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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton clock

English Single Fusee Skeleton Clock signed Bolton-London

Partially verified

This late 19th-century English skeleton clock is powered by an eight-day, time-only fusee movement set within skeletonized brass architectural plates. A silvered annular chapter ring displays Roman numerals and bears the signature 'Bolton-London' around the six o'clock position. The movement rests on turned brass pillars secured to a stepped wooden plinth raised on turned bun feet, all enclosed beneath a fitted glass dome. Overall dimensions measure 13 1/4 by 9 by 6 inches. The auction house reports that the base features an enhanced finish and notes the movement currently runs for a few minutes before stopping.

Front view of English single fusee skeleton clock signed Bolton-London on stepped wooden base under glass dome
Front view of English single fusee skeleton clock signed Bolton-London on stepped wooden base under glass dome — Fontaine's Auction Gallery. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton clock
Maker / attribution
Bolton-London
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
332
Source-reported date
late 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

Object Identity and Composition

The catalog lists this item as an English single fusee skeleton clock dating to the late 19th century. Stated overall measurements are 13 1/4 by 9 by 6 inches.

Physical observation shows pierced brass framework with gothic architectural spires that support the movement, set on a stepped dark wood oval plinth resting on four turned wooden bun feet. The entire clock is covered by a tall arched clear glass cloche dome.

Evidence for this section
  • “English Single Fusee Skeleton Clock "Bolton-London" late 19th century”
  • “13 1/4 x 9 x 6 inches”
  • “Pierced brass framework with gothic architectural spires supporting the gear train and fusee assembly.”
  • “Stepped dark wood oval plinth supported by four turned wooden bun feet.”
  • “Tall arched clear glass cloche dome enclosing the complete clock.”

Dial and Movement Details

The movement is cataloged as an 8-day time-only fusee mechanism set within skeletonized brass plates. The chapter ring is silvered and bears black-enameled Roman numerals.

Direct visual observation confirms the signature is split around the bottom of the chapter ring, reading 'Bolton' and 'London' flanking the VI numeral.

Evidence for this section
  • “skeletonized brass plates with silvered dial covered by a glass dome, 8-day time-only fusee movement, dial signed "Bolton-London"”
  • “Silvered annular chapter ring with black-enameled Roman numerals, signed 'Bolton' and 'London' flanking the VI numeral.”

Reported Condition and Operating Status

The auctioneer's condition report notes that the base has an 'enhanced finish' and states that the piece retains its 'original dome'.

Regarding mechanical function, the seller states that the movement 'runs a few minutes and stops.' General sale terms separately indicate that clocks are not guaranteed to run, and technical details regarding the escapement type, rear plate, and pendulum suspension are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Base with enhanced finish, original dome, runs a few minutes and stops.”
  • “Clocks are not guaranteed to run.”

Open research questions

  • Which London watch- or clockmaking firm corresponds to the dial signature 'Bolton-London'?
  • What escapement configuration and pendulum design are installed on the rear plate?
  • What specific processes were used to produce the reported 'enhanced finish' on the wooden base?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English Single Fusee Skeleton Clock signed Bolton-London
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datelate 19th century“late 19th century”
Dial SignatureBolton-London“dial signed "Bolton-London"”
Movement8-day time-only fusee movement“8-day time-only fusee movement”
Dimensions13 1/4 x 9 x 6 inches“13 1/4 x 9 x 6 inches”
Condition NoteBase with enhanced finish, runs a few minutes and stops“Base with enhanced finish, original dome, runs a few minutes and stops.”
Original DomeReported present in condition notes“original dome”
Base FinishReported as enhanced finish“Base with enhanced finish”

Visible details

  • Pierced brass framework with gothic architectural spires supporting the gear train and fusee assembly.
  • Silvered annular chapter ring with black-enameled Roman numerals, signed 'Bolton' and 'London' flanking the VI numeral.
  • Stepped dark wood oval plinth supported by four turned wooden bun feet.
  • Tall arched clear glass cloche dome enclosing the complete clock.

Research qualifications

  • The auction house condition report notes the base has an enhanced finish and the movement runs for a few minutes and stops.
  • Pendulum suspension, rear plate configuration, and escapement type are not documented in available views.

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

Consulted source

At Auction: English Single Fusee Skeleton Clock "Bolton-London"

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 23823bfe22

Terms in this record

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

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