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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Late 19th Century Mahogany and Oak Cased Bracket Clock

Partially verified

This late 19th-century bracket clock features an inverted breakfront case constructed from mahogany and oak, measuring 27.25 inches (69.25 cm) high. The inverted bell top is carved with a mask and pantile design, complemented by lion and face mask details. Its lacquered brass arched dial carries cast shell and scrollwork spandrels framing a silvered chapter ring with applied brass Arabic numerals and engraved black painted half-hour divisions around a floral engraved centre. The arch incorporates three subsidiary dials for chime/silent, slow/fast regulation, and chime selection on eight bells or Westminster chimes, powered by a three-train movement.

Front view of the carved mahogany and oak bracket clock showing the arched dial and subsidiary selectors
Front view of the carved mahogany and oak bracket clock showing the arched dial and subsidiary selectors — Fellows. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.fellows.co.uk
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
687
Source-reported date
late 19th century
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

Construction and Case Design

This late 19th-century bracket clock is constructed with an inverted breakfront case made of mahogany and oak, standing at a height of 27.25 inches (69.25 cm).

The inverted bell top is detailed with mask and pantile design elements. The case also features carved lion and face mask details.

Evidence for this section
  • “A late 19th century mahogany and oak cased bracket clock”
  • “the inverted breakfront case with carved lion and face mask details”
  • “the inverted bell top with mask and pantile”
  • “27.25" (69.25cm) high”

Dial and Movement

The clock includes a lacquered brass arched dial, which features a silvered chapter ring with applied brass Arabic numerals and engraved black-painted half-hour divisions. The center is engraved with floral patterns, while cast shell and scrollwork spandrels frame the dial.

The movement is a three-train design. Beneath the main dial, it incorporates three subsidiary dials for chime/silent selection, slow/fast regulation, and chime selection between eight bells or Westminster chimes.

Evidence for this section
  • “the lacquered brass arched dial with silvered chapter ring having applied brass Arabic numerals and engraved black painted half hour divisions, framing a floral engraved centre with cast shell and scrollwork spandrels”
  • “beneath subsidiary chime silent, slow fast and chime on eight bells Westminster chimes dials, with three train movement”

Condition and Observations

Reported condition includes age-related marks and scratches on the case, as well as rubbing and wear to the dial. A small chip is noted on the bevel-edged door.

The functional status of the clock is reported as not known.

Evidence for this section
  • “Age related marks and scratches to case, rubbing and wear to dial, small chip to bevel edged door, not known if working.”

Open research questions

  • What specific cabinet-making traditions define the use of carved 'mask and pantile' designs on late 19th-century clock cases?
  • Are there identifiable workshop marks or signatures often concealed within the three-train movements of this period's bracket clocks?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Late 19th Century Mahogany and Oak Cased Bracket Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case MaterialMahogany and oak“mahogany and oak cased bracket clock”
Height27.25" (69.25cm)“27.25" (69.25cm) high”
Movement TrainThree train movement“with three train movement”
Subsidiary DialsChime silent, slow fast, and chime on eight bells / Westminster chimes“subsidiary chime silent, slow fast and chime on eight bells Westminster chimes dials”
Case DesignInverted breakfront case with carved lion and face mask details“inverted breakfront case with carved lion and face mask details”
Height27.25 inches (69.25 cm)“27.25" (69.25cm) high”
MovementThree-train“with three train movement”

Visible details

  • Carved female and male herm figures flank the arched dial door.
  • Three winding apertures are present on the central dial plate.
  • A grotesque face mask is carved into the rounded bell top above the upper moulding.

Research qualifications

  • The source notes age-related marks, scratches to the case, rubbing and wear to the dial, a small chip to the bevel-edged door, and that operational condition is unknown.
  • Internal movement plates, chime train components, and rear case interior are not depicted.

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

Consulted source

Lot 687 | A late 19th century mahogany and oak cased

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 751fc3de82

Terms in this record

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

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