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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Dial clock

Victorian mahogany fusée dial clock by Matthews, Bridport

Partially verified

This Victorian mahogany dial clock features a glazed brass bezel enclosing a 12-inch white-painted dial signed 'MATTHEWS BRIDPORT'. Time is indicated by dark metal hands against Roman numerals with an outer track. The source describes the movement as a wire gut fusée movement fitted with an anchor escapement. The round mahogany case measures approximately 36.5 to 37 cm in diameter and extends 15 cm in projection. According to the auction condition report, the case has previously been repolished with some veneer loss to the underside, and the lot includes an associated steel bob and brass rod pendulum along with a crank key.

Front view of the Victorian mahogany dial clock signed Matthews, Bridport
Front view of the Victorian mahogany dial clock signed Matthews, Bridport — Bellmans. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
app.bellmans.co.uk
Category
Clock · Dial clock
Maker / attribution
Matthews, Bridport
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1269
Source-reported date
Victorian
Country
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 Construction and Dimensions

The clock is housed in a mahogany case featuring a glazed brass bezel. Access to the movement for winding and setting is gained by opening this bezel.

Measurements of the case diameter are cited as 37 cm and 36.5 cm in the source material. The projection of the case is 15 cm. The case has been repolished, and there is recorded veneer loss to the underside.

Evidence for this section
  • “With a brass glazed bezel”
  • “37cm diameter overall”
  • “The clock is 36.5cm diameter.”
  • “'Projection'/depth measurement is 15cm.”
  • “The case has been repolished at some point.”
  • “Some veneer loss to the underside of the case.”

Dial Characteristics

The clock features a 12-inch white-painted dial inscribed 'MATTHEWS BRIDPORT'.

The dial numerals are noted as being worn and streaky. A single winding square is positioned at the 6 o'clock location.

Evidence for this section
  • “12in white-painted dial, inscribed MATTHEWS BRIDPORT”
  • “The dial numerals are worn and a bit streaky.”
  • “Single winding square aperture positioned at 6 o'clock beneath the hand arbor.”

Movement and Internal Components

The movement is described as a wire gut fusée type with an anchor escapement. The movement is not visible in the provided photographic record.

The lot includes a crank key and an associated steel bob and brass rod pendulum. The condition report notes that the mechanism requires cleaning and servicing.

Evidence for this section
  • “the wire gut fusée movement with anchor escapement”
  • “With associated steel bob and brass rod pendulum and a crank key.”
  • “It will require a clean and service.”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific operational implications of an 'associated' pendulum for this movement type?
  • Are there extant records for a clockmaker named Matthews in Bridport that provide a more precise date of production?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Victorian mahogany fusée dial clock by Matthews, Bridport
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Dial InscriptionMATTHEWS BRIDPORT“inscribed MATTHEWS BRIDPORT”
Dial Size12 inches“12in white-painted dial”
Movement TypeWire gut fusée movement with anchor escapement“the wire gut fusée movement with anchor escapement”
Projection15 cm“'Projection'/depth measurement is 15cm.”
AccessoriesAssociated steel bob and brass rod pendulum and a crank key“With associated steel bob and brass rod pendulum and a crank key.”
MakerMatthews, Bridport“Matthews, Bridport”
Hammer Price£120“Hammer price: £120”

Visible details

  • Circular molded mahogany case with visible brass bezel hinge on the right side.
  • White-painted dial inscribed 'MATTHEWS.' in the upper portion and 'BRIDPORT.' in the lower portion.
  • Dial exhibits Roman hour numerals with noticeable fading, streakiness, and wear.
  • Single winding square aperture positioned at 6 o'clock beneath the hand arbor.

Research qualifications

  • Movement, internal components, pendulum, and rear case are not visible in the photograph; descriptions rely on the auction cataloguer's report.
  • Overall case diameter is given as 37 cm in the lot description and 36.5 cm in the condition report.

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

Consulted source

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 0a11c061ad

Terms in this record

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

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