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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Drop-dial wall clock

English Fusee Drop Dial Wall Clock

Partially verified

This English drop dial wall clock, dating to approximately 1880, features a walnut surround and an original painted dial. The timekeeping mechanism is an eight-day chain-driven fusee timepiece movement. The dial is signed with the maker's name, Thomas Collet Thorne, and displays Roman numerals. Housed in a walnut case, the clock includes pendulum access panels located on the rear box. The dial measures 30 cm in diameter, with overall dimensions of 39 cm in height and 15 cm in depth. The auction description reports the clock is in working order and has been recently serviced, retaining an original finish to the case. It is supplied with both a pendulum and a winding key.

Front view of the English drop dial wall clock featuring the signed dial and walnut surround.
Front view of the English drop dial wall clock featuring the signed dial and walnut surround. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
Category
Clock · Drop-dial wall clock
Maker / attribution
Thos. Kellet Thorne
Reference
2464
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1880
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 walnut surround, which features an original finish. The dial is painted and displays black Roman numerals for the hour markers, . It measures 30 cm in diameter and is signed by the maker, Thomas Collet Thorne.

The rear of the clock's box includes access panels specifically designed for reaching the pendulum, a functional element of the drop-dial design. The overall dimensions are noted as 39 cm in height and 15 cm in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “Original Painted dial with Roman numerals”
  • “Dial is signed Thomas Collet Thorne”
  • “Pendulum access panels to the back box”
  • “Original finish to the case”

Movement and Function

The timepiece is powered by an eight-day chain-driven fusee movement, described in the source as being of fine quality.

The auction description reports that the movement is in working order and has been recently serviced. The clock is provided with the necessary components for operation, including the pendulum and a winding key.

Evidence for this section
  • “fine quality English chain driven 8 day movement”
  • “8 – Day Timepiece Movement”
  • “Working order recently Serviced”
  • “Comes with pendulum and key”

Provenance and Identification

The clock is identified by the SKU number 2464 and is attributed to the English tradition of clockmaking, circa 1880. The signature on the dial provides the primary evidence for the maker, Thomas Collet Thorne.

There is no provided provenance detailing the history of ownership for this object. It is presented as a collectible antique timepiece within the provided documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “English made”
  • “Circa 1880”
  • “Dial is signed Thomas Collet Thorne”
  • “SKU: 2464”

Open research questions

  • What is the verified location or primary operational period of the clockmaker Thomas Collet Thorne?
  • Does the signature on the dial match known examples of Thorne's horological work in regional England?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English Fusee Drop Dial Wall Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThomas Collet Thorne“Dial is signed Thomas Collet Thorne”
Datecirca 1880“Circa 1880”
Movement8-day chain-driven fusee“fine quality English chain driven 8 day movement”
MaterialWalnut“Walnut surround”
Dimensions39cm high by 15cm deep“Measures 39cm high by 15cm deep”
Dial Diameter30cm“Dial is 30cm diameter”
ConditionWorking, serviced“Working order recently Serviced”
SKU2464“SKU: 2464”

Visible details

  • Painted dial with Roman numeral indices
  • Walnut casing construction
  • Chain-driven fusee movement mechanism
  • Rear pendulum access panels visible on the box

Research qualifications

  • Unverified service history beyond auction house report
  • Origin of the signature relative to the maker's workshop is not specified

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

Consulted source

Exquisite English Fusee Drop Dial Wall clock – ca1880

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5aa348f6d9

Terms in this record

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

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