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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Skeleton clock

Thwaites & Reed Skeleton Clock

Partially verified

This skeleton clock is catalogued under Thwaites & Reed and mounted on a circular wooden base. The listing indicates that it contains a Hermle movement reference 791-681 and dates the piece to the second half of the 20th century. Constructed from brass, wood, and glass according to the lot description, the visible structure features openwork brass fretted architecture evoking the Gothic design of the Palace of Westminster clock tower. A central skeleton dial with dark pierced hands is supported above a visible pendulum bob.

Front view of the Thwaites & Reed brass Gothic skeleton clock on wooden base
Front view of the Thwaites & Reed brass Gothic skeleton clock on wooden base — Catawiki. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.catawiki.com
Category
Clock · Skeleton clock
Maker / attribution
Thwaites & Reed
Reference
791-681
Catalogue / lot identifier
63262037
Source-reported date
20th century, second half
Country
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

Visual Architecture and Display

The clock displays an intricate fretted brass frame fashioned in the form of a Gothic clock tower. It is supported on a circular moulded wooden plinth base that exhibits visible perimeter clips or mount points.

The time display features a skeletonised chapter ring with openwork tracery and dark ornate hands. Directly beneath this assembly within the lower arched section hangs a large brass spherical pendulum bob.

Evidence for this section
  • “Intricate fretted brass frame in the form of a Gothic clock tower.”
  • “Skeletonised chapter ring with openwork tracery and dark ornate hands.”
  • “Circular moulded wooden plinth base with visible clips or mount points.”
  • “Large brass spherical pendulum bob positioned in the lower arched section.”

Reported Movement and Maker Attribution

The auction listing attributes the item as a 'Thwaites & Reed Skeleton Clock' and states that it incorporates a 'Hermle uurwerk 791-681'. Neither the maker's mark nor the calibre identification is legible on the clock face in the available primary view.

The source classifies the period of manufacture as the second half of the 20th century ('Seconde moitié du XXe siècle'). These technical and historical details stem entirely from the listing title and remain source-reported.

Evidence for this section
  • “Thwaites & Reed Skeleton Clock”
  • “Hermle uurwerk 791-681”
  • “Seconde moitié du XXe siècle”

Catalogued Materials and Enclosure

The materials listed in the catalogue title are wood, brass, and glass ('Bois, Laiton, Verre'). Although brass construction and a wooden base are visible, the glass dome indicated by the title phrase 'sous Stolp' is not present in the photograph.

The source provides no further descriptive text or condition notes confirming the preservation or dimensions of the omitted glass dome.

Evidence for this section
  • “Thwaites & Reed Skeleton Clock sous Stolp - Hermle uurwerk 791-681 - Bois, Laiton, Verre - Seconde moitié du XXe siècle”

Open research questions

  • Are Franz Hermle & Sohn caliber markings stamped onto the rear movement plate?
  • Where is the Thwaites & Reed maker's signature or branding located on the frame or plinth?
  • Was the glass dome ('stolp') originally supplied with this lot, and what are its dimensions?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Thwaites & Reed Skeleton Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerThwaites & Reed“Thwaites & Reed Skeleton Clock”
MovementHermle uurwerk 791-681“Hermle uurwerk 791-681”
MaterialsBois, Laiton, Verre“Bois, Laiton, Verre”
PeriodSeconde moitié du XXe siècle“Seconde moitié du XXe siècle”
Lot Number63262037“Nº 63262037”
Maker AttributionThwaites & Reed“Thwaites & Reed Skeleton Clock”
Movement ReferenceHermle uurwerk 791-681“Hermle uurwerk 791-681”
Stated PeriodSeconde moitié du XXe siècle“Seconde moitié du XXe siècle”
Reported MaterialsBois, Laiton, Verre“Bois, Laiton, Verre”

Visible details

  • Intricate fretted brass frame in the form of a Gothic clock tower.
  • Skeletonised chapter ring with openwork tracery and dark ornate hands.
  • Circular moulded wooden plinth base with visible clips or mount points.
  • Large brass spherical pendulum bob positioned in the lower arched section.

Research qualifications

  • The glass dome ('sous Stolp') referenced in the listing title is omitted from this photograph.
  • Hermle movement reference 791-681 and the Thwaites & Reed maker attribution are source-reported and not directly visible on the clock face.

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

Consulted source

Antiquités et meubles classiques en Vente aux Enchères en Ligne - Catawiki

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 7e947e26db

Terms in this record

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

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