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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton clock

Fred Whitlock 20th Century Skeleton Clock with Epicyclic Gearing

Partially verified

This 20th-century brass skeleton clock, attributed by the source to Fred Whitlock, features an openwork C-scroll frame with heavy chamfered plates and large screwed posts. The movement is powered by a single fusee and incorporates finely spoked wheelwork with an epicyclic planetary gear positioned at the front. It is regulated by an anchor escapement with a lenticular bob pendulum suspended from a steel spring with a rating screw. The skeletonised dial exhibits white Arabic numerals, black minute markers, and steel hands, all resting on an oval brass baseplate upon a stepped wooden plinth.

Front view of the Fred Whitlock skeleton clock on wooden plinth
Front view of the Fred Whitlock skeleton clock on wooden plinth — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton clock
Maker / attribution
Fred Whitlock
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
412
Source-reported date
20th century
Country
Not established

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

Frame and Structural Configuration

The timepiece is structured as a brass skeleton clock mounted on an oval polished brass base resting upon a stepped rectangular wooden plinth with brass bracket feet. The movement frame features open brass plates forming sweeping C-scrolls with heavy chamfered edges and blued screw accents, terminating in large screwed posts.

The catalogued dimensions record the clock at 29 cm (11 inches) high with dome. However, the glass dome referenced in the measurement is not depicted in the auction photograph, leaving its physical presence unrecorded in the visible lot image.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement mounted on an oval polished brass base resting upon a stepped rectangular wooden plinth with brass bracket feet.”
  • “Open brass skeleton frame forming sweeping C-scrolls with heavy chamfered edges and blued screw accents.”
  • “The single fusee movement with heavy chamfered plates and large screwed posts to the ends of the C-scroll frame”
  • “29cms (11ins) high (with Dome).”

Dial and Epicyclic Movement

The open skeletonised dial ring features white Arabic numerals for the hours alongside black minute markers and blued steel hands.

The single fusee movement incorporates finely spoked wheelwork with an epicyclic planetary gear situated at the front of the movement. Escapement regulation is provided by an anchor escapement and a pendulum with a lenticular bob suspended from a steel suspension spring and adjusted by a rating screw.

Evidence for this section
  • “Open skeletonised dial ring with white Arabic hour numerals and blued steel hands.”
  • “The skeletonised dial with white Arabic numerals for the hours, black minute markers and steel hands.”
  • “The single fusee movement with heavy chamfered plates and large screwed posts to the ends of the C-scroll frame, with anchor escapement and pendulum with lenticular bob suspended from a steel suspension spring and regulated by a rating screw.”
  • “The finely spoked wheelwork incorporating an epicyclic planetary gear to the front of the movement.”

Attribution and Source Claims

The auction catalogue attributes the timepiece to Fred Whitlock and dates it to the 20th century under the title 'A good 20th century skeleton clock with epicyclic gearing Fred Whitlock'. No signatures, country of origin, or specific serial numbers are recorded in the catalogue text.

Regarding operational status, the catalogue noted that the movement was 'currently ticking' at the time of description. The source does not document broader timekeeping accuracy, spring condition, or past servicing history.

Evidence for this section
  • “A good 20th century skeleton clock with epicyclic gearing Fred Whitlock”
  • “currently ticking.”

Open research questions

  • Are there any maker's inscriptions, stamps, or marks on the movement plates or baseplate confirming Fred Whitlock's manufacture?
  • Was the glass dome included with the lot despite being absent from the primary lot photograph, and what are the clock dimensions without the dome?
  • In which country and during which decade of the 20th century was this clock produced?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Fred Whitlock 20th Century Skeleton Clock with Epicyclic Gearing
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
EscapementAnchor escapement“with anchor escapement and pendulum with lenticular bob suspended from a steel suspension spring and regulated by a rating screw”
GearingEpicyclic planetary gear“The finely spoked wheelwork incorporating an epicyclic planetary gear to the front of the movement.”
Movement FrameC-scroll frame with heavy chamfered plates“The single fusee movement with heavy chamfered plates and large screwed posts to the ends of the C-scroll frame”
Dial DetailsSkeletonised dial with white Arabic numerals“The skeletonised dial with white Arabic numerals for the hours, black minute markers and steel hands.”
Dimensions29 cm (11 in) high with dome“29cms (11ins) high (with Dome).”
Operational StatusReported as currently ticking by the auctioneer“currently ticking.”
Realised Price£832 including premium“Sold for £832 inc. premium”

Visible details

  • Open brass skeleton frame forming sweeping C-scrolls with heavy chamfered edges and blued screw accents.
  • Open skeletonised dial ring with white Arabic hour numerals and blued steel hands.
  • Movement mounted on an oval polished brass base resting upon a stepped rectangular wooden plinth with brass bracket feet.

Research qualifications

  • The glass dome cited in the auction catalog dimensions is not shown in the lot photograph.
  • No specific country of origin is stated in the catalog.

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

Consulted source

Bonhams : A good 20th century skeleton clock with epicyclic gearing Fred Whitlock

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record d99f231b8a

Terms in this record

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

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