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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

George III Brass-Mounted Mahogany Mantel Clock

Partially verified

This George III arched mantel clock is constructed with a mahogany case fitted with brass mounts, finials, and an arched top with a carry handle. The dial features a primary time display with Roman and Arabic numerals, painted floral corner motifs, and two auxiliary subsidiary dials in the arch, including a strike/silent selector. Catalogued as signed Thos. Reid, Edinburgh and dated 1795, the piece measures 15 1/4 by 11 1/2 by 8 1/4 inches. The auction notes record that it retains a winding key and a door key, and originated from the Collection of Henry B. Holt.

Three-quarter front view of George III brass-mounted mahogany mantel clock
Three-quarter front view of George III brass-mounted mahogany mantel clock — STAIR. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
Thos. Reid
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
458
Source-reported date
1795
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

Identity and Attribution

In the auction catalogue listing, the object is titled "George III Brass-Mounted Mahogany Mantel Clock, signed Thos. Reid, Edinburgh, 1795" and designated as Lot 458. The low-resolution photograph provided does not allow independent visual verification of the maker's signature or the date inscribed on the dial or movement.

The catalogued provenance for the lot is given as "The Collection of Henry B. Holt." External assertions regarding regional horological traditions remain unmentioned in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “George III Brass-Mounted Mahogany Mantel Clock, signed Thos. Reid, Edinburgh, 1795”
  • “Lot 458”
  • “The Collection of Henry B. Holt.”

Case Construction and Mounts

The clock case is mahogany and catalogued with dimensions of "15 1/4 x 11 1/2 x 8 1/4 in." Visual observation shows an arched mahogany case topped with a brass carrying handle, corner pineapple or flame finials, brass or gilt-metal mounts flanking the front door columns, and brass bracket feet.

The seller's condition notes state that the case shows "minor nicks and a few small repairs with splits on the top dome." These notes represent auctioneer reports rather than independent verifications.

Evidence for this section
  • “15 1/4 x 11 1/2 x 8 1/4 in.”
  • “The case with minor nicks and a few small repairs with splits on the top dome.”
  • “Arched mahogany case topped with a brass carrying handle and corner pineapple or flame finials.”
  • “Brass or gilt-metal mounts flanking the front door columns and brass bracket feet.”

Dial and Mechanical Indicators

The visible arched dial displays painted floral spandrels, two keyholes on the main dial face, and two subsidiary dials positioned in the upper arch. The condition report notes "crazing and minor losses around the keyholes" on the dial.

The lot is accompanied by accessories, with the listing noting that "It has a winding key and a door key." Although the cataloguer states the clock "Appears to be in working order," the movement plates, pendulum, and internal escapement are not pictured, leaving the internal mechanical specification unrecorded in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Arched dial with floral spandrels, two subsidiary dials in the upper arch, and two keyholes on the main dial face.”
  • “The dial with crazing and minor losses around the keyholes.”
  • “It has a winding key and a door key.”
  • “Appears to be in working order.”

Open research questions

  • Where is the signature 'Thos. Reid, Edinburgh, 1795' positioned on the clock (e.g., dial face, movement backplate, or case plaque)?
  • What specific mechanical escapement and striking train are fitted within the movement?
  • What specific functions are controlled by the two subsidiary dials in the arch?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for George III Brass-Mounted Mahogany Mantel Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker SignatureThos. Reid, Edinburgh“signed Thos. Reid, Edinburgh, 1795”
Lot Number458“Lot 458”
Dimensions15 1/4 x 11 1/2 x 8 1/4 in.“15 1/4 x 11 1/2 x 8 1/4 in.”
Included AccessoriesWinding key and door key“It has a winding key and a door key.”
ProvenanceThe Collection of Henry B. Holt“The Collection of Henry B. Holt.”
Auction ResultSold for $1,300“Sold for $1,300”
Auction Estimate$800 - $1,200“Estimate: $800 - $1,200”

Visible details

  • Arched mahogany case topped with a brass carrying handle and corner pineapple or flame finials.
  • Arched dial with floral spandrels, two subsidiary dials in the upper arch, and two keyholes on the main dial face.
  • Brass or gilt-metal mounts flanking the front door columns and brass bracket feet.

Research qualifications

  • Movement plates, pendulum, and internal escapement are not pictured.
  • Reported signature location is not distinctly legible on the low-resolution dial image.

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

Consulted source

George III Brass-Mounted Mahogany Mantel Clock, signed Thos. Reid, Edinburgh, 1795 sold at auction on 1st August | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 072ae2a764

Terms in this record

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

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