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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Late 19th Century Mahogany Balloon Bracket Clock

Partially verified

This is a late 19th-century English bracket clock timepiece, dated to approximately 1890. Designed in the style of the George III period, it features a balloon-shaped mahogany case with figured wood grain. The case is adorned with inlay work, including boxwood stringing and a decorative panel below the dial depicting crossed torches with ribbons and foliage, executed in satinwood and boxwood. The clock is supported by a plinth base with floral marquetry, raised on four fluted brass feet. It incorporates a silver-plated 7-inch dial with black Roman numerals, minute track, and pierced steel hands. The internal 8-day fusee mechanism is accessed via a rear door and includes a pendulum. The auction description reports that the movement has been fully overhauled and serviced. The dimensions are 44 cm in height, 30 cm in width, and 19 cm in depth. It includes a winding key and a rear door key.

Front view of the balloon-shaped mahogany bracket clock showing the marquetry detail and dial.
Front view of the balloon-shaped mahogany bracket clock showing the marquetry detail and dial. — Chequers Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Source-reported place
England

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 and Aesthetic Features

The clock is constructed in a balloon shape, a form noted in British clockmaking of the period, executed in figured mahogany. The case is decorated with inlaid boxwood stringing along the perimeter of the brass-bezelled dial. Below the dial, a decorative marquetry panel features crossed flaming torches tied with ribbons and stylized floral motifs.

The base is formed on a plinth displaying floral scroll marquetry and is supported by four fluted brass feet. The aesthetic design is attributed to the George III period style. The materials used for the inlay include satinwood and boxwood set into the mahogany veneer.

Evidence for this section
  • “فرم کلی بدنه آن به سبک کلاسیک بالونی (Balloon shaped) اجرا شده است”
  • “دورتادور زهوار ریخته‌گری برنجی لولادار، با نوار ظریف معرق شمشاد (Boxwood Stringing) تزیین شده است”
  • “در قسمت زیرین صفحه، یک قاب معرق‌کاری با چوب‌های اطلسی (Satinwood) و شمشاد اجرا شده”

Dial and Timekeeping

The clock features a silver-plated dial measuring 7 inches in diameter. The markings include Roman numerals in black ink and a precise minute track. The time is indicated by pierced steel hands.

The movement is a mechanical 8-day English fusee timepiece. The fusee mechanism is designed to provide uniform power distribution from the mainspring. The movement is contained within the case and accessible via a rear door. A pendulum is included as part of the regulating mechanism.

Evidence for this section
  • “صفحه ساعت نقره‌اندود به قطر ۷ اینچ (حدود ۱۷.۸ سانتی‌متر) بوده که شامل اعداد رومی مشکی، خطوط دقیق دقایق و عقربه‌های فولادی سیاه‌رنگ مشبک است”
  • “یک مکانیزم ۸ روزه انگلیسی از نوع فیوزه (Fusee) همراه با پاندول در آن تعبیه شده است”

Condition and Maintenance

According to the auction description, the clock is in excellent condition. The internal fusee mechanism has undergone a full service and overhaul.

The marquetry work is described as fully intact. The clock is supplied with two keys: one for winding the movement and one for the rear door.

Evidence for this section
  • “طبق منبع ساعت در وضعیت فوق‌العاده خوب (Excellent) قرار دارد”
  • “موتور آن به طور کامل سرویس و بازآماد (Overhauled) شده است”
  • “ساعت همراه با کلید درب پشتی و کلید کوک عرضه می‌شود”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer or retailer of this timepiece?
  • Are there any identifiable maker marks on the backplate of the movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Late 19th Century Mahogany Balloon Bracket Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Datecirca 1890“حدود ۱۸۹۰”
Country of originEngland“ساخت انگلستان”
Mechanism type8-day fusee“مکانیزم ۸ روزه انگلیسی از نوع فیوزه (Fusee)”
Case materialMahogany“چوب ماهون با نقوش طبیعی برجسته (Figured Mahogany)”
Dimensions44 x 30 x 19 cm“ارتفاع ۴۴ سانتی‌متر، عرض ۳۰ سانتی‌متر و عمق ۱۹ سانتی‌متر”
Dial size7 inches“قطر ۷ اینچ (حدود ۱۷.۸ سانتی‌متر)”
ConditionOverhauled“موتور آن به طور کامل سرویس و بازآماد (Overhauled) شده است”

Visible details

  • Case features balloon silhouette with boxwood stringing
  • Dial features black Roman numerals and pierced steel hands
  • Base utilizes four fluted brass feet
  • Marquetry includes crossed torch motif below dial

Research qualifications

  • Verification of the fusee chain or wire integrity recommended
  • Verification of hinge and lock historical consistency recommended

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

Consulted source

A Late 19th Century Mahogany Balloon Bracket Clock Timepiece

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 68ddce904e

Terms in this record

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