An English-made Bracket Clock with quarter striking movement in exceptional condition. 225120.
This solid oak-cased bracket clock features an architectural case form and a three-train quarter striking movement. This example is English-made and of excellent quality.
This wooden cabinet is crafted from oak and has been refinished to a complementary, glowing honey-brown tone. The cabinet is elevated on four applied pad feet. The wooden three-dimensional base molding transitions into the case's main body. The front corners of the main cabinet are fitted with full-fluted columns positioned on either side of the door. These terminate at the top in carved Corinthian capitals. The front door is dome-shaped and fitted with beveled glass and a chamfered brass dial mat. The sides of this case have glass-fitted dome-shaped windows. The rear access door features a lovely pierced wooden fret design backed with silk. This material serves several purposes. First, it provides dust production for the works. Furthermore, the material allows the sound of the bells and hour gong, when struck inside the case, to escape more easily than if this panel were solid wood. The top of the case features an architectural-shaped pediment. Centered on a plinth is a brass pineapple finial. The facade is decorated with floral carved details and fans.
This fusee-powered "Victorian Chimer" is a three-train design, designed to strike the hours and quarter hours on a nest of eight graduated bells mounted above the works. Your choice, this clock plays the Westminster chiming sequence. This tune was made famous by the Big BEN clock in London. One can also have it strike an eight-bell sequence. Both tunes are progressive. The works are heavily constructed and designed to run for eight days on a full wind. Two large plates are supported by traditionally shaped brass pillars or posts. The gearing is brass, and the pinions are steel. The movement is spring-driven and incorporates a fusee cone in each train, ensuring equalized power throughout the run. This movement features a rack-and-snail striking system. The plates are decorated with damascene. This movement is of excellent quality.
The dial is brass, constructed from a sheet of brass fitted with several decorative elements. The cast brass spandrels feature floral designs and fans or shells. These are applied to the dial and frame the time ring. This time ring has been finished in a silver wash. The time ring is formatted with Arabic-style five-minute markers separated from the large Roman-style hour numerals by a closed minute ring. The inside surface area of the time ring has been textured. This design contrasts the dial and the black steel hour and minute hands. Additional spandrels are located in the arch of the dial. These are also used to frame the three other silver rings situated there. The one on the left is CHIME/SILENT SELECTOR. The center one is for the rate adjustment of the movement. To the right of this is the tune selector. The choices are Chime on eight bells or Westminster.
On the base of this clock is a presentation plaque. It reads, "Presented to the Rev. H. B. Hunt. Vicar of Wyke. / by his Parishioners / on his Appointment to the Vicarage of Tenbury / as a token of Their Esteem Grateful Acknowledgment of the Work / done by him & Mrs Hunt at Wyke. / October 1892.”
This clock, a testament to the craftsmanship of the late 19th century, measures a full 27 inches tall to the top of the peaked roof. In addition, this clock is 17.75 inches wide and 12.5 inches deep at the feet. This fine example was made circa 1890.
Inventory number 223014.
