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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantel clock

George III Mahogany Mantel Clock by William Storr

Partially verified

According to the auction catalogue, this small George III mahogany mantel clock dates to circa 1780–1790. It is housed in a domed case fitted with brass corners, feet, and an overhead brass carrying handle. The engraved silvered dial displays Roman numerals, outer Arabic five-minute divisions, and an upper subsidiary Strike/Silent dial flanked by engraved harebell swags and floral spandrels. The dial is signed 'William Storr St James' Street LONDON'. The source reports an eight-day brass twin fusee movement with verge escapement, five knopped pillars, brass bob pendulum, and bell strike, accompanied by an engraved back plate.

Three-quarter front view of the George III mahogany mantel clock with silvered dial, lot 502
Three-quarter front view of the George III mahogany mantel clock with silvered dial, lot 502 — Woolley and Wallis. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.woolleyandwallis.co.uk
Category
Clock · Mantel clock
Maker / attribution
William Storr
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
502
Source-reported date
c.1780-90
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

Case Construction and Dimensions

The mantel clock is housed in a mahogany case featuring a domed top, a moulded base, and four brass bracket feet. It includes a brass carrying handle mounted on the top, with additional brass corners.

Glazed apertures are present on the sides, and the front door is fitted with a keyhole escutcheon. The clock measures 26cm high, 19.3cm wide, and 14.7cm deep.

Evidence for this section
  • “the domed case with a brass handle, corners and feet”
  • “26cm high, 19.3cm wide, 14.7cm deep”
  • “Arched mahogany case with a moulded base and domed top”

Dial and Inscriptions

The arched silvered dial features black Roman hour numerals and outer Arabic five-minute divisions. A subsidiary 'Strike Silent' dial is positioned in the upper arch.

The dial is inscribed 'William Storr St James' Street LONDON' and is decorated with engraved harebell swags and floral spandrels.

Evidence for this section
  • “the silvered dial with black Roman and Arabic numerals and inscribed 'William Storr St James' Street LONDON' beneath an arch with a subsidiary 'Strike Silent' dial”
  • “engraved with harebell swags and floral spandrels”

Internal Movement and Components

The auction catalogue reports that the clock contains an eight-day brass twin fusee movement with a verge escapement and five knopped pillars. The clock strikes on a bell and utilizes a brass bob pendulum.

The back plate is described as being engraved with a basket of flowers surrounded by scrolling foliage. These internal details are not visible in the provided imagery.

Evidence for this section
  • “the brass, eight day twin fusee movement with a verge escapement, brass bob pendulum, five knopped pillars and striking on a bell”
  • “the back plate engraved with a basket of flowers surrounded by scrolling foliage”

Open research questions

  • What is the current operational status of the verge escapement and twin fusee movement?
  • Does the maker's inscription align with known historical records for William Storr?
  • Is there documented evidence of restoration or component replacement for this movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for George III Mahogany Mantel Clock by William Storr
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker InscriptionWilliam Storr St James' Street LONDON“inscribed 'William Storr St James' Street LONDON'”
Movement DescriptionBrass eight-day twin fusee movement with verge escapement and five knopped pillars“brass, eight day twin fusee movement with a verge escapement, brass bob pendulum, five knopped pillars and striking on a bell”
Back Plate DecorationEngraved with a basket of flowers and scrolling foliage“the back plate engraved with a basket of flowers surrounded by scrolling foliage”
Dimensions26 cm high, 19.3 cm wide, 14.7 cm deep“26cm high, 19.3cm wide, 14.7cm deep”
Case DetailsDomed case with brass handle, corners, and feet“the domed case with a brass handle, corners and feet”
Estimated DatingCirca 1780-1790“C.1780-90”

Visible details

  • Arched mahogany case with a moulded base and domed top
  • Gilt or brass loop carrying handle affixed to the top of the case
  • Arched silvered dial with black Roman hours, outer Arabic five-minute markers, and pierced black hands
  • Subsidiary Strike/Silent dial situated in the upper arch
  • Glazed front door with a keyhole escutcheon on the left stile
  • Glazed arched side apertures
  • Four brass bracket feet supporting the stepped plinth base
  • Two winding arbors visible on the main dial

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement, verge escapement, pendulum, and engraved back plate are not visible in the provided image and are catalogued based on source description
  • Winder is not visible in the photograph

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

Consulted source

A small george iii mahogany mantel clock | Woolley and Wallis

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 08b92f3ba8

Terms in this record

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

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