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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton clock

English London-style Scroll Frame Skeleton Clock

Partially verified

According to Renaissance Antiques, this English London-style skeleton clock dates to circa 1880. It features an openwork brass architectural frame with three spires set atop scrolling legs, resting on an oval wooden base with a red velvet-lined surface and turned brass feet. The movement is reported as an eight-day single train chain-driven fusee mechanism striking on a bell at each hour. Visible elements include a pierced, silvered fretwork chapter ring with Roman numerals, spade and whip style hands, and a polished brass bell positioned at the apex behind the central spire.

Front view of the English scroll-frame skeleton clock on its velvet-topped wooden base
Front view of the English scroll-frame skeleton clock on its velvet-topped wooden base — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
FOAG 279 P
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Circa 1880
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

Structural and Architectural Form

The clock is constructed with an architectural structure featuring three spires raised on a scrolling frame. It is supported by four turned brass feet.

The assembly rests on a wooden base. The source notes the inclusion of a blown glass dome, though this is not recorded in the primary visual evidence.

Evidence for this section
  • “architectural structure with three spires raised on a scrolling frame”
  • “Polished brass scroll frame terminating in four turned brass feet”
  • “Wooden Base and Blown Glass Dome”

Dial and Timekeeping Display

The time is indicated via a pierced and silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals. The clock features spade and whip style hands.

A polished brass bell is mounted at the summit, positioned behind a gothic architectural spire.

Evidence for this section
  • “pierced and silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals”
  • “bold spade and whip hands”
  • “Polished brass bell mounted at the summit behind a gothic architectural spire”

Movement and Reported Mechanics

The clock is reported to utilize an eight-day single train chain-driven fusee movement. The mechanism includes a bell strike at the hour.

The source dates the item to circa 1880. No maker is specified in the provided documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Eight-day Single Train Chain Driven Fusée Movement”
  • “Bell Strike at the Hour”
  • “Circa 1880”

Open research questions

  • Are there visible maker's marks on the movement plates or frame?
  • What is the physical condition of the silvered finish on the chapter ring?
  • Is the bell mounting original to the architecture of the frame?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English London-style Scroll Frame Skeleton Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement typeEight-day single train chain driven fusée movement“Eight-day Single Train Chain Driven Fusée Movement”
Strike mechanismHourly bell strike“Bell Strike at the Hour”
DateCirca 1880“Circa 1880”
SKUFOAG 279 P“SKU: FOAG 279 P”

Visible details

  • Pierced silvered fretwork chapter ring with black painted Roman numerals
  • Blued spade and whip style hands
  • Polished brass bell mounted at the summit behind a gothic architectural spire
  • Polished brass scroll frame terminating in four turned brass feet
  • Oval turned wooden plinth with a red velvet-covered upper tier

Research qualifications

  • The blown glass dome mentioned in the dealer text is omitted in the primary photograph
  • Maker is unspecified by the source

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

Consulted source

English London-style Scroll Frame Skeleton Clock - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 9294cd3449

Terms in this record

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

Other skeleton clock records