Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton clock

English Sir Walter Scott Memorial Skeleton Clock

Partially verified

According to the seller, this English skeleton clock dates to circa 1870 and was fashioned after the monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott in Edinburgh. The pierced architectural brass framework encloses an eight-day single-train fusée movement with a balance wheel escapement mounted above. A pierced, engraved silvered dial displays Roman numerals with blued steel trefoil hands. Positioned centrally under the lower Gothic-style arch are gilt brass figures depicting Sir Walter Scott and his dog, Maida. The clock rests upon a velvet-covered plinth over a stepped marble base with bun feet, and is reported to have undergone full restoration.

Front view of the Sir Walter Scott Memorial skeleton clock on velvet plinth and marble base
Front view of the Sir Walter Scott Memorial skeleton clock on velvet plinth and marble 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
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
GHOL 1 P
Source-reported date
Circa 1870
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

Architectural Design and Figural Mounts

The skeleton clock features a pierced architectural brass frame stated to be fashioned after the monument constructed in Edinburgh, Scotland, in honor of Sir Walter Scott. The visible design exhibits open Gothic-style architectural framework with tracery and spire forms.

Positioned inside the lower central arch are gilt brass figures depicting Sir Walter Scott and his dog, Maida. Observation confirms the clock assembly rests upon a blue velvet-covered plinth supported by a stepped rectangular marble base with bun feet.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fashioned after the monument constructed in his honor during the second half of the 19th century in Edinburgh, Scotland.”
  • “A gilt brass Sir Walter Scott and his dog, Maida, sit beneath at the center.”
  • “Overall presented within a glass dome on a velvet-covered plinth and marble base with bun feet.”

Dial and Movement Details

The time is displayed on a pierced, engraved, and silvered dial ring featuring black Roman hour numerals and blued steel trefoil hands.

According to the seller listing, the timepiece is powered by an eight-day single-train fusée movement and incorporates a balance wheel escapement positioned above the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “The time displays on a silvered, pierced, and engraved dial with Roman numerals and blued steel trefoil hands.”
  • “Eight-day One-train Fusée Movement”
  • “This beautiful clock features a rare balance wheel escapement above the single-train fusée movement.”

Source Documentation and Condition Claims

The listing dates the clock to circa 1870 and claims it bears a full restoration along with a one-year warranty. A square seamless dome is listed under details but noted as not shown, and no glass dome is visible in the provided photography.

No maker signature, hallmark, or serial number is recorded in the source text or visible in the imagery, leaving workshop attribution unrecorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Circa 1870”
  • “Square Seamless Dome, Not Shown”
  • “Furthermore, this fine timepiece bears a full restoration and a one year warranty.”

Open research questions

  • Are there any maker stamps, foundry marks, or serial numbers engraved on the front or rear brass movement plates?
  • Does examination of the escapement verify whether the balance wheel arrangement is original factory specification or a later conversion?
  • What specific conservation or repair procedures were executed during the seller-claimed restoration?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English Sir Walter Scott Memorial Skeleton Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement typeEight-day one-train fusée movement“Eight-day One-train Fusée Movement”
EscapementRare balance wheel escapement“Rare Balance Wheel Escapement”
DateCirca 1870“Circa 1870”
Dimensions20″H x 13″W x 9″D“20″H x 13″W x 9″D”
Figures depictedSir Walter Scott and his dog, Maida“A gilt brass Sir Walter Scott and his dog, Maida, sit beneath at the center.”
Protective coveringSquare seamless dome (not shown)“Square Seamless Dome, Not Shown”
Restoration claimReported full restoration with a one-year warranty“bears a full restoration and a one year warranty”

Visible details

  • Pierced architectural brass frame modelled after the Gothic spire of the Scott Monument.
  • Circular pierced silvered dial ring with black Roman hour numerals and blued steel hands.
  • Gilded figures of the seated author and recumbent dog positioned inside the central lower arch.
  • Plinth covered in blue velvet set upon a stepped rectangular marble base raised on four bun feet.

Research qualifications

  • The glass dome described in the text is noted as not shown and is absent from the photograph.
  • No maker signature or serial markings are visible or recorded in the listing.

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

Consulted source

English Sir Walter Scott Memorial Skeleton Clock - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 62fdff3932

Terms in this record

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

Other skeleton clock records