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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

English Regency Balloon-Form Bracket Clock

Partially verified

This English Regency bracket clock is housed in a balloon-form flame mahogany case topped with a spherical finial and supported by turned brass feet. According to the auction source, the case dates to the early 19th century and is fitted with brass side grilles. The circular silvered dial features black Roman numerals, dual winding arbors, and an engraved foliate wreath surrounding the inscription 'Frodsham London', attributed by the cataloguer to Charles Frodsham.

Front view of the English Regency balloon-form bracket clock in flame mahogany
Front view of the English Regency balloon-form bracket clock in flame mahogany — New Orleans Auction Galleries. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Charles Frodsham
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0075
Source-reported date
early 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 Architecture and Construction

The clock features a balloon-form profile in flame mahogany, resting upon a stepped plinth supported on small turned brass feet at the corners. The waist tapers upward and is surmounted by a gilt ball finial.

The auction description notes that the case is fitted with brass side grilles. The dimensions reported by the cataloguer are 21-1/2 inches high, 13-1/4 inches wide, and 9 inches deep.

Evidence for this section
  • “Balloon-waisted flame mahogany case surmounted by a rounded ball finial”
  • “Supported on small turned brass feet at the corners of a stepped plinth base”
  • “in a flame mahogany case with a gilt ball finial, with brass side grilles, the whole resting on turned brass feet. h. 21-1/2", w. 13-1/4", d. 9"”

Dial and Inscriptions

The circular silvered dial incorporates a Roman numeral hour track with outer minute divisions and two winding arbors. In the center, an engraved foliate wreath surrounds the signature 'Frodsham London'.

The auction listing identifies the dial as 'signed by Charles Frodsham, London', although the visible engraved script on the dial face records only 'Frodsham London' without the given name 'Charles'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Silvered circular dial with Roman numeral hour track and minute divisions”
  • “Two winding arbors visible on the dial face”
  • “Dial center engraved with a foliate wreath encircling the signature 'Frodsham London'”
  • “the silvered dial signed by Charles Frodsham, London”

Condition and Movement Details

The internal movement is not depicted in the listing imagery. While two winding arbors are visible on the dial, specific movement mechanisms are not described in the cataloguing, other than a note that 'Works look clean.'

According to the auctioneer's condition report, the clock has been professionally restored and repolished, and the pendulum is missing. Specific condition issues reported include a minor, tight crack across the top beneath the ball finial, a couple of tiny veneer losses on the right side, minor rubbing to the dial, and small dings consistent with age; operational status is not guaranteed.

Evidence for this section
  • “Works look clean. Pendulum missing.”
  • “The case has been professionally repolished with a minor, tight crack across the top beneath the ball finial. The right side has a couple of tiny veneer losses.”
  • “minor rubbing to the dial. We cannot guarantee the working condition of any clock.”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement backplate bear a full maker's signature, date, or serial number that would verify whether the clock is by Charles Frodsham or another member of the Frodsham family?
  • What escapement and striking or chiming arrangement is utilized by the movement?
  • What length and type of pendulum was originally fitted to the suspension?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English Regency Balloon-Form Bracket Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker AttributionCharles Frodsham, London“the silvered dial signed by Charles Frodsham, London”
PeriodEarly 19th century“early 19th century”
Case MaterialFlame mahogany“in a flame mahogany case”
Dimensionsh. 21-1/2", w. 13-1/4", d. 9"“h. 21-1/2", w. 13-1/4", d. 9"”
Condition NotePendulum missing“Pendulum missing.”
Case FinialGilt ball finial“with a gilt ball finial”
Case GrillesBrass side grilles“with brass side grilles”
Stated Dimensionsh. 21-1/2", w. 13-1/4", d. 9"“h. 21-1/2", w. 13-1/4", d. 9"”

Visible details

  • Balloon-waisted flame mahogany case surmounted by a rounded ball finial
  • Silvered circular dial with Roman numeral hour track and minute divisions
  • Two winding arbors visible on the dial face
  • Dial center engraved with a foliate wreath encircling the signature 'Frodsham London'
  • Supported on small turned brass feet at the corners of a stepped plinth base

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the clock has been professionally restored and repolished, with the pendulum missing
  • The dial inscription visibly reads 'Frodsham London'; the identification as Charles Frodsham is source-reported
  • Internal movement is not visible in the provided image

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

Consulted source

English Regency Balloon-form Bracket Clock - Aug 20, 2026 | New Orleans Auction Galleries In La

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 3125b8ecc0

Terms in this record

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

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