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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table clock

Table clock with striking and musical mechanism

Partially verified

This table clock with striking and musical mechanism is held by the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, under accession number BK-NM-13021. Constructed with a mahogany case accented by gilt copper, bronze, and brass elements, the clock stands 63.5 cm high, with a width of 38.5 cm and a diameter of 26.5 cm. The dial and movement bear the signature 'EDWARD WICKSTEED.LONDON.' The musical mechanism features a barrel pinned with eight distinct melodies: Gavot, Jigg, Minuet, Dance, Song, Cotillon, Gavot, and Hornpipe. The case is finished with decorative gilt copper mounts, including corner spandrels, side-mounted handles, and ornate feet.

Front view of the mahogany-cased table clock, showing the dial, subsidiary functions, and gilt metal mounts.
Front view of the mahogany-cased table clock, showing the dial, subsidiary functions, and gilt metal mounts. — Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Table clock
Maker / attribution
Edward Wicksteed
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
BK-NM-13021
Source-reported date
1840 - 1860
Source-reported place
United Kingdom

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 and Exterior Appearance

The clock is housed in a mahogany case that serves as the primary exterior structure. This case is adorned with gilt copper accents that provide decorative contrast to the wood, visible in the corner spandrels surrounding the main dial and the ornate mounts positioned at the vertical corners of the clock body.

The clock is elevated on ornate feet and features side-mounted carrying handles. A finial is situated at the top of the case on a pediment, contributing to the total height of 63.5 cm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Mahogany case, decorated with gilt copper.”
  • “material recorded as mahogany (wood), bronze (metal), brass (alloy)”

Dial and Musical Features

The dial layout includes a main central chapter ring with Roman numerals and a signature plaque inscribed with the maker's name and location.

A musical barrel housed within the clock is equipped to play eight specific tunes. These melodies include 'Gavot', 'Jigg', 'Minuet', 'Dance', 'Song', 'Cotillon', and 'Hornpipe'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial and movement are marked: EDWARD WICKSTEED.LONDON.”
  • “The following tunes are pinned on the musical barrel: Gavot, Jigg, Minuet, Dance, Song, Cotillon, Gavot, Hornpipe.”

Institutional Provenance

This object is part of the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, registered under the unique accession number BK-NM-13021. The documentation provided by the institution specifies the materials, measurements, and mechanical nature of the clock, classifying it as a mechanical table clock.

The information presented originates from the museum’s internal catalogue records. While the object is verified as part of the collection, the provided source notes that the extent to which this individual example represents a broader horological type remains an area for further investigation.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-13021”
  • “Description translated from the museum's Dutch catalogue text”

Open research questions

  • Are there additional known timepieces by Edward Wicksteed of London to establish a clearer production timeline?
  • Does the mechanical configuration of the striking and musical train suggest a specific period movement structure?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Table clock with striking and musical mechanism
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerEdward Wicksteed“Dial and movement are marked: EDWARD WICKSTEED.LONDON.”
Musical repertoireGavot, Jigg, Minuet, Dance, Song, Cotillon, Gavot, Hornpipe“The following tunes are pinned on the musical barrel: Gavot, Jigg, Minuet, Dance, Song, Cotillon, Gavot, Hornpipe.”
Case materialMahogany“Mahogany case, decorated with gilt copper.”
Dimensions63.5 cm x 38.5 cm x 26.5 cm“height 63.5 cm x width 38.5 cm x diameter 26.5 cm”
Accession numberBK-NM-13021“The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, holds this object as BK-NM-13021”
MaterialsMahogany, bronze, brass“material recorded as mahogany (wood), bronze (metal), brass (alloy)”

Visible details

  • The dial features a central signature plate reading 'Edward Wicksteed' and 'London'.
  • Two smaller subsidiary dials are positioned on the upper left and right of the main chapter ring, labeled 'SLAA' and 'SPEL' respectively.
  • The clock case is supported by four ornate gilt feet with matching decorative mounts at the corners.
  • A crowning finial is positioned atop the mahogany hood.

Research qualifications

  • The attribution of the maker 'Edward Wicksteed' and the dating to 1840–1860 requires independent horological verification against established databases.
  • The source notes that details are translated from the museum's Dutch catalogue text and its representation of a wider type has not been verified.

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

Consulted source

Table clock with striking and musical mechanism

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 489d934f8f

Terms in this record

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

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