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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Musical bracket clock

Musical Bracket Clock by Francis Perigal III

Partially verified

This musical bracket clock, dating to approximately 1790, is attributed to the London maker Francis Perigal III. It is housed in an arched mahogany case featuring gilt brass ormolu mounts and is elevated on scrolling bracket feet. The clock includes a front and rear glazed door, allowing for a view of the internal movement. The dial is set within an arched area decorated in blue, green, and gilt, with champlevé enamel panels on a silver ground. It features subsidiary dials for musical-tune selection and chime/silent functions, while the main dial is signed "Perigal, London." The brass movement is fully engraved and includes a musical train capable of playing four different tunes on a nest of eleven bells, with hourly strikes on a separate bell. It incorporates the original verge escapement and pendulum.

Front view of the Francis Perigal musical bracket clock showing the main dial and subsidiary chime dials.
Front view of the Francis Perigal musical bracket clock showing the main dial and subsidiary chime dials. — Dorset Antique Clocks. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.dorsetantiqueclocks.co.uk
Category
Clock · Musical bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Francis Perigal III
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1790
Source-reported place
United Kingdom

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

The clock is contained within an arched mahogany case, which is finished with gilt brass ormolu mounts. The design includes a gilt brass urn finial at the top and sits on scrolling bracket feet decorated with pierced sound frets. The case design incorporates front and rear glazed doors.

The arched dial features a decorative surround in blue, green, and gilt, accented by champlevé enamel panels set on a silver ground. The main enamel dial, marked with Roman numerals, is signed "Perigal, London" and paired with pierced gilt hands. Two smaller subsidiary dials are positioned in the arch for musical-tune selection and chime/silent control.

Evidence for this section
  • “The arched case is surmounted by a gilt brass urn finial and adorned throughout with finely cast rococo mounts”
  • “The superb arched dial is framed by an elaborate blue, green and gilt decorated arch and is richly embellished with finely executed champlevé enamel panels on a solid silver ground”

Movement and Musical Mechanism

The movement is a brass, fully engraved mechanism signed by Francis Perigal. It is equipped with a musical train that plays a selection of four melodies on a nest of eleven bells. The clock strikes the hour on a separate bell, and it is reported to sound once every hour.

The movement includes the original verge escapement and pendulum. The backplate features engraved scrolling foliage detail.

Evidence for this section
  • “The substantial, fully engraved brass movement, signed Francis Perigal, London, is of particularly fine quality.”
  • “The backplate is beautifully engraved with scrolling foliage, and the movement retains its original verge escapement and pendulum.”

Provenance and Condition

The clock is reported to have come from a private collection in the United Kingdom.

The listed dimensions for the clock are 19 ¾ inches, or 50 centimeters in height. The listing notes that the clock is currently in stock at the showroom.

Evidence for this section
  • “Provenance: Private collection, UK”
  • “Serviced and guaranteed for 3 years.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific provenance history beyond the general designation of a private UK collection?
  • Has the movement been modified or restored during its lifespan aside from the reported servicing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Musical Bracket Clock by Francis Perigal III
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerFrancis Perigal III“Francis Perigal III”
Datecirca 1790“CIRCA.1790”
SignaturePerigal, London“The main enamel dial is signed Perigal, London”
Musical featuresFour tunes on eleven bells“fitted with a musical train playing a choice of four tunes on a nest of eleven bells”
Case materialMahogany and gilt brass“mahogany case richly mounted with gilt brass ormolu”
Height50 cm“Height: 19 ¾” or 50 cm”
ProvenancePrivate collection, UK“Provenance: Private collection, UK”

Visible details

  • Blue, green and gilt decorated arch surrounding the dial
  • Subsidiary dials for tune selection and chime/silent
  • Eleven bells for the musical mechanism
  • Engraved backplate featuring scrolling foliage

Research qualifications

  • The exact identity of the specific Perigal family member as Francis Perigal III relies on the source text
  • The assertion that the escapement and pendulum are the original components is reported by the seller

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

Consulted source

FINE GEORGE III MUSICAL BRACKET CLOCK – FRANCIS PERIGAL – LONDON

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ed14802bd0

Terms in this record

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

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