Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

English Bracket Clock, signed Thos Gammage & Son

Partially verified

This English mantel or bracket clock, dating to approximately 1850, is constructed from dark wood with an arched, polished finish. The case features a stepped cornice with decorative dentil molding at the top and rests on rounded brass feet. A rear-hinged door equipped with a large glass panel provides visibility into the internal brass movement and the adjustable pendulum mechanism. The dial, also arched, is decorated with engraved scroll and foliate motifs along its periphery. It displays Roman numerals and patterned hands. The lower portion of the dial is inscribed with the address '1 St Michaels Alley, Cornhill, London' and the number '356'. The movement, which displays the maker's signature 'THOs G... & Son' and their London address on the backplate, utilizes thick brass plates and a traditional British construction. The clock is provided with a winding key.

Front view of the English bracket clock signed Thos Gammage & Son, showing the arched silvered dial and mahogany case
Front view of the English bracket clock signed Thos Gammage & Son, showing the arched silvered dial and mahogany case — Vintage Clocks UK via Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Thos Gammage & Son
Reference
356
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1850
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 a dark, polished wooden case designed in the traditional style of an English bracket clock. Its silhouette is characterized by an arched profile, echoing the shape of the dial contained within. The upper section of the case is defined by a stepped cornice enhanced with dentil molding, providing a textural element to the crest. At the base, the clock is supported by four rounded brass feet.

The dial is an arched metal plate featuring intricate engraved scroll and foliate ornamentation. It utilizes standard Roman numerals for time indication, accompanied by period-style hands. Located at the base of the dial is the specific location address of the maker in London and the reference number 356. A glass pane fitted to the rear door allows for a view of the internal mechanics.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب ساعت از چوب تیره با پرداخت صیقلی ساخته شده که در بخش بالایی دارای لبه‌های پلکانی با تزیینات دندانه‌موشی و در پایین مجهز به پایه‌های مدور برنجی است.”
  • “صفحه ساعت دارای بالای طاق‌دار (Arched Dial) بوده و در گوشه‌ها و حاشیه‌ها با نقوش اسکرول و اسلیمی قلم‌زنی‌شده تزیین شده است.”
  • “در بخش پایینی صفحه عبارت 1 St Michaels Alley, Cornhill, London و شماره ۳۵۶ نقش بسته است.”

Movement and Construction

The internal mechanism is built with thick brass plates consistent with British horological traditions of the mid-19th century. The system includes an adjustable pendulum rod and a corresponding anchor escapement. The backplate of the movement is clearly engraved with the maker's name, 'THOs G... & Son', and their business location at Cornhill, London.

While the original auction listing suggests the presence of a French 8-day striking movement, visual inspection of the internal components and the backplate signature points towards an English manufacture. The clock includes a winding key to operate the manual mechanism. Despite the uncertainty regarding the movement's precise operational history, the physical evidence identifies the piece as part of the London watchmaking tradition.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت دارای صفحات برنجی ضخیم و ساختار سنتی بریتانیایی با میله و لنگر پاندول قابل تنظیم است.”
  • “روی صفحه پشتی موتور، عبارت سازنده به‌صورت THOs G... & SON به همراه نشانی Cornhill, London به وضوح حک شده است.”
  • “با وجود ادعای منبع مبنی بر وجود موتور فرانسوی زنگ‌دار هشت‌روزه، کلیت ساختار فنی و نشانه‌های فیزیکی مشهود متعلق به ساعت‌سازی انگلستان است.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports that the clock remains in a condition appropriate for its age. The wooden casing shows minor signs of surface wear, which is consistent with its mid-19th-century dating. No explicit statements regarding the current functional status of the mechanical movement have been provided by the source.

Collectors are advised to note that some images previously associated with this listing have been excluded due to inconsistencies. The physical features of the clock, including its inscriptions, strongly support the attribution to an English maker, contradicting the seller's claim of a French origin. Further independent investigation into the technical working order is recommended.

Evidence for this section
  • “طبق اعلام فروشنده ساعت در وضعیت مناسب با توجه به سن و سال خود قرار دارد و تنها سایش‌های جزیی روی بدنه چوبی آن مشاهده می‌شود.”
  • “لازم به تاکید است که تصاویر ۱، ۳ و ۴ متعلق به یک ساعت مجسمه‌دار کاملاً متفاوت بوده‌اند و از فهرست تصاویر این کالا حذف شده‌اند”

Open research questions

  • Determine the full identity of the maker 'THOs G... & Son' active at 1 St Michaels Alley, Cornhill, London.
  • Verify if the movement is original to the case or a later replacement to explain the discrepancy with the seller's description.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English Bracket Clock, signed Thos Gammage & Son
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker signatureTHOs G... & SON“روی صفحه پشتی موتور، عبارت سازنده به‌صورت THOs G... & SON به همراه نشانی Cornhill, London به وضوح حک شده است.”
Dial inscription1 St Michaels Alley, Cornhill, London“در بخش پایینی صفحه عبارت 1 St Michaels Alley, Cornhill, London و شماره ۳۵۶ نقش بسته است.”
Case featuresRounded brass feet and rear glass door“در پایین مجهز به پایه‌های مدور برنجی است. درب پشتی قاب دارای پنجره شیشه‌ای بزرگ است”
Movement constructionBrass plates with traditional British layout“موتور ساعت دارای صفحات برنجی ضخیم و ساختار سنتی بریتانیایی با میله و لنگر پاندول قابل تنظیم است.”
Attributed datecirca 1850“حدود ۱۸۵۰ میلادی”
Dial decorationEngraved scroll and foliate motifs“در گوشه‌ها و حاشیه‌ها با نقوش اسکرول و اسلیمی قلم‌زنی‌شده تزیین شده است.”

Visible details

  • Case features dentil molding at the upper edge
  • Brass plate movement includes adjustable pendulum rod and anchor
  • Dial inscribed with address: 1 St Michaels Alley, Cornhill, London

Research qualifications

  • Seller listing claims a French 8-day movement, which contradicts physical markings and internal construction
  • Wood type is identified as Kingwood by the seller, though this remains an unverified attribution

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

Consulted source

Lovely Kingwood Ormolu Boulle Mantel Clock – Ca 1850

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c085b3e895

Terms in this record

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

Other bracket clock records