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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Purvis of London small bracket clock

Partially verified

This small bracket clock stands 31cm tall and is encased in rosewood. The case features a gadrooned top, a matching gadrooned finial, and is supported by four turned rosewood bun feet. The front and back doors are lockable and provide access to the internal movement. Each of the four sides of the case includes glass panels, with the front and sides framed by brass sightrings. The front glass is shaped as an ornate arch to frame the silvered dial, which features black Roman numerals and original hands. The dial and the internal movement are signed by Alexander Purvis of North Audley Street, London. The maker operated at this location from at least 1828 until 1851, with the source suggesting a manufacture date between 1828 and 1837. The clock is accompanied by keys for the locking doors.

Front view of the Purvis of London bracket clock, showing the arched glass, silvered dial, and rosewood case.
Front view of the Purvis of London bracket clock, showing the arched glass, silvered dial, and rosewood case. — It's About Time (The Clock & Watch Shop). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
theclockandwatchshop.co.uk
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Alexander Purvis
Reference
CL-MA-1599
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1830
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 Aesthetic Features

The clock is constructed from rosewood and measures 31cm in height. Decorative elements include a gadrooned top section and matching gadrooned fans positioned on the door. A rosewood finial is mounted on the top of the clock, and the structure sits on four turned rosewood bun feet.

The clock features glazed panels on all four sides, with the front and sides framed by brass sightrings. The glass covering the front of the dial is formed into an ornate arch shape, which houses the silvered dial. The front and back doors of the case are secured with locks, and the unit comes complete with the necessary keys.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case is particularly attractive, made from Rosewood with a gadrooned top and gadrooned fans to the door, as well as turned Rosewood bun feet and nice Rosewood finial to top.”
  • “All four sides are glazed and the front and sides are bordered by brass sightrings, with the front glass a very nice ornate arch shape”

Dial and Signature

The clock face consists of a silvered dial displaying Roman numerals. It is fitted with original hands, though the source does not detail their specific design. The dial features the signature of Alexander Purvis, explicitly citing his address at North Audley Street, London.

The maker is documented to have been active at the North Audley Street address from 1828 to 1851. Based on this, the source estimates the clock was manufactured and retailed between 1828 and 1837, placing its production prior to the mid-19th century partnership that formed Purvis & Bishop.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial and movement are signed Alexander Purvis of North Audley Street, London”
  • “This clock would've been made and retailed somewhere between 1828 and 1837”

Movement and Attribution

The clock contains an internal movement that is also signed by Alexander Purvis. The design allows for viewing of the movement through the glazed side panels of the rosewood case. The clock is identified in the records as SKU CL-MA-1599.

The current example reflects the earlier period of Purvis's independent practice in London.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial and movement are signed Alexander Purvis of North Audley Street, London”
  • “at which point he took on a partner, becoming Purvis & Bishop”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific type of movement (e.g., anchor or verge escapement)?
  • Are there any internal maker's marks or serial numbers on the backplate of the movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Purvis of London small bracket clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerAlexander Purvis“Alexander Purvis of North Audley Street, London”
Dimensions130 x 170 x 310 mm“130 × 170 × 310 mm”
MaterialRosewood“made from Rosewood”
LocationNorth Audley Street, London“Alexander Purvis of North Audley Street, London”
Datingcirca 1828-1837“made and retailed somewhere between 1828 and 1837”
SKUCL-MA-1599“CL-MA-1599”

Visible details

  • Rosewood case with gadrooned details
  • Ornate arched glass front panel
  • Silvered dial with Roman numerals
  • Visible internal movement through side panels

Research qualifications

  • Specific manufacture date is an estimation
  • Attribution of original hands is an unverified claim by the seller

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

Consulted source

Purvis of London Small Bracket Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 32d6743c32

Terms in this record

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

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