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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton clock

English Twin Fusee Striking Skeleton Clock

Partially verified

This Mid-Victorian English twin fusee skeleton clock dates to circa 1875 and has an eight-day duration according to dealer documentation. The open brass movement is constructed with thick plates and six decorative pillars, utilizing chain fusees with five- or six-spoke wheelwork. The source describes a star-wheel striking mechanism sounding the hours and half-hours on a bell, alongside pierced barrel caps and blued steel accents. A pierced silvered dial ring displays Roman numerals with blued steel hands. The clock rests upon turned feet over a white marble base and is housed within an arched glass dome.

Front view of the English twin fusee skeleton clock enclosed under its glass dome on a marble base
Front view of the English twin fusee skeleton clock enclosed under its glass dome on a marble base — The Clock Work Shop / Antiques Atlas. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
antiques-atlas.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
as362a080
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1875
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

Construction and Design

This English skeleton clock features an open-frame brass movement constructed with thick plates supported by six decorative pillars. The mechanism utilizes chain fusees with five- or six-spoke wheelwork.

Aesthetic features include decoratively fretted barrel caps and blued steel accents, including screws, hands, and a decorated pendulum. The assembly is supported on turned feet atop a white marble base and is enclosed within a glass dome.

Evidence for this section
  • “Very thick plates with 6 decorative pillars.”
  • “Chain fusees with 5 or 6 spoke wheels throughout.”
  • “Decoratively frettet barrel caps and feature blued steel work.”
  • “Engraved silvered dial and blued steel hands and decorated pendulum.”
  • “White marble base of glass shade.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The clock is fitted with an engraved silvered dial featuring Roman numerals. It operates on an eight-day duration movement.

The clock includes a star-wheel striking mechanism, which sounds on the hours and half-hours using a bell.

Evidence for this section
  • “A fine quality 8 day English twin fusee skeleton-clock.”
  • “Engraved silvered dial”
  • “Star-wheel strike on the hours and ½ hours on a bell.”

Provenance and Documentation

The item is dated to circa 1875 and is attributed to the Mid-Victorian period. The specific maker of the clock is not recorded in the provided source material.

Certain components of the movement, such as the rear configuration, are not documented.

Evidence for this section
  • “C 1875”
  • “Period Mid Victorian Antiques”

Open research questions

  • Are there any manufacturer marks or hallmarks located on the movement plates or base?
  • What is the specific material composition of the 'decorated pendulum' beyond its decorative status?
  • Is the glass dome original to the clock or a later replacement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English Twin Fusee Striking Skeleton Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Duration8-day“A fine quality 8 day English twin fusee skeleton-clock.”
Striking MechanismHour and half-hour star-wheel strike on a bell“Star-wheel strike on the hours and ½ hours on a bell.”
Base MaterialWhite marble“White marble base of glass shade.”
Overall Height15 inches (39 cm)“15”/39cm overall”
PeriodMid Victorian“Period Mid Victorian Antiques”

Visible details

  • Skeletonised brass frame supported on turned brass feet upon an oval white marble plinth.
  • Engraved silvered chapter ring with black Roman numerals and blued steel hands.
  • Prominent blued screws and decorative caps on the front plate and lower barrel pivots.
  • Enclosed beneath an arched, clear glass dome lined with decorative braided trim around the base.

Research qualifications

  • Maker is unspecified in the source documentation.
  • Rear movement configuration, bell, and pendulum suspension are obscured from the frontal view.

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

Consulted source

Antiques Atlas - Striking Fusee Skeleton Clock as362a080

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record e4a157cbcc

Terms in this record

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

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