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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Late Victorian bracket clock by Rowley

Partially verified

This late Victorian bracket clock is attributed to the maker Rowley and dates to approximately 1890. It is constructed from mahogany with a distinctive arched top and molded edges. The upper section features a stepped dome accented with gilt-brass castings, including acorn-shaped finials at the apex and corners. The sides incorporate intricate fretwork backed by silk fabric, and the base is supported by gilt-brass feet. The dial is composed of gilt brass with a silvered chapter ring, featuring Arabic numerals and outer minute indicators. Central portions of the dial are finished in a matte texture, complemented by blued steel hands. The clock is driven by an eight-day mechanical twin-fusee movement, which powers a striking mechanism for the hour and half-hour on a coiled metallic gong. The auction description reports that the movement has been serviced and overhauled. Included accessories are a pendulum, a winding key, and a door key.

A front-three-quarter view of the mahogany-cased bracket clock by Rowley, displaying the dial and gilt-brass finials.
A front-three-quarter view of the mahogany-cased bracket clock by Rowley, displaying the dial and gilt-brass finials. — Chequers Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Rowley
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 Dial Design

The clock features a mahogany case characterized by an arched silhouette and molded edges. The aesthetic is defined by the use of gilt-brass accents, most notably the acorn-shaped finials mounted on the dome and the four corners of the case. Side panels are detailed with fine fretwork that conceals an underlying silk fabric. The base of the clock is raised on gilt-brass feet, providing stability and decorative continuity with the upper hardware.

The dial is crafted from gilt brass and hosts a silvered chapter ring with Arabic numerals. The peripheral area features point-style minute markers. The central dial area displays a matte finish, serving as a background for the blued steel hands. A glazed front door framed with gilt borders allows for viewing the dial, while a rear glass door provides access to the movement and pendulum.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت از چوب ماهون (Mahogany) باکیفیت ساخته شده و ساختاری قوسی‌شکل با لبه‌های قالب‌گیری‌شده دارد”
  • “صفحه ساعت از جنس برنج حکاکی‌شده با روکش طلا (Gilt brass) است”
  • “بخش‌های کناری بدنه دارای مشبک‌کاری‌های ظریف (fretwork) با آستر پارچه ابریشمی هستند”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is powered by an eight-day mechanical movement utilizing a twin fusee system, a traditional configuration for English bracket clocks of this era. This mechanism regulates time and drives the strike train. The clock is designed to sound the hour and half-hour, producing the tone via a coiled metal gong.

Access to the internal components, including the pendulum and the movement, is gained through the rear glass door. The auction description indicates that the piece is accompanied by its original pendulum, a winding key, and a door key. The seller reports that the movement has undergone a comprehensive overhaul to ensure accurate operation.

Evidence for this section
  • “مکانیزم ساعت از نوع مکانیکی کوکی هشت‌روزه با سیستم انتقال نیروی دوگانه فیوزی (Twin Fusee) ساخت انگلستان است”
  • “توانایی نواختن زنگ در ساعت‌های کامل و نیم‌ساعت‌ها را بر روی یک گونگ حلزونی فلزی دارد”
  • “موتور به‌طور کامل سرویس و بازبینی اساسی (Overhaul) شده و کارکردی دقیق و بی‌نقص دارد”

Condition and Attribution

The clock is attributed to Rowley and is dated to the late Victorian period, approximately 1890. According to the auction description, the item is in excellent condition. Observed signs of wear on the gilt-brass layers are characterized as very minor, and the dial inscriptions and numerals remain fully legible. The wooden case is reported to be sound and intact.

Potential collectors are encouraged to perform an independent examination of the piece. Specifically, it is advised to verify the presence and authenticity of the manufacturer's signature on the dial or movement and to inspect the integrity of the fusee chains or cables, as well as the originality of the brass ornaments.

Evidence for this section
  • “این ساعت رومیزی کلاسیک بریتانیایی (Bracket Clock) از آثار اواخر عصر ویکتوریا و منسوب به سازنده Rowley است”
  • “ساعت طبق ادعای فروشنده در شرایط بسیار عالی قرار دارد”
  • “هنگام کارشناسی مستقل، تطابق امضای سازنده روی صفحه یا موتور با مشخصات مندرج در منبع بررسی شده”

Open research questions

  • Does Rowley refer to a specific workshop or a prominent maker active around 1890?
  • Are there recorded examples of Rowley-signed clocks with identical fretwork patterns and acorn finials?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Late Victorian bracket clock by Rowley
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRowley“منسوب به سازنده Rowley”
Datecirca 1890“حدود سال ۱۸۹۰”
MaterialMahogany“بدنه ساعت از چوب ماهون (Mahogany)”
Movement8-day twin fusee“مکانیکی کوکی هشت‌روزه با سیستم انتقال نیروی دوگانه فیوزی (Twin Fusee)”
StrikeHour and half-hour on coiled gong“نواختن زنگ در ساعت‌های کامل و نیم‌ساعت‌ها را بر روی یک گونگ حلزونی فلزی”
Dimensions43 x 25 x 18.5 cm“۴۳ × ۲۵ × ۱۸.۵ سانتی‌متر”
HandsBlued steel“دو عقربه فولادی به رنگ آبی حرارتی (Blued steel)”
ConditionServiced and overhauled“موتور به‌طور کامل سرویس و بازبینی اساسی (Overhaul) شده”

Visible details

  • Acorn-shaped brass finials on top and corners
  • Fretwork side panels with silk backing
  • Gilt-brass decorative molding along the base
  • Silvered chapter ring with Arabic numerals

Research qualifications

  • Requires independent verification of the maker's signature on dial or movement
  • Originality of gilt-brass decorations and fusee system components requires expert assessment

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

Consulted source

A Late Victorian Bracket Clock by Rowley

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record cad3b471c8

Terms in this record

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

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