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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton clock

Fusee Skeleton Clock

Partially verified

Catalogued as English work from circa 1890, this skeleton clock features an open brass architectural frame resting on a stepped white marble plinth with turned feet. The front displays a 6-inch pierced, silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals revealing the underlying gear train. The movement is an eight-day, time-only fusee caliber with a drop-off strike mechanism regulated by a pendulum and striking an overhead bell. Measuring 16 inches tall, the lot is noted by the auction house as lacking its glass dome and requiring cleaning and a replacement cable.

Front view of the fusee skeleton clock on a stepped white marble plinth
Front view of the fusee skeleton clock on a stepped white marble plinth — Bonhams Skinner. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
178
Source-reported date
c. 1890
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

Dial and Structural Framing

The clock is configured as an openwork skeleton timepiece supported on a stepped white marble plinth resting on small turned white feet. The dial is catalogued as a 6-inch silvered pierced Roman numeral chapter ring, which visibly reveals the brass wheelwork behind it.

The supporting frame consists of openwork gothic brass architectural plates surmounted by an overhead bell and hammer.

Evidence for this section
  • “with 6-in. silvered pierced roman numeral dial”
  • “on a white marble base”
  • “Stepped white marble plinth supported by small turned white feet.”
  • “Pierced silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals revealing brass wheelwork behind.”
  • “Openwork gothic brass architectural plates surmounted by an overhead bell and hammer.”

Reported Movement and Mechanism

The cataloguer describes the mechanism as an eight-day, time-only fusee movement with drop-off strike regulated by a pendulum. The overall height of the clock is reported as 16 inches.

Visible observation of the lower movement area identifies a loose wire or line projecting near the fusee and barrel.

Evidence for this section
  • “eight-day, time-only, fusee movement with drop off strike regulated by a pendulum”
  • “ht. 16 in.”
  • “Loose wire or line projecting from the lower movement area near the fusee and barrel.”

Attribution and Condition Limitations

The auction catalog attributes the clock to England, circa 1890. No maker name, workshop stamp, or serial number is recorded in the source text.

The listing includes condition notes stating that the lot is lacking its dome and "Needs cleaning and new cable."

Evidence for this section
  • “Fusee Skeleton Clock, England, c. 1890”
  • “Lacking dome. Needs cleaning and new cable.”

Open research questions

  • Are there any maker signatures, serial numbers, or foundry stamps concealed on the rear brass plates or brackets?
  • What specific escapement type regulates the pendulum on this movement?
  • Does the marble plinth retain a routed groove or rebate indicating the original base profile and dimensions for a glass dome?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Fusee Skeleton Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
OriginEngland, c. 1890“Fusee Skeleton Clock, England, c. 1890”
Dial6-in. silvered pierced roman numeral dial“with 6-in. silvered pierced roman numeral dial”
MovementEight-day, time-only, fusee movement with drop off strike regulated by a pendulum“eight-day, time-only, fusee movement with drop off strike regulated by a pendulum”
BaseWhite marble base“on a white marble base”
Height16 in.“ht. 16 in.”
Condition notesLacking dome. Needs cleaning and new cable.“Lacking dome. Needs cleaning and new cable.”
Auction estimate$400 - $600“Estimate $400-600”

Visible details

  • Pierced silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals revealing brass wheelwork behind.
  • Openwork gothic brass architectural plates surmounted by an overhead bell and hammer.
  • Stepped white marble plinth supported by small turned white feet.
  • Loose wire or line projecting from the lower movement area near the fusee and barrel.

Research qualifications

  • Auction description notes the clock is lacking its dome, needs cleaning, and requires a new cable.
  • Maker and specific workshop origins are unspecified in the catalog entry.

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

Consulted source

Fusee Skeleton Clock sold at auction on 20th April | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 53e795e0e9

Terms in this record

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

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