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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton clock

Scissor Pendulum Fusee Skeleton Clock

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this 20th-century brass skeleton clock features a fusee movement with pierced silvered scissor-style pendulums. The time is displayed on a 5-inch open-centered porcelain chapter ring with Roman numerals, complemented by two smaller auxiliary dials indicating the day of the week and date. The entire movement rests on a maple base fitted with a front drawer with a knob handle. A tall, rectangular brass-framed glass case encloses the clock, with the complete presentation measuring 25 inches high, 13.5 inches wide, and 9 inches deep.

Three-quarter front view of the scissor pendulum fusee skeleton clock inside a brass-framed glass vitrine
Three-quarter front view of the scissor pendulum fusee skeleton clock inside a brass-framed glass vitrine — William Smith Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0222
Source-reported date
20th C.
Country
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

Dial and Mechanism Configuration

The clock features an exposed brass skeleton movement catalogued with a fusee drive, visually showing a coiled chain-driven fusee barrel located beneath the dial cluster. Time is displayed on a 5-inch porcelain dial with an open center, complemented by smaller subsidiary dials indicating the day of the week and the date.

The timing assembly is catalogued as having pierced silvered scissor-style pendulums. Direct observation shows dual decorative pierced silvered elements resembling scissors mounted along the vertical mechanism, set within an open brass frame detailed with scissor-motif feet.

Evidence for this section
  • “A coiled chain-driven fusee barrel is positioned below the central dial assembly.”
  • “a 5” porcelain dial with open center and smaller dials indicating the date and day of the week”
  • “with pierced silvered scissor style pendulums”
  • “Dual decorative pierced silvered elements resembling scissors are mounted along the vertical mechanism.”
  • “The open brass frame features scissor-motif feet and an open framework supporting an openwork porcelain chapter ring with two subsidiary dials.”

Casing and Dimensions

The movement rests on a maple base fitted with a front drawer. Observation shows the rectangular brass-framed glass case resting on a wood plinth detailed with banding and a front pull knob.

While catalogued as having a 'tall rectangular glass dome', the enclosure consists of a rectangular brass-framed glass vitrine. The complete assembly measures 25 inches in height, 13.5 inches in width, and 9 inches in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “On a maple base, with a front drawer, and a tall rectangular glass dome.”
  • “Rectangular brass-framed glass case rests on a wood plinth detailed with banding and a front pull knob.”
  • “25”H x 13.5”W x 9”D.”

Dating and Source Context

The auction description assigns the clock to the 20th century, but does not identify a maker, manufacturer, reference number, or country of origin. The condition is reported solely as minor wear, with no notes regarding operational status.

Any internal hallmarks, maker stamps, or concealed markings on the plates or base remain unrecorded in the available source.

Evidence for this section
  • “A 20th C. scissor pendulum fusee skeleton clock”
  • “Condition Minor wear.”

Open research questions

  • Are any maker marks, patent numbers, or foundry stamps present on the reverse movement plates or under the wooden plinth?
  • Does the drawer contain a winding key or documentation regarding the maker?
  • Is the scissor assembly mechanically linked as the primary timekeeping pendulum or functioning as an oscillating display driven by an internal escapement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Scissor Pendulum Fusee Skeleton Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Date20th C.“A 20th C. scissor pendulum fusee skeleton clock”
Pendulum TypePierced silvered scissor style pendulums“with pierced silvered scissor style pendulums”
Dial5” porcelain dial with open center“a 5” porcelain dial with open center”
Subsidiary DialsDate and day of the week“smaller dials indicating the date and day of the week”
BaseMaple base with front drawer“On a maple base, with a front drawer”
CoverTall rectangular glass dome“and a tall rectangular glass dome”
Dimensions25”H x 13.5”W x 9”D“25”H x 13.5”W x 9”D”
Reported ConditionMinor wear“Condition Minor wear.”

Visible details

  • Rectangular brass-framed glass case rests on a wood plinth detailed with banding and a front pull knob.
  • The open brass frame features scissor-motif feet and an open framework supporting an openwork porcelain chapter ring with two subsidiary dials.
  • A coiled chain-driven fusee barrel is positioned below the central dial assembly.
  • Dual decorative pierced silvered elements resembling scissors are mounted along the vertical mechanism.

Research qualifications

  • The source description refers to the brass-framed rectangular vitrine as a 'glass dome'.
  • No clockmaker, manufacturer mark, or place of origin is provided.

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

Consulted source

Scissor Pendulum Fusee Skeleton Clock. - Jul 1, 2026 | William Smith Auctions In Nh

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 2c42cfa9d6

Terms in this record

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

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