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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table clock

Skull-shaped table clock with fusee pocket watch

Partially verified

This object is a memento mori table clock comprising a skull-shaped case containing a fusee pocket watch. The 800 silver case is fully sculpted in the shape of a skull, weighing 274 grams excluding the chain and key. The front is decorated with engraved heraldic motifs featuring crowned panels and griffins, while the back displays an engraved scene of a master builder and workers. The case is hinged at the top. The interior is marked "Chailly a Lille". The movement is a key-wound fusee pocket watch with a verge escapement and a pierced balance cock. Its enamelled dial features Roman numerals and an outer minute track. The movement is marked "Chailly a Lille". The auction description reports that the movement and case are a marriage, and that the watch runs during a short time test. The dial measures 3.7 cm, while the skull dimensions are 6.5 cm by 6 cm by 8.7 cm.

Side view of the skull-shaped table clock with its accompanying chain and winding key.
Side view of the skull-shaped table clock with its accompanying chain and winding key. — Auktionshaus Rheine (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Clock · Table clock
Maker / attribution
Chailly a Lille
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
3168
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
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

Case Construction

The case is constructed from 800 silver and has a total weight of 274 grams when measured without its accompanying chain and key. It is designed with a hinged top section that allows access to the internal pocket watch.

The exterior of the skull features extensive engraving. The front section is adorned with a heraldic motif, consisting of two crowned panels supported by figures of rising griffins. The reverse of the skull features an engraved scene depicting a master builder accompanied by workers. The interior bears the inscription "Chailly a Lille".

Evidence for this section
  • “Case in the shape of a fully sculpted skull; partially open-worked with hinged top.”
  • “Front section with engraved heraldic decoration: two crowned panels held by rising griffins.”
  • “Back of the skull with engraved scene: Historicising scene with master builder and workers.”

Movement and Dial

The timekeeping mechanism is a key-wound fusee pocket watch. The movement features a verge escapement, a fusee on a chain, and a pierced balance cock. It is marked "Chailly a Lille", corresponding with the mark found inside the case. The watch has an enamelled dial with Roman numerals and an outer minute track for tracking hours and minutes.

The watch dial measures 3.7 cm in diameter. According to the auction description, the movement is functional and performs well during a short time test, although the dial exhibits signs of chipping.

Evidence for this section
  • “Fusee pocket watch, key winding (with key).”
  • “Movement with verge escapement, fusee on chain and pierced balance cock / verge cock.”
  • “Movement marked "Chailly a Lille".”

Reported Condition and Provenance

The auction description indicates that the movement and the silver case are a marriage, implying they were not originally manufactured as a single unit. The object is reported to be in good condition relative to its age, though it shows some signs of use.

Specifically, the dial is noted as having chips, and the case bears an indistinct master's mark alongside a standard fineness mark for 800 silver.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement and case mariage.”
  • “(In good condition for age with slight signs of use, dial chipped).”
  • “Hallmarked with fineness mark and indistinct master's mark.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific historical context for the engraved scene featuring a master builder and workers?
  • Can the master's mark on the silver case be identified to confirm the origin of the skull container?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Skull-shaped table clock with fusee pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Material800 silver“Crafted from 800 silver - 274 grams in total (weighed without chain and key).”
Movement TypeKey-wound fusee“Fusee pocket watch, key winding (with key).”
MakerChailly a Lille“Inscribed "Chailly a Lille" on the inside.”
EscapementVerge escapement“Movement with verge escapement”
DimensionsSkull 6.5 x 6 x 8.7 cm“Skull h. 6.5 x w. 6 x d. 8.7 cm.”
Dial detailsEnamelled dial with Roman numerals“Enamelled dial with Roman numerals and outer minute track”
ConditionMariage“Movement and case mariage.”
ConditionDial chipped“dial chipped”

Visible details

  • The skull case is hinged and appears to be designed to open for clock access.
  • An engraved scene on the back depicts a master builder with workers.
  • The heraldic engraving on the front features two crowned panels flanked by griffins.
  • The object includes a chain and a winding key.

Research qualifications

  • The auction description states that the movement and case are a marriage.
  • The master's mark on the case is described as indistinct.

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

Consulted source

SKULL CLOCK

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 040c87021b

Terms in this record

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

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