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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Miniature Bracket Clock

Partially verified

This miniature bracket clock, held by the Rijksmuseum (BK-NM-5783-20), is an example of an early 18th-century horological object dated between circa 1740 and 1760. Constructed primarily of walnut, the case features a rectangular design complete with a molded plinth and pediment. The pediment is further decorated with four small brass finials. The clock's mechanism is unconventional, consisting of a watch movement integrated into a gilded lead mount, which is protected by a glass lens. Measuring approximately 7.5 cm in height, 4.2 cm in width, and 1.9 cm in depth, the object is classified by the museum as a miniature bracket clock. It utilizes materials including lead, copper, walnut, gilding, and glass. The source documentation identifies this as an individual museum object with its current attribution based on records maintained by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

Miniature bracket clock (BK-NM-5783-20) from the Rijksmuseum collection.
Miniature bracket clock (BK-NM-5783-20) from the Rijksmuseum collection. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-5783-20
Source-reported date
c. 1740 - c. 1760
Source-reported place
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

Case Design and Construction

The object is a miniature bracket clock identified by its rectangular form. The design includes a molded plinth at the base and a corresponding molded pediment at the crown of the clock.

The upper section of the case is detailed with four brass finials, which serve as decorative elements on the pediment. The overall architectural arrangement follows a vertical orientation, maintaining a depth of less than two centimeters, which emphasizes its nature as a miniature decorative piece rather than a full-scale wall or bracket clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “The clock has a rectangular shape with a molded plinth and pediment surmounted by four brass finials.”
  • “height 7.5 cm x width 4.2 cm x depth 1.9 cm”

Movement and Integration

Rather than a traditional clock movement, the timekeeping element is described as a watch mechanism. This watch is mounted within a gilded lead frame, which serves as the primary dial housing or bezel. The movement is shielded by a glass lens, which provides protection while allowing visibility of the watch face.

The gilding on the metal components contrasts with the dark walnut of the wooden case, creating a distinct visual separation between the timekeeping unit and the surrounding cabinet.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is a watch mounted in gilded lead with a glass lens.”
  • “lead (metal), copper (metal)”

Documentation and Provenance

This object is part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, catalogued under the reference BK-NM-5783-20. The documentation provided by the institution confirms the physical dimensions and material composition of the object.

The historical dating for the piece is estimated to be between 1740 and 1760. As a museum-held object, it has been officially registered within the Rijksmuseum's inventory, and its classification is explicitly recorded as a miniature bracket clock, allowing it to be studied as an individual horological specimen.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-5783-20”
  • “c. 1740 - c. 1760”

Open research questions

  • What specific type of watch movement is housed within the gilded lead mount?
  • Is there evidence of this miniature clock being intended for a specific application, such as a dollhouse or as a decorative salesman's sample?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Miniature Bracket Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Holding InstitutionRijksmuseum, Amsterdam“The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-5783-20”
Datec. 1740 - c. 1760“c. 1740 - c. 1760”
Materiallead, copper, walnut, gilding, glass“lead (metal), copper (metal), walnut (hardwood), gilding (material), glass”
Dimensions7.5 cm x 4.2 cm x 1.9 cm“height 7.5 cm x width 4.2 cm x depth 1.9 cm”
DescriptionRectangular bracket clock with molded plinth and pediment“The clock has a rectangular shape with a molded plinth and pediment surmounted by four brass finials.”
MovementIntegrated watch in gilded lead“The movement is a watch mounted in gilded lead with a glass lens.”

Visible details

  • The clock features four small brass finials atop the pediment.
  • The dial area is set within a gilded lead mount.
  • The case is crafted from wood, specified as walnut.
  • The object has a compact, vertical rectangular orientation.

Research qualifications

  • The maker is currently unattributed in the provided source.
  • The functional horological status of the integrated watch movement remains unverified.

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

Consulted source

Bracket clock, rectangular, with molded plinth and pediment

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 0faf46a7e2

Terms in this record

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

Other bracket clock records