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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

German three-train clock in hand-built cedar case by S A Flett

Partially verified

This bracket-style mantel clock houses a German three-train clock movement set within a hand-built cedar case attributed by the auctioneer to S A Flett. The wooden case features a moulded stepped caddy-style top surmounted by a metal carrying handle with a key, a rectangular glazed front door with a decorative drop handle, and a plinth base with bracket feet. The square dial plate is embellished with pierced foliage spandrels at each corner, framing a silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals and outer Arabic five-minute numerals. Three winding squares are visible on the dial, and the source gives dimensions of 36 cm high, 28 cm wide, and 15 cm deep.

Front view of the cedar bracket clock showing dial, hands, and case details
Front view of the cedar bracket clock showing dial, hands, and case details — Lawsons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
S A Flett
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
237
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Germany

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 Exterior Attribution

The auction description attributes the housing to a "hand built cedar case by S A Flett" measuring "H 36 x 28 x 15 cm".

Direct observation notes a "Stepped architectural wooden top surmounted by a metal handle with attached key". The "Front glazed door is mounted with an ornate cast metal pull latch".

Evidence for this section
  • “hand built cedar case by S A Flett”
  • “H 36 x 28 x 15 cm”
  • “Stepped architectural wooden top surmounted by a metal handle with attached key”
  • “Front glazed door is mounted with an ornate cast metal pull latch”

Dial Configuration and Movement Evidence

The auction listing records the clock as housing a "German three train clock movement".

Observation notes that the "Dial features corner spandrels and a chapter ring marked with Roman hour numerals and Arabic five-minute intervals", alongside "Three winding arbors located across the dial center".

Evidence for this section
  • “German three train clock movement”
  • “Dial features corner spandrels and a chapter ring marked with Roman hour numerals and Arabic five-minute intervals”
  • “Three winding arbors located across the dial center”

Source Documentation and Verification Limits

The item was offered by Lawsons in the "John Flett Collection Part I" auction as "German three train clock movement in hand built cedar case by S A Flett (H 36 x 28 x 15 cm)".

The cataloguer provides no specific maker, date of manufacture, or calibre details for the German mechanism, and internal movement plates or chime components are not recorded or pictured in the source documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “John Flett Collection Part I by Lawsons”
  • “German three train clock movement in hand built cedar case by S A Flett (H 36 x 28 x 15 cm)”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement backplate bear maker marks, trademarks, or serial numbers identifying the German manufacturer?
  • What chime sequence and gong arrangement are driven by the three-train movement?
  • Are there maker labels, signatures, or dates on or inside the cedar case verifying the hand-building by S A Flett?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for German three-train clock in hand-built cedar case by S A Flett
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement TrainThree train“German three train clock movement”
Case MakerS A Flett“hand built cedar case by S A Flett”
Case MaterialCedar“hand built cedar case”
DimensionsH 36 x 28 x 15 cm“H 36 x 28 x 15 cm”
Auction CollectionJohn Flett Collection Part I“John Flett Collection Part I by Lawsons”

Visible details

  • Stepped architectural wooden top surmounted by a metal handle with attached key
  • Dial features corner spandrels and a chapter ring marked with Roman hour numerals and Arabic five-minute intervals
  • Three winding arbors located across the dial center
  • Front glazed door is mounted with an ornate cast metal pull latch

Research qualifications

  • Maker of the German movement is not specified in the catalogue description
  • Internal movement mechanism is not visible in the provided photographs

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: German three train clock movement in hand built cedar case by S A Flett (H 36 x 28 x 15 cm)

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 43b2d9e8da

Terms in this record

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

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