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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Library clock

Regency Brass-Inlaid Library Clock by George Miles

Partially verified

This Regency library clock, manufactured around 1810, is constructed from mahogany with brass inlay. The case features an ebonised-edged sloped top surmounted by a gilt-brass pineapple finial, with ebonised detailing at the corners and gilt-brass floral basket handles at the sides. It stands on a molded base with four brass spherical feet. The 6-inch diameter cream-colored dial displays Roman numerals and moon-style blued-steel hands, shielded by a convex glass in a hinged gilt-brass bezel. Internally, the clock operates on an 8-day single-fusee mechanical movement utilizing an anchor escapement and featuring an ogee backplate. According to the auction report, the movement has undergone a full service and overhaul. The clock is accompanied by its pendulum, winding key, and door keys.

Front view of the Regency library clock by George Miles, featuring the brass pineapple finial and mahogany case with brass inlay.
Front view of the Regency library clock by George Miles, featuring the brass pineapple finial and mahogany case with brass inlay. — Chequers Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Library clock
Maker / attribution
George Miles
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1810
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 Construction and Design

The clock is housed in a mahogany case defined by Regency-era proportions. It features extensive brass inlay throughout its facade, with ebonised edges bordering the corners. The top is designed with a sloped profile and molded edges, topped by a gilt-brass finial modelled as a pineapple.

Side-mounted gilt-brass handles, shaped as floral baskets, are integrated into the sides of the case. The structure is supported by a base decorated with dark grooved detailing and is elevated on four spherical brass feet. There are no structural breaks in the mahogany, though older repairs are visible on the upper section of the cabinet.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت از چوب ماهون (Mahogany) با تناسبات دقیق ساخته شده و تزیینات خطی و نقوش برنجی ظریفی در نما و بخش‌های مختلف آن کار شده است.”
  • “در رأس بدنه یک فینیال برنجی طلاکاری‌شده به شکل میوه کاج بر”
  • “در قسمت بالای قاب اثر مرمت‌های بسیار قدیمی مشهود است.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The dial measures 6 inches in diameter and is painted in a cream-white tone. It features Roman numerals and an external minute track, complemented by blued-steel moon-style hands. The dial is protected by a hinged gilt-brass bezel and a convex glass cover.

The movement is an 8-day single-fusee mechanical mechanism, featuring an anchor escapement. A key technical feature is the ogee-shaped backplate, a characteristic identified in English library clocks of the period. The auction house reports that the movement has been fully serviced and is currently in functional order.

Evidence for this section
  • “صفحه ساعت با قطر ۶ اینچ به رنگ سفید مایل به کرم با اعداد رومی نقاشی شده”
  • “موتور مکانیکی ۸ روزه تک‌فیوزه (Single Fusee) مجهز است که از رقاصک و چرخ‌دنگ لنگری (Anchor Escapement) بهره می‌برد.”
  • “صفحه پشتی موتور دارای فرم دندانه‌دار منحنی (Ogee Backplate) است”

Provenance and Authenticity

The clock is signed 'George Miles London' on the dial, attributing the work to this maker. The auction description reports that the dial's paint and numeral markings appear to be original, though it cautions that this should be verified independently.

Accessories provided with the clock include the pendulum, winding key, and keys for the door. While the side handles are functional for aesthetic purposes, the auction report explicitly warns against using them to lift the clock, advising that the unit should always be carried from beneath the base to ensure structural safety.

Evidence for this section
  • “بر روی صفحه این ساعت، نام سازنده به صورت George Miles London درج شده است.”
  • “رنگ و اعداد صفحه شفاف و خوانا باقی مانده و طبق منبع ظاهراً اصلی هستند.”
  • “دستگیره‌های کناری صرفاً تزیینی بوده و ساعت باید همواره با دقت از زیر بدنه حمل شود.”

Open research questions

  • Is there further biographical information available for the clockmaker George Miles in London?
  • Could the older repairs on the upper casing be dated more precisely through stylistic analysis?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Regency Brass-Inlaid Library Clock by George Miles
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGeorge Miles“George Miles”
Movement8-day single fusee“موتور مکانیکی ۸ روزه تک‌فیوزه (Single Fusee)”
Dial diameter6 inches“صفحه ساعت با قطر ۶ اینچ”
Case materialMahogany“بدنه ساعت از چوب ماهون (Mahogany)”
Dimensions39.5 x 23 x 14 cm“۳۹.۵ × ۲۳ × ۱۴ سانتی‌متر”
EscapementAnchor escapement“چرخ‌دنگ لنگری (Anchor Escapement)”
ConditionRestored“در قسمت بالای قاب اثر مرمت‌های بسیار قدیمی مشهود است.”

Visible details

  • Gilt-brass pineapple finial atop a sloped roof
  • Ebonised edge detailing on the clock corners
  • Gilt-brass handles at the case sides
  • Four spherical brass feet at the base

Research qualifications

  • Authenticity of the dial finish requires independent examination
  • Integrity of the fusee chain connection should be independently verified

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

Consulted source

A Regency Brass Inlaid Library Clock

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 65bc16efd8

Terms in this record

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