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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

Victorian miniature bracket clock

Partially verified

This Victorian-era miniature bracket clock, dated by the source to circa 1890, features a dark case decorated with Boulle-style brass inlay and arabesque motifs. The exterior is accented with ormolu mounts, including feet, corner embellishments, and a central bronze mask ornament on the lower front panel. A decorative urn-shaped finial surmounts the case. The clock features a circular, engraved brass dial with Roman numerals set on white enamel cartouches and delicate metal hands. The front and side panels are glazed, allowing visibility of the pendulum movement. The internal floor of the clock is decorated with a black and gold checkered pattern. According to the source, the clock contains an 8-day mechanical movement, although the source also includes contradictory mentions regarding the chime mechanism; visual evidence confirms a bell strike system. The clock is reported to be in good working order.

Frontal view of the Victorian miniature bracket clock showing the Boulle-style case and brass dial.
Frontal view of the Victorian miniature bracket clock showing the Boulle-style case and brass dial. — Zamanito / Vintage Clocks UK. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1890
Source-reported place
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

Case and Dial

The clock is constructed with a dark case utilizing Boulle-style brass inlay and scrolling arabesque patterns. The structure is supported by decorative ormolu mounts on the feet and corners, with further bronze embellishments including an urn-shaped finial at the top. A distinct bronze face mask is positioned on the lower portion of the front panel.

The dial is circular with an engraved brass background decorated in matching arabesque designs. Roman numerals for the hours are painted on individual white enamel cartouches. The front and sides of the clock are fitted with glass panels, providing visibility into the interior where the pendulum oscillates. The base inside the cabinet is finished with a black and gold checkered pattern.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه تیره با منبت‌کاری و نقوش اسلیمی برنجی ظریف”
  • “شیشه‌های شفاف تعبیه شده است که امکان مشاهده نوسان آونگ (پاندول) را فراهم می‌آورد”

Movement and Mechanism

According to the provided information, the clock is driven by an 8-day mechanical movement. The back of the clock features an opening door which grants access to the internal movement components, which are also adorned with brass inlay.

While the auction documentation contains conflicting statements regarding the strike mechanism, visual inspection of the rear of the clock clearly shows a brass bell and a hammer assembly. The pendulum is also visible through the rear access door.

Evidence for this section
  • “مکانیزم کوکی ۸ روزه”
  • “وجود کاسه زنگ ناقوسی (Bell) برنجی همراه با سیستم چکش و پاندول معلق به وضوح نمایان است”
  • “درب پشت ساعت بازشو بوده و بخش داخلی آن نیز با ورقه و طرح‌های برنجی تزئین شده است”

Condition and Attribution

The source indicates that the clock is in good working order. The physical state is described as being in very good condition relative to its age, though some light surface wear is present.

The source characterizes the clock as a Victorian example from circa 1890.

Evidence for this section
  • “در وضعیت کارکرد مناسب (in good working order)”
  • “وضعیت بسیار خوبی نسبت به قدمت خود دارد و نشانه‌های جزئی و طبیعی کهنگی و فرسایش سطحی بر بدنه آن دیده می‌شود”
  • “ساعت عتیقه طبق منبع یک ساعت براکت (Bracket Clock) متعلق به دوره ویکتوریایی و حدود سال ۱۸۹۰ (ca1890) معرفی شده است”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer or retailer mark located on the movement plates?
  • Does the bell strike mechanism function in accordance with the 8-day movement, or is it a later modification?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Victorian miniature bracket clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Periodcirca 1890“حدود ۱۸۹۰”
Mechanism type8-day mechanical“مکانیزم کوکی ۸ روزه”
Case styleBoulle style with brass inlay“سبک بول (Boulle) با منبت‌کاری برنجی”
ConditionIn good working order“در وضعیت کارکرد مناسب (in good working order)”
Visual featuresBronze mask ornament“مجسمه صورتک (ماسک) برنزی”
Decorative elementsOrmolu mounts“تزیینات برنزی زراندود”

Visible details

  • Decorative bronze mask appliqué on the lower front case
  • Enamel cartouche hour markers on a circular brass dial
  • Visible brass bell strike and pendulum in the rear view
  • Internal floor features a checkerboard-style decorative motif

Research qualifications

  • Contradictory source information regarding whether the movement uses a gong or a bell
  • Source provides no information regarding the clockmaker or manufacturing origin

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

Consulted source

Incredible Victorian miniature Bracket Clock – ca1890

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 819fd093a4

Terms in this record

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

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