What is a bracket clock?

Originating in 17th-century England, a bracket clock is a compact, portable spring-driven clock traditionally designed to sit on a wall bracket, mantelpiece, or table.

Which materials were used in Georgian bracket clocks?

Georgian bracket clocks were predominantly cased in flame mahogany, walnut, or ebonised wood, housing brass movements, verge or anchor escapements, and silvered brass dials.

How do horologists identify authentic 18th-century bracket clocks?

Authentic late 18th-century bracket clocks feature hand-engraved movement backplates, original verge escapements, cast brass carrying handles, and silvered dials with period-appropriate maker signatures.

How do you style a mahogany bracket clock in a modern interior?

A mahogany bracket clock serves as a focal point when placed atop a fireplace mantelpiece, central sideboard, or within a structured library bookcase.

How should an antique mahogany clock case be maintained?

Maintain the mahogany case by dusting with a dry microfibre cloth and applying beeswax polish sparingly while keeping the movement regularly serviced by a horologist.

for sale €4,212 $4,572

£3,600

M. C. Taylor

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021

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Georgian Mahogany Table Clock

Id #SA1120836

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A Mahogany, Bell-top, Verge Escapement and Very Original, Bracket Clock with a Silvered Dial. circa 1790.

18th century

For Sale by M. C. Taylor

Description

A beautiful example of a fairly plain and unfussy, King George III period table clock.

The eight day duration, 5 pillar, double gut fusee movement with its original 'attached pendulum' verge escapement. Having rack and star wheel striking of the hours on a top-mounted cast bell and also pull repeating of the hours at will. The pendulum has an adjustable 'pear drop' bob and the plain back plate has a transit pendulum retaining hook and also a nicely shaped, back cock knife-edge retaining apron.

Behind a 7 inch wide, single sheet, silvered brass, break-arch dial. The well-executed engraving displays the main chapter that is formed with an inner and outer ring enclosing Arabic 5 minute numerals, a divided minute ring and Roman hour numerals. The arch proudly displays the maker's signature of "George Kershaw, London" in italic script. The hands are well-pierced, single cut, blued steel of 'serpentine' style.

Contained in a well-proportioned mahogany case of good colour with choice, figured veneers. The divided bell shaped top is surmounted with a cast brass, swinging carrying handle. The returned top moulding is over a full-size locking door which is glazed with a quadrant frame and has cloth-backed pierced wooden frets to the top arch quarters. The door sits over a short plinth with a well-moulded top and moulded short block feet. This plinth and all of the mouldings are 'all around'. The case sides have high, arched-top sound apertures with cloth-backed, cast brass, 'fish scale' frets. The case back has a locking rectangular door with a break-arch glass panel. The repeat pull exits the case from the bottom.

This understated table clock is extremely handsome, well made and in excellent and original condition.

George Kershaw is considered to have been a good maker and was working prior to circa 1777 until 1799.

Dimensions: 21" high x 11" wide x 7" deep approx.

Condition: The movement is clean, unworn and working well in all aspects. The dial appears to have never been restored. Its silvering has some staining in the arch and there is some loss of black wax to the engraving. Because of the age and originality, I am not sure that it would be advisable to restore the dial as it has a pleasing appearance. The case is excellent, stucturally very sound, of good colour and shows only slight signs of age and wear. The French polish is good and both door locks are working. This lovely 235 year old verge escapement table clock has obviously been loved and deserves a caring custodian.

Price: The price is for the clock in its present and fully working condition.

NB. I have not had time to overhaul the movement and if this was required, it would incur a charge. I do however, deem the clock 'safe to be operated' for the foreseeable future because of its well-maintained condition. You therefore can financially benefit from professional (and in my humble opinion, high quality) maintenance carried out by the previous owners.

Physical Dimensions

Height

53.3cm (20.98")

Width

27.9cm (10.98")

Depth

17.8cm (7.01")

Declaration

M. C. Taylor has dated this Georgian Mahogany Bracket Clock to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1120836

Dealers Internal Reference

SA 14503

Description

A beautiful example of a fairly plain and unfussy, King George III period table clock.

