What is a break-arch fusee bracket clock?

A break-arch fusee bracket clock is a spring-driven table clock from the eighteenth or early nineteenth century, characterised by a curved arch profile atop a rectangular case and powered by a cone-shaped fusee mechanism that maintains constant tension.

What materials are traditional to Georgian bracket clocks?

Georgian bracket clocks typically feature ebonised wood or mahogany cases, brass movement plates, brass dial surrounds, and engraved brass or silvered dial plates with steel hands.

How can you identify an authentic Georgian bracket clock?

Authentic pieces feature fusee mechanisms with gut string or chain drives, hand-engraved brass spandrels, period-appropriate Roman numerals, and cast brass hardware such as carrying handles and bracket feet.

How do you style a bracket clock in modern interiors?

Position the clock centrally on a fireplace mantelpiece, atop a mahogany sideboard, or within a tailored bookshelf arrangement to introduce historic detail alongside contemporary decor.

How should an ebonised antique bracket clock be maintained?

Keep the clock away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent timber shrinkage, clean the ebonised finish with a dry microfibre cloth, and ensure the movement is serviced by a professional horologist every five years.

for sale €3,218 $3,493

£2,750

M. C. Taylor

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021

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Id #SA979712

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A Small Fusee Striking Bracket Clock in a Break-arch Ebonised Case. circa 1800.

19th century

For Sale by M. C. Taylor

Description

A pretty little clock that is simple in appearance.

The eight day duration, double fusee movement with Anchor Recoil escapement. Also, rack striking the hours on a top-mounted bell, knopped pillars and also strike/silent select and pull repeating that has a spherical carved jet pull knob..

Behind a 5 1/4" wide, break-arch white painted iron dial with attractive raised gilt spandrel areas of floral design that are bordered in gilt dot and line, this is also repeated around the main chapter area and the arch strike/silent chapter which is black inked bearing "STRIKE" and "SILENT" with decoration between. The chapter area, also black inked has outer Arabic 15 minutes with cruciform other hours. The minutes are dotted over the Roman hour numerals. The centre bears the maker's signature of "J. DUMBELL" and "PRESCOTT" (Liverpool). The matching blacked iron hands are of open diamond design and the strike select hand is straight with a counterpoised tail.

Contained in an ebonised case. The break-arch top has a central cast brass, swinging carrying handle and returned moulding to 3 sides. This sits directly over the full-size locking and glazed break-arch front door that has quadrant brass beading around the aperture. The rear has a glazed and locking arched door and the sides have high arched sound apertures with cloth-backed, cast brass, fishscale sound frets. The short plinth has top moulding to 3 sides and sits upon 4 cast brass, splayed Ogee feet.

* J. Dumbell is recorded as working on Prescott (Liverpool) from circa 1800 until 1829.

Dimensions: 15 1/2" high with the handle up x 9" wide x 6 1/4" deep excepting the feet protrusions.

Condition: The movement is in full working order, it keeps time and the striking, silencing and pull repeat also operate correctly however, it would greatly benefit from a complete overhaul also, the pendulum holdfast bracket has been removed. The dial is very good and retains its original base paint, the inking appears to have been sympathetically touched in as do the raised gilt areas. The case is also very good but the brass door frame has some dents and the locks though original, require attention.

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

For further informat please contact us at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk

Physical Dimensions

Height

39.4cm (15.51")

Width

22.9cm (9.02")

Depth

15.9cm (6.26")

Declaration

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

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA979712

Dealers Internal Reference

SA14458

Description

A pretty little clock that is simple in appearance.

The eight day duration, double fusee movement with Anchor Recoil escapement.

“

Also, rack striking the hours on a top-mounted bell, knopped pillars and also strike/silent select and pull repeating that has a spherical carved jet pull knob.

M. C. Taylor

fig 1. An ebonised Georgian break-arch bracket clock featuring a brass carrying handle, engraved brass dial with Roman numerals, and brass bracket feet. — fig 1. A Small Fusee Striking Bracket Clock in a Break-arch Ebonised Case. circa 1800.

Behind a 5 1/4" wide, break-arch white painted iron dial with attractive raised gilt spandrel areas of floral design that are bordered in gilt dot and line, this is also repeated around the main chapter area and the arch strike/silent chapter which is black inked bearing "STRIKE" and "SILENT" with decoration between. The chapter area, also black inked has outer Arabic 15 minutes with cruciform other hours. The minutes are dotted over the Roman hour numerals. The centre bears the maker's signature of "J. DUMBELL" and "PRESCOTT" (Liverpool). The matching blacked iron hands are of open diamond design and the strike select hand is straight with a counterpoised tail.

fig 2. An ebonised Georgian break-arch bracket clock featuring a brass carrying handle, engraved brass dial with Roman numerals, and brass bracket feet. — fig 2. A Small Fusee Striking Bracket Clock in a Break-arch Ebonised Case. circa 1800.

Contained in an ebonised case. The break-arch top has a central cast brass, swinging carrying handle and returned moulding to 3 sides. This sits directly over the full-size locking and glazed break-arch front door that has quadrant brass beading around the aperture. The rear has a glazed and locking arched door and the sides have high arched sound apertures with cloth-backed, cast brass, fishscale sound frets. The short plinth has top moulding to 3 sides and sits upon 4 cast brass, splayed Ogee feet.

fig 3. An ebonised Georgian break-arch bracket clock featuring a brass carrying handle, engraved brass dial with Roman numerals, and brass bracket feet. — fig 3. A Small Fusee Striking Bracket Clock in a Break-arch Ebonised Case. circa 1800.

J. Dumbell is recorded as working on Prescott (Liverpool) from circa 1800 until 1829.

Dimensions: 15 1/2" high with the handle up x 9" wide x 6 1/4" deep excepting the feet protrusions.

Condition: The movement is in full working order, it keeps time and the striking, silencing and pull repeat also operate correctly however, it would greatly benefit from a complete overhaul also, the pendulum holdfast bracket has been removed. The dial is very good and retains its original base paint, the inking appears to have been sympathetically touched in as do the raised gilt areas. The case is also very good but the brass door frame has some dents and the locks though original, require attention.

fig 4. An ebonised Georgian break-arch bracket clock featuring a brass carrying handle, engraved brass dial with Roman numerals, and brass bracket feet. — fig 4. A Small Fusee Striking Bracket Clock in a Break-arch Ebonised Case. circa 1800.

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

For further informat please contact us at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk