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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Table or bracket clock

Table or bracket clock by Edward East

Partially verified

This table or bracket clock was created by the London-based clockmaker Edward East (1602–1697) circa 1665. The object measures 14 9/16 by 11 11/16 by 6 1/4 inches. Its construction incorporates a case fashioned from ebonized fruitwood and rosewood, accented with ebony moldings. The dial is composed of gilded brass and silver. The internal mechanism is constructed primarily from brass and steel, as indicated by the museum's technical records. The clock features a prominent signature on the back plate, which reads 'Eduardus East Londini'. It was donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art by Irwin Untermyer in 1964. The timepiece reflects the materials and construction methods associated with East's output in the mid-17th century, featuring a dial plate measuring 8 5/8 by 8 inches.

The dial of the table or bracket clock by Edward East, with silvered chapter ring and engraved centre
The dial of the table or bracket clock by Edward East, with silvered chapter ring and engraved centre — The Metropolitan Museum of Art — Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Clock · Table or bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Edward East
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
64.101.860
Source-reported date
ca. 1665
Source-reported place
Britain

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 Dial Construction

The clock is housed in an ebonized fruitwood and rosewood case, which features ebony moldings. The structure measures 14 9/16 by 11 11/16 by 6 1/4 inches. The overall form is designed to sit on a flat surface, consistent with the designation of a table or bracket clock.

The dial assembly is constructed of gilded brass and silver, with the dial plate itself measuring 8 5/8 by 8 inches. The visual design centers on a silvered chapter ring marked with Roman numerals, surrounding a central gilded brass field decorated with a floral motif.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: ebonized fruitwood and rosewood with ebony moldings”
  • “Overall (dial plate): 8 5/8 × 8 in. (21.9 × 20.3 cm)”

Movement and Signature

The internal movement is comprised of brass and steel components. The back plate serves as the location for the maker's signature, which is engraved in script as 'Eduardus East Londini'. The plate also features a circular adjustment mechanism decorated with floral engraving.

The movement design includes fusee cones, which are visible in the configuration of the brass plates, indicating the power regulation system used in this timepiece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: brass and steel”

Provenance and Documentation

This clock is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and is registered under the accession number 64.101.860. The object entered the museum's collection as a gift from Irwin Untermyer in 1964.

The documentation provided by the institution confirms the attribution to Edward East and provides the specific dating of circa 1665, based on the museum's internal records for this specimen.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 64.101.860”
  • “Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1964”

Open research questions

  • What specific maintenance or restoration has been performed on the movement components over the object's history?
  • Does the movement contain any hidden maker's marks or date stamps on internal wheels or pinions?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Table or bracket clock by Edward East
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerEdward East“Edward East (British, 1602–1697)”
Dateca. 1665“ca. 1665”
Case materialsEbonized fruitwood and rosewood with ebony moldings“Case: ebonized fruitwood and rosewood with ebony moldings”
Dial materialsGilded brass and silver“Dial: gilded brass and silver”
Movement materialsBrass and steel“Movement: brass and steel”
Object number64.101.860“64.101.860”

Visible details

  • The signature 'Eduardus East Londini' is engraved on the brass back plate.
  • The movement contains visible brass fusee cones for cord drive.
  • The dial features a central flower motif and a silvered chapter ring with Roman numerals.
  • The back plate includes a circular setting mechanism with floral ornamentation.

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance history prior to the 1964 gift is not fully detailed in the provided source.
  • The extent to which all internal components remain original to the 1665 date is not specified.

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

Consulted source

Table or bracket clock, Edward East, ca. 1665

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 402f055ed4

Terms in this record

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

Other table or bracket clock records