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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Quarter Striking Twin Fusee Rosewood Bracket Clock by L. Donne

Partially verified

This 19th-century English bracket clock is housed in an architectural temple-form rosewood case, accented with a pediment top, fluted Corinthian pilasters, and carved fretwork sound vents. The silvered dial features Roman numerals, foliate scroll engraving, and subsidiary dials for chime/silent selection and regulation, signed for L. Donne, Birchin Lane, Cornhill, London. According to the seller, it is powered by a five-pillar twin fusee movement striking quarters on two gongs, fitted with a heavy flattened pendulum bob and holdfast bracket.

Front view of the temple-form rosewood bracket clock by L. Donne
Front view of the temple-form rosewood bracket clock by L. Donne — Sellingantiques / Chalfont Clocks. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sellingantiques.co.uk
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
L. Donne
Reference
040 Rosewood Bracket
Catalogue / lot identifier
SA847109
Source-reported date
19th century
Country
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 Construction

The clock is housed in an architectural rosewood case designed in a temple form. The exterior features a pediment top adorned with a carved shell and scrolling foliate motif. Fluted Corinthian pilasters are integrated into the front and sides of the structure.

The base and upper frieze are detailed with incised brickwork coursing. Access for sound is provided by ornate fretwork vents located on the sides of the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “In a fine rosewood architectural case of temple form with fluted corinthian pilasters on the front and sides, with ornate fretwork vents.”
  • “Temple-form pediment centered by a carved shell and scrolling foliate motif.”
  • “Incised brickwork coursing detailing the upper frieze and plinth base.”

Dial and Visual Features

The clock face consists of a silvered dial engraved with foliate scroll work and Roman numerals. Two subsidiary dials are positioned above the main chapter ring, providing user controls for chime/silent selection and regulation.

The dial is signed 'L. DONNE, BIRCHIN LANE' and 'CORNHILL LONDON'.

Evidence for this section
  • “The silvered dial is engraved with foliate scroll work, with roman numerals, chime/silent and regulation dials.”
  • “Dial signed 'L. DONNE, BIRCHIN LANE' and 'CORNHILL LONDON'.”

Movement and Mechanism

The movement is described as a five-pillar twin fusee mechanism with rise-and-fall regulation, designed to strike the quarters on two gongs.

The movement is fitted with a heavy, flattened pendulum bob and a holdfast bracket.

Evidence for this section
  • “A high quality quarter striking twin fusee five pillar movement with rise and fall regulation striking on 2 gongs”
  • “with its original hold fast and particularly heavy flattened pendulum bob”

Open research questions

  • What specific archival records confirm the operational dates of L. Donne at the Birchin Lane, Cornhill address?
  • Does the movement possess any specific hallmarks or serial numbers beyond the maker's signature?
  • What is the physical condition of the movement internal components prior to the advertised servicing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Quarter Striking Twin Fusee Rosewood Bracket Clock by L. Donne
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement descriptionQuarter striking twin fusee five pillar movement with rise and fall regulation striking on 2 gongs“A high quality quarter striking twin fusee five pillar movement with rise and fall regulation striking on 2 gongs”
Case designRosewood architectural case of temple form with fluted corinthian pilasters“In a fine rosewood architectural case of temple form with fluted corinthian pilasters on the front and sides, with ornate fretwork vents.”
Dimensions39cm H x 28cm W x 18.5cm D“39cm H x 28cm W x 18.5cm D”
Dial featuresSilvered dial engraved with foliate scroll work, Roman numerals, chime/silent and regulation dials“The silvered dial is engraved with foliate scroll work, with roman numerals, chime/silent and regulation dials.”

Visible details

  • Temple-form pediment centered by a carved shell and scrolling foliate motif.
  • Incised brickwork coursing detailing the upper frieze and plinth base.
  • Twin subsidiary dials positioned above the main chapter ring for chime/silent and regulation.
  • Dial signed 'L. DONNE, BIRCHIN LANE' and 'CORNHILL LONDON'.

Research qualifications

  • Movement plates, fusee assemblies, and striking gongs are internal and not visible in the front photograph.
  • Attribution to the 19th century and movement details rely on dealer documentation.

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

Consulted source

Rosewood Bracket Clock 19th Century | Sellingantiques.co.uk

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e4bbf1c3ea

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