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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton clock

Great Wheel Skeleton Clock with Dust Cover

Partially verified

According to the seller Frank Craig Antiques, this brass great wheel skeleton clock dates to circa 1960. The design features a substantial multi-spoke great wheel mounted on brass pillars above a stepped wooden plinth with a polished brass plate. Above the great wheel sits a white chapter ring with black Roman numerals and Breguet-style hands, exposing the central motion work. The clock is accompanied by a glazed mahogany-framed protective dust cover and its pendulum. The dealer reports dimensions of 40 cm in height, 25 cm in width, and 20 cm in depth.

Front view of the brass great wheel skeleton clock on wooden base alongside its glass dust cover and winding key
Front view of the brass great wheel skeleton clock on wooden base alongside its glass dust cover and winding key — Frank Craig Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiques-atlas.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
as920a561 / 1587
Source-reported date
1960
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

Movement Architecture and Dial

The timepiece features an open brass skeleton frame dominated by a large multi-spoke great wheel. This wheel is mounted between flared brass pillars standing above a rectangular plinth, leaving the barrel and ratchet mechanism visible between the lower uprights.

Positioned in the upper portion of the frame is a circular white chapter ring marked with black Roman numerals and dark Breguet-style hands. The open center exposes the central motion work, consistent with open skeleton construction.

Evidence for this section
  • “Prominent large multi-spoke brass great wheel supported on flared brass pillars.”
  • “Visible barrel and ratchet assembly mounted between the lower pillars.”
  • “White circular chapter ring displaying black Roman numerals and dark Breguet-style hands.”

Base, Glazed Cover, and Accessories

The movement sits upon a stepped rectangular wooden base surfaced with an overlaid brass bedplate and raised on small feet. The listing specifies dimensions of 40 cm in height, 25 cm in width, and 20 cm in depth, though it is not specified whether these measurements apply to the clock alone or include its case.

A separate four-sided mahogany-framed glass dust cover is provided alongside the movement, and a T-shaped brass winding key is positioned beside the base. The dealer also states that the piece comes complete with its pendulum.

Evidence for this section
  • “Stepped rectangular wooden base with an overlaid brass bedplate, resting on small feet.”
  • “Tall four-sided mahogany-framed glass dust cover positioned beside the movement.”
  • “T-shaped brass winding key placed to the left of the base.”
  • “Dimensions Ht 40, W 25, D20 cms”
  • “This interesting piece comes complete with the original pendulum and a mahogany framed case.”

Dealer Attribution and Documentation Limits

The dealer dates the clock to 1960 under the category of antique clocks, describing it as being in fantastic condition. However, maker stamps, serial numbers, country of origin, and escapement specifications are not recorded in this source.

The listing notes the visual presence and motion of the pendulum, but specific horological data such as the duration between windings, gear train counts, and escapement geometry are not documented.

Evidence for this section
  • “Date 1960 1960s Antiques”
  • “A most attractive and in fantastic condition Great Wheel skeleton antique clock .”
  • “The gentle swinging of the visible pendulum gives a calming effect and is a most interesting conversation piece.”

Open research questions

  • Are there any maker's marks, stamps, or serial numbers stamped on the brass frame or baseplate?
  • Do the stated dimensions (40 cm height, 25 cm width, 20 cm depth) refer to the clock mechanism or the mahogany-framed glass case?
  • What escapement mechanism is fitted, and what is the operating duration between windings?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Great Wheel Skeleton Clock with Dust Cover
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Item codeas920a561 / 1587“Item code as920a561 / 1587”
Date1960“Date 1960 1960s Antiques”
MaterialBrass“Material Brass”
DimensionsHt 40, W 25, D20 cms“Dimensions Ht 40, W 25, D20 cms”
CaseMahogany framed case“a mahogany framed case”
Price£850.00“Price £ 850.00”
SellerFrank Craig Antiques“Seller Frank Craig Antiques”
StatusSold“Status Sold”

Visible details

  • Prominent large multi-spoke brass great wheel supported on flared brass pillars.
  • White circular chapter ring displaying black Roman numerals and dark Breguet-style hands.
  • Visible barrel and ratchet assembly mounted between the lower pillars.
  • Stepped rectangular wooden base with an overlaid brass bedplate, resting on small feet.
  • Tall four-sided mahogany-framed glass dust cover positioned beside the movement.
  • T-shaped brass winding key placed to the left of the base.

Research qualifications

  • Maker and country of manufacture are not identified in the listing.
  • The 1960 date is dealer-reported and unverified by hallmarks or signed serial numbers.

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

Consulted source

Antiques Atlas - Great Wheel Skeleton Clock With Dust Cover as920a561 / 1587

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 386e60306d

Terms in this record

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

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