“

The eight day duration, 5 pillar, double gut fusee movement with its original 'attached pendulum' verge escapement.

M. C. Taylor

Having rack and star wheel striking of the hours on a top-mounted cast bell and also pull repeating of the hours at will. The pendulum has an adjustable 'pear drop' bob and the plain back plate has a transit pendulum retaining hook and also a nicely shaped, back cock knife-edge retaining apron.

fig 1. A late 18th-century Georgian mahogany bracket clock featuring a bell top with a brass carrying handle, fretwork spandrels, and an arched silvered dial signed George Kershaw London. — fig 1. A Mahogany, Bell-top, Verge Escapement and Very Original, Bracket Clock with a Silvered Dial. circa 1790.

Behind a 7 inch wide, single sheet, silvered brass, break-arch dial. The well-executed engraving displays the main chapter that is formed with an inner and outer ring enclosing Arabic 5 minute numerals, a divided minute ring and Roman hour numerals. The arch proudly displays the maker's signature of "George Kershaw, London" in italic script. The hands are well-pierced, single cut, blued steel of 'serpentine' style.

fig 2. A late 18th-century Georgian mahogany bracket clock featuring a bell top with a brass carrying handle, fretwork spandrels, and an arched silvered dial signed George Kershaw London. — fig 2. A Mahogany, Bell-top, Verge Escapement and Very Original, Bracket Clock with a Silvered Dial. circa 1790.

Contained in a well-proportioned mahogany case of good colour with choice, figured veneers. The divided bell shaped top is surmounted with a cast brass, swinging carrying handle. The returned top moulding is over a full-size locking door which is glazed with a quadrant frame and has cloth-backed pierced wooden frets to the top arch quarters. The door sits over a short plinth with a well-moulded top and moulded short block feet. This plinth and all of the mouldings are 'all around'. The case sides have high, arched-top sound apertures with cloth-backed, cast brass, 'fish scale' frets. The case back has a locking rectangular door with a break-arch glass panel. The repeat pull exits the case from the bottom.

fig 3. A late 18th-century Georgian mahogany bracket clock featuring a bell top with a brass carrying handle, fretwork spandrels, and an arched silvered dial signed George Kershaw London. — fig 3. A Mahogany, Bell-top, Verge Escapement and Very Original, Bracket Clock with a Silvered Dial. circa 1790.

This understated table clock is extremely handsome, well made and in excellent and original condition.

George Kershaw is considered to have been a good maker and was working prior to circa 1777 until 1799.

fig 4. A late 18th-century Georgian mahogany bracket clock featuring a bell top with a brass carrying handle, fretwork spandrels, and an arched silvered dial signed George Kershaw London. — fig 4. A Mahogany, Bell-top, Verge Escapement and Very Original, Bracket Clock with a Silvered Dial. circa 1790.

Dimensions: 21" high x 11" wide x 7" deep approx.

Condition: The movement is clean, unworn and working well in all aspects. The dial appears to have never been restored. Its silvering has some staining in the arch and there is some loss of black wax to the engraving. Because of the age and originality, I am not sure that it would be advisable to restore the dial as it has a pleasing appearance. The case is excellent, stucturally very sound, of good colour and shows only slight signs of age and wear. The French polish is good and both door locks are working. This lovely 235 year old verge escapement table clock has obviously been loved and deserves a caring custodian.

fig 5. A late 18th-century Georgian mahogany bracket clock featuring a bell top with a brass carrying handle, fretwork spandrels, and an arched silvered dial signed George Kershaw London. — fig 5. A Mahogany, Bell-top, Verge Escapement and Very Original, Bracket Clock with a Silvered Dial. circa 1790.

Price: The price is for the clock in its present and fully working condition.

NB. I have not had time to overhaul the movement and if this was required, it would incur a charge. I do however, deem the clock 'safe to be operated' for the foreseeable future because of its well-maintained condition. You therefore can financially benefit from professional (and in my humble opinion, high quality) maintenance carried out by the previous owners.