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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Hanging fusee timepiece

Stained oak-cased double-dialled hanging fusée timepiece

Partially verified

This double-dialled hanging timepiece features a stained oak case documented as produced for the General Post Office (GPO), dated to circa 1940. Each side is fitted with a moulded wooden surround framing a black-painted glazed spun bezel. According to the auction description, each repainted dial displays an ERII cypher below a crown and GPO inscription, accompanied by blued steel hands and Roman numerals. The clock is driven by an anchor escapement chain fusée movement numbered 5461. The case measures 41 cm in diameter by 22 cm in depth, and the source notes screw holes on each side originally intended for suspension mountings.

Three-quarter front view of the double-dialled hanging fusee timepiece showing dial and wooden surround
Three-quarter front view of the double-dialled hanging fusee timepiece showing dial and wooden surround — Bellmans. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
app.bellmans.co.uk
Category
Clock · Hanging fusee timepiece
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
54
Source-reported date
circa 1940
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
5461

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 Markings

The timepiece is housed in a stained oak case featuring a moulded surround on both sides and black-painted glazed spun bezels. The case includes a hinged side door, an underside door, and an opposing side stamped with 'G.R'.

Screw holes are present on each side, which the source identifies as mounting points for a suspension piece. The overall dimensions are reported as 41 cm in diameter and 22 cm in depth.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case with a moulded surround to each side and black-painted glazed spun bezel above each dial”
  • “the other plain side with stamp G.R and door to the underside”
  • “The case has screw holes in each side which would have secured the suspension piece.”
  • “41cm diameter; 22cm deep”

Dial Characteristics

Each side of the clock features a dial displaying an ERII cypher below a crown and a 'G.P.O.' inscription, accompanied by blued steel hands and Roman numerals. The dials are currently in a degraded state with visible flaking and paint loss.

The source confirms that both dials have been repainted.

Evidence for this section
  • “each re-painted dial with ERII below a crown and GPO”
  • “Both dials have been re-painted and are flaking.”

Movement and Condition

The movement is a chain fusee type with an anchor escapement, identified as No. 5461. The lot includes a numbered pendulum and a brass key.

The item is described by the source as being in need of restoration. The internal movement and the rear dial face are not visible in the available documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “the chain fusée movement No 5461 with anchor escapement”
  • “In need of restoration.”
  • “With numbered pendulum and a brass key.”

Open research questions

  • How does the ERII cypher (referencing Queen Elizabeth II, who ascended in 1952) reconcile with the auction-attributed date of circa 1940?
  • What is the significance of the G.R (Georgius Rex) stamp on a case associated with an ERII dial?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Stained oak-cased double-dialled hanging fusée timepiece
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Client / PurposeGeneral Post Office (GPO)“For the GPO, circa 1940”
Movement Number5461“the chain fusée movement No 5461”
EscapementAnchor escapement“with anchor escapement”
Dimensions41cm diameter; 22cm deep“41cm diameter; 22cm deep”
Case MarkingsG.R stamp“the other plain side with stamp G.R”
Source-Reported Datecirca 1940“circa 1940”
Client/PurposeGeneral Post Office (GPO)“For the GPO”

Visible details

  • Circular stained wood bezel surround with visible vertical seam lines
  • Cream or off-white dial face showing flaking and paint loss around the VIII, IX, and X numerals
  • Black Roman numeral chapter ring with spade-tipped blued steel hands and winding aperture below the center arbor
  • ER cypher surmounted by a crown and marked 'G.P.O.' above the winding arbor

Research qualifications

  • Source notes both dials have been repainted and exhibit flaking paint.
  • Internal movement, rear dial face, pendulum, and brass key are not visible in the photograph.

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

Consulted source

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 6f6d99d059

Terms in this record

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