numerals and blued steel hands, protected by a heavy cast brass bezel with bevelled glass. Movement is provided by an eight-day mechanical caliber equipped with a platform lever escapement. The case incorporates a rear-access porthole-style heavy brass cover, also fitted with bevelled glass. The auction description reports that the movement has been fully serviced and overhauled, placing it in excellent working condition. The clock measures 22.5 centimeters in height, 21 centimeters in width, and 8 centimeters in depth, and is supplied with a winding key.

Front view of the ash wood mantel clock showing the white enamel dial, blued steel hands, and heavy brass bezel.
Front view of the ash wood mantel clock showing the white enamel dial, blued steel hands, and heavy brass bezel. — Chequers Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Samuel Scrace
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1903
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 and Dial Construction

The clock is housed in an arched case fashioned from ash wood, seated upon a wide, solid base. The design is described as scratch-built, a term indicating custom or artisanal fabrication rather than standard factory production. The visual presentation of the dial is composed of a white enamel finish measuring 4.75 inches in diameter.

The dial is marked with black Roman numerals and is fitted with blued steel hands. It is secured and shielded by a heavy cast brass bezel, which integrates a piece of bevelled glass to cover the display area.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت از چوب زبان‌گنجشک (Ash) به صورت طاقی ساده تراشیده شده”
  • “صفحه ساعت از جنس مینای سفید با قطر ۴.۷۵ اینچ بوده و دارای اعداد رومی مشکی‌رنگ و عقربه‌های فولادی آب‌دیده‌ی آبی”

Movement and Mechanism

Power is derived from an eight-day mechanical movement. The escapement is a platform-mounted lever type, which allows for the timekeeping function. The mechanical integrity of the piece is maintained through an access point located at the rear of the case.

This rear entry consists of a heavy, brass porthole-style door, which also utilizes bevelled glass. The auction description reports that the movement has undergone a comprehensive overhaul and service, confirming its current status as being in excellent working order. Winding is facilitated by the included key.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور این اثر از نوع مکانیکی هشت‌روزه با چرخ‌دنگ لنگری روی پلتفرم”
  • “دسترسی به موتور از طریق یک دریچه سنگین برنجی طرح دریایی (Porthole) مجهز به شیشه تراش‌خورده امکان‌پذیر است”

Attribution and Condition

The primary identification of the clock as the work of Samuel Scrace of Manchester is derived from a printed label found on the back of the case. The source documentation indicates that this label is a later addition, necessitating careful verification by collectors against known historical records of Manchester-based clockmakers.

In terms of condition, the clock is reported to be in excellent state. The wooden case shows no staining or damage, and the enamel dial is noted for its clarity and preservation. Prospective owners are encouraged to corroborate the manufacturer label's information independently to confirm the historical attribution.

Evidence for this section
  • “چاپی متعلق به دوره‌های بعدی چسبانده شده که سازنده را Samuel Scrace اهل منچستر و تاریخ ساخت را حدود سال ۱۹۰۳ معرفی کرده است”
  • “طبق منبع ساعت در وضعیت عالی قرار داشته و هیچ‌گونه لک یا علامتی روی بدنه چوبی آن مشاهده نمی‌شود”

Open research questions

  • Does Samuel Scrace of Manchester appear in official trade directories or clockmaker registers for the year 1903?
  • What defines the term 'scratch-built' in the context of early 20th-century British clock production compared to commercial output?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Edwardian Scratch-Built Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerSamuel Scrace“سازنده را Samuel Scrace اهل منچستر”
Datecirca 1903“تاریخ ساخت را حدود سال ۱۹۰۳ معرفی کرده است”
Case MaterialAsh wood“بدنه ساعت از چوب زبان‌گنجشک (Ash)”
Dial Diameter4.75 inches“قطر ۴.۷۵ اینچ”
EscapementPlatform lever escapement“چرخ‌دنگ لنگری روی پلتفرم (Platform lever escapement)”
Dimensions22.5 x 21 x 8 cm“ارتفاع ۲۲.۵ سانتی‌متر، پهنای ۲۱ سانتی‌متر و عمق ۸ سانتی‌متر”
Movement TypeEight-day mechanical“موتور این اثر از نوع مکانیکی هشت‌روزه”

Visible details

  • Case features a simple arched design in ash wood
  • Dial displays Roman numerals and blued steel hands
  • Rear of the clock features a circular, porthole-style access door
  • The timepiece is accompanied by a winding key

Research qualifications

  • The exact authenticity of the Samuel Scrace attribution, based on a later-applied label, remains subject to verification against Manchester clockmaker records.
  • The designation 'scratch-built' implies non-standard manufacture requiring further historical assessment.

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

Consulted source

An Edwardian Scratch-Built Mantel Clock Timepiece

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 40cb03627c

Terms in this record

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

Other mantel clock records