Steinmann No 29 North Audley Street, London. A London single-panel Bracket clock. 218008.
This is a handsome London bracket (or table clock), circa 1845.
Daniel Steinmann is listed in Former Clock and Watchmakers by F. J. Britten as working from 1840 to 1842. He operated a shop at No. 29 North Audley Street, London.
The bracket clock form was designed to be placed on tables, chests of drawers, or other suitable furniture. Many examples were costly, exceeding the price of a tall case clock. These clocks have spring-driven movements that incorporate a fusee in the train. The fusee maintains the spring's power delivery evenly throughout the run. These components were costly to make and required specialized skills.
This fine example is a smaller size, measuring 11.5 inches in height with the handle in the upright position. The mahogany-constructed hardwood case retains an older surface that has been beautifully cleaned and waxed. The case is on four cast brass pad feet, mounted under the base molding. The dome-shaped door is lined with a brass frame, and dome-shaped openings on each side of the case are fitted with tinted red glass. The front and back doors are equipped with glass panels, and the top of the case features an applied mahogany panel, trimmed in brass. A brass carrying handle is mounted to the center panel, adding a unique touch to this clock. The front door opens to access the clock dial.
The brass arched-shaped dial is decoratively engraved and finished in a silver wash. The four corner spandrels are decorated in floral themes. A closed minute ring structures the Roman-style hour numerals. Black steel heart-themed hour and minute hands depicted the time. The clockmaker signs the dial in the lunette.
The rear door provides access to the mechanism. The two circular-shaped brass plates are supported by four turned posts. The plates support the hardened steel shafts and fitted brass gearing. This is a single train or time-only design. The escapement is a recoil. This clock does not have a Fusee cone.
This clock, made circa 1803, is in excellent condition considering its age. It stands approximately 11.5 inches tall, with the handle in the upright position. When measured at the feet, it is just under 7 inches wide and 6 inches deep.
Inventory number 218008.
