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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Bracket clock

William IV Library Clock by William Wilson

Partially verified

This William IV period library clock, or bracket clock, dates to approximately 1830 and is attributed to the London clockmaker William Wilson. The case is constructed from rosewood, featuring a pagoda-style top with a turned wooden finial and a dentil moulding cornice. The front door is detailed with carved spandrels, brass chamfered edges, and an ogee-arched window. The 3.75-inch silvered dial bears black Roman numerals and signed 'Wm Wilson London' in the center, paired with blued steel moon hands. Glazed panels on the sides and rear allow visibility of the movement. The clock is powered by an eight-day fusee movement, which includes an internal pendulum secured by a retaining screw. Keys for winding and adjustment are included. According to the auction description, the clock is in working condition, maintaining an original rosewood patina, with transparent glazing to the sides and back.

A William IV library clock in rosewood, with signed silvered dial and pagoda-style top.
A William IV library clock in rosewood, with signed silvered dial and pagoda-style top. — Chequers Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Clock · Bracket clock
Maker / attribution
William Wilson
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1830
Source-reported place
England

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 a rosewood case, measuring 30 centimeters in height, 19 centimeters in width, and 13 centimeters in depth. The top section features a tiered pagoda-style roof design topped with a turned wooden finial. Below this is a dentil moulding that sits above the primary clock face.

The front door houses a 3.75-inch silvered dial. It features black Roman numerals with precise minute markers. The center of the dial is signed 'Wm Wilson London'. The time is indicated by blued steel moon-style hands. The door is decorated with carved spandrels and has brass chamfered edges, with the glass aperture styled in an ogee arch.

Evidence for this section
  • “بدنه ساعت از چوب رزوود (Rosewood) با رنگ گرم و بافت چوبی گیرا ساخته شده”
  • “دارای سقفی شیاردار به سبک پاگودا به همراه فینیال چوبی خراطی‌شده است”
  • “صفحه ساعت دارای قطر ۳.۷۵ اینچ و با پوشش نقره‌اندود (Silvered dial) است”
  • “امضای ساعت‌ساز به‌صورت «Wm Wilson London» درج شده”

Movement and Technical Features

The movement is an eight-day fusee mechanism designed to maintain consistent force transmission. The clock includes a pendulum, which is equipped with a retaining screw to secure the assembly during transport or when the clock is not in use.

Visibility of the movement is provided by glazed panels located on both the sides and the rear of the case. The auction description reports that the clock is fully functional and possesses an original rosewood patina. Winding and regulation keys are provided with the clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت یک سازوکار هشت‌روزه با مکانیزم فوزی (Eight-day fusee movement)”
  • “این مکانیزم به یک آونگ مجهز به پیچ نگهدارنده یا قفل (Retaining screw) برای تثبیت متصل است”
  • “طرفین و درب پشتی بدنه دارای شیشه‌بندی هستند که امکان مشاهده بخش‌های درونی موتور را فراهم می‌آورد”

Condition and Maintenance

According to the provided source, the clock is in excellent condition without functional or cosmetic defects. The motor is reported to operate well, producing a quiet ticking sound. The wooden case retains its natural wood texture and patina.

Potential owners are advised to inspect the caliber, the condition of the fusee chain or cable, and the integrity of the brass connections and the pendulum retaining screw before any significant movement or servicing.

Evidence for this section
  • “طبق منبع، ساعت در وضعیت عالی و بدون ایراد کارکردی یا ظاهری قرار دارد”
  • “برای مجموعه‌داران توصیه می‌شود اصالت کالیبر، سلامت زنجیر یا سیم فوزی، و یکپارچگی اتصالات برنجی و پیچ نگه‌دارنده آونگ را پیش از جابه‌جایی یا سرویس مجدد بررسی نمایند”

Open research questions

  • Can the serial number be located on the movement plates to confirm the specific production date within the William IV period?
  • Is there documented evidence of William Wilson's specific workshops in London during the 1830s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for William IV Library Clock by William Wilson
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerWilliam Wilson“توسط ساعت‌ساز لندنی William Wilson ساخته شده است”
Datecirca 1830“حدود ۱۸۳۰”
CountryEngland“ساخت انگلستان”
Case materialRosewood“بدنه ساعت از چوب رزوود (Rosewood) با رنگ گرم و بافت چوبی گیرا ساخته شده”
Dial diameter3.75 inches“قطر ۳.۷۵ اینچ”
Movement typeEight-day fusee“موتور ساعت یک سازوکار هشت‌روزه با مکانیزم فوزی (Eight-day fusee movement)”
Dimensions30 x 19 x 13 cm“ارتفاع: ۳۰ سانتی‌متر (۱۲ اینچ) عرض: ۱۹ سانتی‌متر (۷.۵ اینچ) عمق: ۱۳ سانتی‌متر (۵ اینچ)”

Visible details

  • Silvered dial signed 'Wm Wilson London'
  • Pagoda-style roof with turned wooden finial
  • Blued steel moon-style hands
  • Ogee-arched front door aperture

Research qualifications

  • Integrity of the fusee chain or cable requires inspection
  • Current operating status of the retaining screw assembly should be verified

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

Consulted source

A William IV Library Clock by William Wilson

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 2259265a48

Terms in this record

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

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