Clock · Library clock

English Four-Glass Library Clock by Frodsham

Partially verified

This English four-glass library clock is attributed by dealer William James Antiques to Frodsham of Gracechurch Street, London, and dated to the nineteenth century. The clock is housed in a rosewood case fitted with bevelled glass panels and squashed bun feet. According to the seller, the dial is silvered and engraved with an off-centre winding hole and blued steel hands. The mechanism is a single fusee timepiece movement driven by a chain, retaining its pendulum and an engraved winding key marked Frodsham.

Rear three-quarter view of the rosewood four-glass library clock displaying internal movement and fusee chain — William James Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category: Clock · Library clock
Maker / attribution: Frodsham of Gracechurch Street, London
Reference: SA282493
Catalogue / lot identifier: Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date: 19th century
Country: 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 Form

Visual observation shows a three-quarter rear and side view of a dark rosewood clock case resting on four squashed bun feet. The rear features a hinged glazed door with a small brass latch knob that exposes the interior brass movement plates.

The side of the case is fitted with a bevelled glass panel, through which the grooved barrel and fusee chain can be seen. On the upper right side edge of the wooden case, a keyhole escutcheon is installed.

Evidence for this section

“Three-quarter rear and side view of a dark rosewood clock case supported on four squashed bun feet.”
“Hinged glazed rear door with small brass latch knob revealing interior brass movement plates.”
“Bevelled side glass panel through which the grooved barrel and fusee chain are visible.”
“Keyhole escutcheon present on the upper right side edge of the case.”

Movement and Seller-Reported Elements

Through the side glass panel, direct observation shows the grooved barrel and the fusee chain in place. The seller describes the mechanism as a single fusee timepiece movement on its original chain.

The dealer's description further states that the clock is complete with an original pendulum and an engraved key marked "Frodsham", claiming the piece to be in "untouched original condition."

Evidence for this section

“Bevelled side glass panel through which the grooved barrel and fusee chain are visible.”
“The movement is a fine quality single fusee timepiece movement on its original chain”
“The whole in excellent untouched original condition. The movement is a fine quality single fusee timepiece movement on its original chain, complete with original pendulum and engraved "Frodsham" key.”

Dial and Maker Attribution

The dealer attributes the clock to "Frodsham of Grace Church Street, London." and dates the manufacture to the 1800s. The dial face itself is not visible in the provided reference photograph.

According to the seller's text, the timepiece features a silver engraved dial configured with an off-centre winding hole and blued steel hands.

Evidence for this section

“Frodsham of Grace Church Street, London.”
“William James Antiques has dated this piece to the 1800s.”
“Silver engraved dial with off centre winding hole and fine blue steel hands.”

Open research questions

What specific markings or serial numbers are stamped onto the backplate or engraved on the dial to distinguish which member of the Frodsham family or business entity produced this clock?
What are the precise dimensions of the rosewood case?
Can independent physical examination verify the seller's claim that the fusee chain and pendulum are original?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English Four-Glass Library Clock by Frodsham
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Maker attribution	Frodsham of Grace Church Street, London	“Frodsham of Grace Church Street, London.”
Case material	Rosewood with bevelled glass panels	“The Rosewood case with bevelled glass panels”
Movement type	Single fusee timepiece movement on chain	“The movement is a fine quality single fusee timepiece movement on its original chain”
Dial description	Silver engraved dial with off-centre winding aperture and blued steel hands	“Silver engraved dial with off centre winding hole and fine blue steel hands.”
Period	1800s (19th century)	“William James Antiques has dated this piece to the 1800s.”
Included key	Engraved 'Frodsham' key (seller-reported)	“engraved "Frodsham" key.”
Dealer reported condition	Excellent untouched original condition (unverified)	“The whole in excellent untouched original condition.”

Visible details

Three-quarter rear and side view of a dark rosewood clock case supported on four squashed bun feet.
Hinged glazed rear door with small brass latch knob revealing interior brass movement plates.
Bevelled side glass panel through which the grooved barrel and fusee chain are visible.
Keyhole escutcheon present on the upper right side edge of the case.

Research qualifications

The front dial and hands are not visible in this specific photograph.
Claims of originality regarding the chain, pendulum, and untouched condition represent seller assertions rather than independently verified facts.

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

Consulted source

Fine English 4 Glass Frodsham Library Clock | Sellingantiques.co.uk

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record fd0e1a58ab

Terms in this record

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