What defines a Georgian bracket clock from the mid-18th century?

Georgian bracket clocks from this period were spring-driven timepieces housed in wooden cases, often with ebonised or mahogany finishes, designed to be portable and placed on a matching wall bracket, table, or mantelpiece.

What materials were traditionally used in 18th-century bracket clock construction?

Cases were typically crafted from hardwoods such as oak or fruitwood covered with ebonised veneers or lacquered finishes, while internal movements utilised brass plates, steel verge escapements, and brass dials with silvered chapter rings.

How do you identify authentic Georgian bracket clocks?

Authentic period examples generally feature fusee movements with verge or anchor escapements, cast brass spandrels, hand-engraved maker signatures on the dial or backplate, and inverted bell or pagoda top case architectures.

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

Positioning an ebonised bracket clock on a dark wood sideboard, marble fireplace mantelpiece, or structured bookshelf creates a focal point that bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern design schemes.

How should an ebonised wooden clock case be maintained?

The case should be dusted regularly with a soft dry cloth and kept in a room with controlled humidity to prevent wood movement, while the mechanical movement requires periodic servicing by a qualified horologist.

for sale €6,143 $6,668

£5,250

M. C. Taylor

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021

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Id #SA929801

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Georgian Inverted Bell-top, Verge Escapement, Ebonised Bracket Clock by Isaac Hurley, London. Circa 1750.

18th century

For Sale by M. C. Taylor

Description

This is another example of an unspoilt, mid 18th century table clock.

The eight day duration, five pillar, double fusee movement with attached pendulum verge escapement and rack striking the hours on a top-mounted bell. Also having strike/silent, pull hour repeating and calendar datework. The backplate is fully engraved with a sweeping floral Rococo design and a lined border.

Behind a 6 3/4" wide, brass break-arch dial with Rococo style cast brass corner and arch spandrels, finely matted chapter centres to the silvered strike/silent chapter ring in the arch and the main silvered chapter ring with large outer, Arabic fives minute track and inner Roman hour numerals. The lower dial centre having a nicely executed, curved and chamfered aperture revealing the silvered maker's name plate

bearing "Is(aac) Hurley" (of) "London" in fine, script. Below this is a square and chamfered calendar date aperture. The blued steel hands are finely pierced with a selector tailed hand to the arch for the strike/silent.

In an ebonised fruitwood veneered oak case with an inverted bell top on which is mounted a cast brass, swinging carrying handle. The return-moulded top sits over the full-sized locking front door that has quadrant sound frets to the upper arch sides. The side apertures retain their original, tall, inverted-arched, cast brass 'fish scale' sound frets that sit below round frets and are backed with red cloth. The rear of the case has a rectangular and glazed locking door. The short plinth has all-round concave top moulding and short block feet to the corners.

Originally, these clocks could be carefully carried from room to room still ticking as to not lose any time because of their very robust 'Verge' escapement with attached pendulum or more importantly, to the bed chamber at night whereas the silent option would be selected so the sleeper would not be awoken at each and every hour. If the time was required then the repeat cord would be tugged and the previous hour struck would be sounded.

Isaac Hurley was apprenticed in 1737 and a member of the Clockmaker's Company from 1745 until 1790.

Dimensions: 20 1/4" high including the handle x 11 1/4" wide x 7" deep.

Condition: The movement is in full working order and appears to have been overhauled in recent years, however, it would benefit from another one. All the funtions operate correctly including the strikework, however, the backcock and apron appear to be replacements. The dial and hands are well restored with slight staining to the silvering and the case is in good original condition with the expected signs of its age. The locks are present and working.

Price: The price is for the clock in its present and working condition. A price for any work required by the purchaser can be advised upon enquiry.

For further information please contact us at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk

Physical Dimensions

Height

51.4cm (20.24")

Width

28.6cm (11.26")

Depth

17.8cm (7.01")

Declaration

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

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA929801

Dealers Internal Reference

SA 14433

Description

This is another example of an unspoilt, mid 18th century table clock.

“

The eight day duration, five pillar, double fusee movement with attached pendulum verge escapement and rack striking the hours on a top-mounted bell.

M. C. Taylor

Also having strike/silent, pull hour repeating and calendar datework. The backplate is fully engraved with a sweeping floral Rococo design and a lined border.

fig 1. An 18th-century ebonised Georgian bracket clock featuring an inverted bell top with a brass carrying handle and a brass arch dial with a silvered chapter ring. — fig 1. Georgian Inverted Bell-top, Verge Escapement, Ebonised Bracket Clock by Isaac Hurley, London. Circa 1750.

Behind a 6 3/4" wide, brass break-arch dial with Rococo style cast brass corner and arch spandrels, finely matted chapter centres to the silvered strike/silent chapter ring in the arch and the main silvered chapter ring with large outer, Arabic fives minute track and inner Roman hour numerals. The lower dial centre having a nicely executed, curved and chamfered aperture revealing the silvered maker's name plate

fig 2. An 18th-century ebonised Georgian bracket clock featuring an inverted bell top with a brass carrying handle and a brass arch dial with a silvered chapter ring. — fig 2. Georgian Inverted Bell-top, Verge Escapement, Ebonised Bracket Clock by Isaac Hurley, London. Circa 1750.

bearing "Is(aac) Hurley" (of) "London" in fine, script. Below this is a square and chamfered calendar date aperture. The blued steel hands are finely pierced with a selector tailed hand to the arch for the strike/silent.

fig 3. An 18th-century ebonised Georgian bracket clock featuring an inverted bell top with a brass carrying handle and a brass arch dial with a silvered chapter ring. — fig 3. Georgian Inverted Bell-top, Verge Escapement, Ebonised Bracket Clock by Isaac Hurley, London. Circa 1750.

In an ebonised fruitwood veneered oak case with an inverted bell top on which is mounted a cast brass, swinging carrying handle. The return-moulded top sits over the full-sized locking front door that has quadrant sound frets to the upper arch sides. The side apertures retain their original, tall, inverted-arched, cast brass 'fish scale' sound frets that sit below round frets and are backed with red cloth. The rear of the case has a rectangular and glazed locking door. The short plinth has all-round concave top moulding and short block feet to the corners.

fig 4. An 18th-century ebonised Georgian bracket clock featuring an inverted bell top with a brass carrying handle and a brass arch dial with a silvered chapter ring. — fig 4. Georgian Inverted Bell-top, Verge Escapement, Ebonised Bracket Clock by Isaac Hurley, London. Circa 1750.

Originally, these clocks could be carefully carried from room to room still ticking as to not lose any time because of their very robust 'Verge' escapement with attached pendulum or more importantly, to the bed chamber at night whereas the silent option would be selected so the sleeper would not be awoken at each and every hour. If the time was required then the repeat cord would be tugged and the previous hour struck would be sounded.

fig 5. An 18th-century ebonised Georgian bracket clock featuring an inverted bell top with a brass carrying handle and a brass arch dial with a silvered chapter ring. — fig 5. Georgian Inverted Bell-top, Verge Escapement, Ebonised Bracket Clock by Isaac Hurley, London. Circa 1750.

Isaac Hurley was apprenticed in 1737 and a member of the Clockmaker's Company from 1745 until 1790.

Dimensions: 20 1/4" high including the handle x 11 1/4" wide x 7" deep.

Condition: The movement is in full working order and appears to have been overhauled in recent years, however, it would benefit from another one. All the funtions operate correctly including the strikework, however, the backcock and apron appear to be replacements. The dial and hands are well restored with slight staining to the silvering and the case is in good original condition with the expected signs of its age. The locks are present and working.