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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

English Verge Twin Fusee Bracket Clock

Partially verified

This English bracket clock, attributed to circa 1760, features a red lacquer case decorated with hand-painted gilt chinoiserie figures and landscapes. The clock is powered by a verge twin fusee movement, which is described as having engraved decoration. The dial consists of a silvered chapter ring with ormolu spandrels, a date aperture, and a strike/silent feature positioned in the arch. The clock retains its original hands. It measures 51 cm in height, 32 cm in width, and 21 cm in depth. The object is accompanied by a winding key. The auction description reports that the movement is in working order and was recently serviced. The physical condition is noted to have minor signs of age and cosmetic wear, and the clock is missing its rear glass panel. The signature "Alex Mitchelson London" is engraved on the dial.

Front view of the chinoiserie bracket clock featuring the dial, strike/silent indicator, and red lacquer case.
Front view of the chinoiserie bracket clock featuring the dial, strike/silent indicator, and red lacquer case. — Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintageclocks.uk
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Alex Mitchelson
Reference
2253
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1760
Source-reported place
England

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 solid wood case finished in red lacquer. The exterior features hand-painted gilt chinoiserie decoration depicting landscape scenes and figures. The top section terminates in a caddy-style top with a carrying handle.

The dial features a silvered chapter ring with Roman and Arabic numerals, surrounding a matted center with a date aperture. Ornate ormolu spandrels are present in the corners. A strike/silent subsidiary dial is situated in the arch, featuring a star-shaped hand. The dial is signed "Alex Mitchelson" and "London" within a central cartouche.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case is solid wood with a red lacquer and hand painted gilt chinoiserie decoration.”
  • “Original silver chapter ring dial with ormolu spandrels, date aperture, strike silent feature and exquisite fine original hands.”

Movement and Functionality

The timekeeping and striking functions are powered by an English verge twin fusee movement. This mechanism incorporates an engraved backplate visible upon inspection.

The clock includes a strike/silent feature controlled from the dial. The auction description reports the clock is in working order following a recent service and includes a winding key.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is an English verge twin fusee movement which has lovely, engraved decoration.”
  • “Working Order, recently serviced”

Condition and Dimensions

The clock measures 51 cm in height, 32 cm in width, and 21 cm in depth. The auction description reports that the object shows minor signs of age and cosmetic wear consistent with its age.

A specific condition note identifies that the clock is missing its rear glass panel.

Evidence for this section
  • “Good condition for age, showing minor signs of age and cosmetic wear to the case as to be expected from a clock of this age.”
  • “It is missing its rear glass panel.”

Open research questions

  • What is the documented history of the maker Alex Mitchelson?
  • Can the provenance of this clock be traced back through previous owners?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English Verge Twin Fusee Bracket Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1760“ca 1760”
MovementEnglish verge twin fusee“English verge twin fusee movement”
Dimensions51cm height, 32cm width. 21cm depth“51cm height, 32cm width. 21cm depth.”
Case DecorationHand painted gilt chinoiserie“red lacquer and hand painted gilt chinoiserie decoration.”
Dial FeaturesStrike silent feature“strike silent feature”
ConditionMissing rear glass“It is missing its rear glass panel.”
Service StatusRecently serviced“recently serviced”

Visible details

  • Red lacquer finish with gilt chinoiserie imagery
  • Silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals
  • Strike/silent selector in the arch
  • Engraved signature on a heart-shaped cartouche

Research qualifications

  • Absence of the rear glass panel
  • The degree of modern restoration to the lacquer finish is not specified

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

Consulted source

Outstanding Red Chinoiserie English Verge Twin Fusee Bracket Clock – Ca 1760

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 9e05f8c3e0

Terms in this record

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

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