Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton clock

Scroll-plate Skeleton Clock

Partially verified

Catalogued as English work from circa 1890, this scroll-plate skeleton clock features scroll-pierced brass framework with an openwork silver Roman numeral chapter ring. The eight-day fusee mechanism incorporates time and drop-off striking, regulated by a pendulum visible beneath the movement arbor. The clock rests upon an oval ebonized plinth and is protected by a clear glass dome, reaching an overall height of 19 1/2 inches according to the auction description.

Front view of the scroll-plate skeleton clock under a glass dome on an oval ebonized base
Front view of the scroll-plate skeleton clock under a glass dome on an oval ebonized base — Bonhams Skinner. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bidsquare.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
238
Source-reported date
c. 1890
Country
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

Framework and Dial Configuration

The clock is built with scroll skeletonized brass plates designed to leave the internal wheelwork exposed. Mounted to the framework is a skeletonized, silver, roman numeral chapter ring.

Visual observation of the lot shows a bell surmounted by a spire finial positioned directly above the chapter ring, with a strike hammer visible to the upper left of the bell.

Evidence for this section
  • “scroll skeletonized brass plates”
  • “skeletonized, silver, roman numeral chapter ring”
  • “Bell surmounted by a spire finial positioned directly above the chapter ring”
  • “Strike hammer visible to the upper left of the bell”

Movement and Striking Train

The movement is described by the cataloguer as an eight-day, fusee, time and drop off strike mechanism regulated by a pendulum. Visual inspection notes a spherical pendulum bob visible below the lower curves of the framework.

The auction catalogue records that the clock was currently running at the time of cataloguing and lists the presence of the pendulum, while noting that no key is included.

Evidence for this section
  • “eight-day, fusee, time and drop off strike movement regulated by a pendulum”
  • “Clock currently running.”
  • “Pendulum, no key.”
  • “Spherical pendulum bob visible below the lower scroll framework”

Mounting, Condition, and Cataloguing Attribution

The clock rests on an oval ebonized base and is enclosed all under a glass dome, with an overall stated height of 19 1/2 inches. The auctioneer reported the dome to be in good condition.

The lot description attributes the piece to England, circa 1890. No maker or signature is recorded in the source documentation, leaving the geographic origin and circa dating as cataloguer attributions.

Evidence for this section
  • “on an oval ebonized base, all under a glass dome, ht. 19 1/2 in.”
  • “Dome in good condition.”
  • “England, c. 1890”

Open research questions

  • Are there any maker stamps, initials, or serial marks stamped on the front or rear scroll plates that are unmentioned in the catalogue?
  • Does the striking mechanism sound the hours or pass-strike on the single bell via the drop-off strike train?
  • Is the glass dome original to the clock and specifically fitted to the oval ebonized base?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Scroll-plate Skeleton Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
OriginEngland“England, c. 1890”
Plate DesignScroll skeletonized brass plates“scroll skeletonized brass plates”
Chapter RingSkeletonized, silver, roman numeral chapter ring“skeletonized, silver, roman numeral chapter ring”
Movement TypeEight-day, fusee, time and drop off strike“eight-day, fusee, time and drop off strike movement”
BaseOval ebonized base“oval ebonized base”
Overall Height19 1/2 in.“ht. 19 1/2 in.”
Winding Key StatusNo key included“Pendulum, no key.”
Dome ConditionReported in good condition“Dome in good condition.”
Operational ConditionReported running at auction“Clock currently running.”

Visible details

  • Bell surmounted by a spire finial positioned directly above the chapter ring
  • Strike hammer visible to the upper left of the bell
  • Enclosed entirely by a tall, clear glass dome resting on an ebonized plinth
  • Pierced openwork design for the Roman numeral chapter ring
  • Spherical pendulum bob visible below the lower scroll framework

Research qualifications

  • The maker is unspecified in the catalogue description.
  • The catalogue notes indicate no winding key is included.

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

Consulted source

Scroll-plate Skeleton Clock sold at auction on 28th April | Bidsquare

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record fcb6166074

Terms in this record

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

Other skeleton clock records