What is a fusee table clock?

A fusee table clock utilises a cone-shaped pulley system connected to the mainspring barrel via a chain or gut line to equalise the power delivery as the spring unwinds, ensuring accurate timekeeping throughout its run.

What materials were traditionally used in Victorian ebonised table clocks?

These clocks typically feature dense hardwoods such as fruitwood or pearwood stained black to imitate ebony, paired with cast brass or gilt-bronze mounts, silvered brass dials, and steel movement components.

How do you identify an authentic 19th-century English fusee clock?

Authentic pieces generally exhibit heavy cast movements with thick brass plates, hand-engraved dials often bearing London maker signatures, original fusee chain mechanisms, and finely detailed cast ormolu or brass mounts.

How can an antique ebonised bracket clock be styled in a modern interior?

Position the clock centrally on a marble fireplace mantelpiece, a dark wood sideboard, or a tailored hallway console table to create a focal point that contrasts with contemporary neutral walls.

How should an ebonised and gilt-bronze antique clock be cared for?

Dust the ebonised case regularly with a soft dry microfibre cloth, avoid abrasive polishes on the gilt mounts, keep the clock away from direct heat sources, and have the mechanical movement serviced by a professional horologist every five to seven years.

for sale €3,686 $4,001

£3,150

M. C. Taylor

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021

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Id #SA1143220

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A Small Fusee Table Clock by Payne & Co. London. circa 1875.

19th century

For Sale by M. C. Taylor

Description

A very pretty little table clock of good quality by a renowned maker and retailer.

The very substantial 8 day duration, double chain fusee movement, having Anchor Recoil escapement and rack striking the hours on a rear-mounted and richly sounding, coiled steel gong. Also having strike/silent selection and a pendulum transit lock. The back plate is engraved with the maker's details: "PAYNE & Co.163 NEW BOND STREET. LONDON. No.2418."

Behind only a 4 1/2" wide, arched, silvered and engraved brass dial. The upper portion having the strike/silent selecting chapter and hand and the main chapter having an outer, divided minute track with triangular hour markings and Roman hour numerals. The dial centre is engraved with tha maker's details and number that matches the details on the movement back plate. The steel hands are of 'spade & poker' style.

Contained in an ebonised fruitwood veneered oak case that is embellished with cast ormolu mounts. The bell shaped top has a plinth-mounted brass 'flambeau' finial which is repeated to all 4 corners. It is also adorned with ormolu floral swags. The trunk of the case has a full-size locking front door with a brass framed arched glazed aperture to the dial area. The top 1/4's have cloth-backed sound frets, there are 2 ornate escutcheons and the sides are canted and carry ormolu caryatids. This is mirrored to the back of the case and the sides have tall, break-arch, ormolu cloth-backed sound frets. The short plinth has a moulded top and is mounted upon 4 ornate, ormolu scrolled feet.

* William Payne began trading at 62 South Moulton Street, London in 1816 and by 1825 he had moved to 163 New Bond Street where he remained. The firm were highly regarded throughout.

Dimensions: 16" total height x 8 3/4" wide x 8" deep (at the feet).

Condition: Well maintained and excellent condition throughout. The movement is working well and keeping to time. The ormolu mounts retain a lot of their original gilding and the structure of the case is sound however, the ebonising does show signs of 'age wear'. Both locks are working and the dial condition is very good. This pretty little clock is totally original.

Price: The price is for the clock in guaranteed working order.

For further information please contact us at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk

Physical Dimensions

Height

40.6cm (15.98")

Width

22.2cm (8.74")

Depth

20.3cm (7.99")

Declaration

M. C. Taylor has dated this Victorian Ebonised Bracket Clock to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1143220

Dealers Internal Reference

SA 14511

Description

A very pretty little table clock of good quality by a renowned maker and retailer.

“

The very substantial 8 day duration, double chain fusee movement, having Anchor Recoil escapement and rack striking the hours on a rear-mounted and richly sounding, coiled steel gong.

M. C. Taylor

Also having strike/silent selection and a pendulum transit lock. The back plate is engraved with the maker's details: "PAYNE & Co.163 NEW BOND STREET. LONDON. No.2418."

fig 1. Victorian ebonised black wood table clock featuring gilt-bronze caryatid mounts, finials, and an arched silvered dial signed Payne and Co London. — fig 1. A Small Fusee Table Clock by Payne & Co. London. circa 1875.

Behind only a 4 1/2" wide, arched, silvered and engraved brass dial. The upper portion having the strike/silent selecting chapter and hand and the main chapter having an outer, divided minute track with triangular hour markings and Roman hour numerals. The dial centre is engraved with tha maker's details and number that matches the details on the movement back plate. The steel hands are of 'spade & poker' style.

fig 2. Victorian ebonised black wood table clock featuring gilt-bronze caryatid mounts, finials, and an arched silvered dial signed Payne and Co London. — fig 2. A Small Fusee Table Clock by Payne & Co. London. circa 1875.

Contained in an ebonised fruitwood veneered oak case that is embellished with cast ormolu mounts. The bell shaped top has a plinth-mounted brass 'flambeau' finial which is repeated to all 4 corners. It is also adorned with ormolu floral swags. The trunk of the case has a full-size locking front door with a brass framed arched glazed aperture to the dial area. The top 1/4's have cloth-backed sound frets, there are 2 ornate escutcheons and the sides are canted and carry ormolu caryatids. This is mirrored to the back of the case and the sides have tall, break-arch, ormolu cloth-backed sound frets. The short plinth has a moulded top and is mounted upon 4 ornate, ormolu scrolled feet.

fig 3. Victorian ebonised black wood table clock featuring gilt-bronze caryatid mounts, finials, and an arched silvered dial signed Payne and Co London. — fig 3. A Small Fusee Table Clock by Payne & Co. London. circa 1875.

William Payne began trading at 62 South Moulton Street, London in 1816 and by 1825 he had moved to 163 New Bond Street where he remained. The firm were highly regarded throughout.

Dimensions: 16" total height x 8 3/4" wide x 8" deep (at the feet).

fig 4. Victorian ebonised black wood table clock featuring gilt-bronze caryatid mounts, finials, and an arched silvered dial signed Payne and Co London. — fig 4. A Small Fusee Table Clock by Payne & Co. London. circa 1875.

Condition: Well maintained and excellent condition throughout. The movement is working well and keeping to time. The ormolu mounts retain a lot of their original gilding and the structure of the case is sound however, the ebonising does show signs of 'age wear'. Both locks are working and the dial condition is very good. This pretty little clock is totally original.

Price: The price is for the clock in guaranteed working order.

For further information please contact us at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk