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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

English Triple Fusee Musical Bracket Clock

Partially verified

This English triple fusee bracket clock, dated by the source to circa 1880, is constructed with a mahogany case featuring a stepped top and elaborate inlay decoration. The clock measures 50.5cm in height, 38cm in width, and 25.5cm in depth. It houses an 8-day duration musical movement which includes a chime-silent feature. The silvered dial is mounted on an embossed ormolu plate and incorporates three subsidiary dials, including chime-silent and rise and fall functions. The case is accessible from the rear through a wooden door. The clock is reported to be in working order following a recent service and includes its key and pendulum. The overall condition is described as very good for its age, with minor signs of wear consistent with its vintage.

Front view of the English triple fusee musical bracket clock, showing the silvered dial, subsidiary dials, and inlaid mahogany case.
Front view of the English triple fusee musical bracket clock, showing the silvered dial, subsidiary dials, and inlaid mahogany case. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Circa 1880
Source-reported place
England
Source-reported serial
2447

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 mahogany case characterized by a stepped top and extensive inlay decoration featuring floral motifs and urns. The finish and patina are original to the piece. The front features a silvered dial set against an embossed ormolu backplate.

The dial includes three subsidiary dials at the top, which facilitate the chime-silent and rise-and-fall functions. The side panels of the case contain sound frets with fabric backing to allow for the egress of sound from the internal musical mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “the clock case is made of mahogany with a stepped top case”
  • “Original silver dial on a embossed ormolu plate”
  • “Original dial with chime silent and rise and fall subsidiary dials”

Movement and Functionality

The clock is powered by an 8-day duration triple fusee movement. This configuration indicates separate train drives for timekeeping, striking, and musical functions. The mechanism includes a chime-silent feature, which is adjustable via the dial-mounted subsidiary indicators.

Access to the internal movement is provided through a wooden door at the rear of the case. The auction description reports that the movement has been recently serviced and is currently in working order. The clock is provided with its original key and pendulum.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is a English musical triple fusee 8 day movement with chime silent feature”
  • “Recently serviced movement”
  • “Working order”

Condition and Attribution

The clock is attributed to an English origin, dated by the source to circa 1880. The auction description reports that the object is in very good condition for its age, noting only slight signs of age and wear.

The source includes the object's SKU and confirms the presence of functional components, including the winding key and pendulum, essential for the operation of the triple fusee system.

Evidence for this section
  • “Very good condition for age, showing slight signs of age”
  • “Circa 1880”
  • “Comes with key and pendulum”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific musical tune or mechanism type housed within the triple fusee movement?
  • Does the ormolu plate or movement carry any maker's signature or stamp not visible in the provided images?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English Triple Fusee Musical Bracket Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker/OriginEnglish“Fabulous English Triple Fusee Musical Bracket Clock”
DateCirca 1880“Circa 1880”
Dimensions50.5cm x 38cm x 25.5cm“Measures 50.5cm high by 38cm wide & 25.5cm deep.”
Movement Type8-day triple fusee musical“The movement is a English musical triple fusee 8 day movement with chime silent feature.”
Dial DescriptionSilvered dial on ormolu plate“Original silver dial on a embossed ormolu plate.”
Case MaterialMahogany“the clock case is made of mahogany with a stepped top case.”
SKU2447“SKU: 2447”

Visible details

  • Case features intricate floral and urn-shaped inlay decoration
  • Silvered dial has a Roman numeral chapter ring
  • Three small subsidiary dials are present at the top of the dial face
  • Sides of the case feature fabric-backed sound frets

Research qualifications

  • The specific musical mechanism details beyond the presence of three fusees are not documented
  • The exact nature of the 'very good condition' regarding interior movement integrity is not detailed beyond a general service claim

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

Consulted source

Fabulous English Triple Fusee Musical Bracket Clock – 8 Day musical Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 64a89be5a5

Terms in this record

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