What is a Victorian five-glass library clock?

A five-glass library clock is an English table timepiece introduced in the early nineteenth century, characterised by glass panels on the top, front, back, and sides to allow full visibility of the inner movement.

What materials were used to construct nineteenth-century library clocks?

These clocks were typically constructed with veneered rosewood or mahogany cases, brass fittings, lead-glass panels, and silvered brass dials engraved with Roman numerals.

How do you identify an authentic 1840s English mantel clock?

Authentic period examples feature hand-engraved silvered dials, original platform escapements or fusee movements, historic wood oxidation on the rosewood casing, and square-cut brass carrying handles.

How should a rosewood library clock be styled in a modern interior?

Position the clock centrally on a fire surround mantelpiece, open bookcase shelf, or executive writing desk to serve as a focal point alongside traditional leather-bound books or contemporary art.

How should an antique mechanical clock be cared for and preserved?

Dust the wood case gently with a dry microfibre cloth, avoid direct sunlight or radiator heat to protect the rosewood veneer, and have the mechanical movement cleaned and lubricated by a qualified horologist every five years.

for sale €8,184 $8,884

£6,995

M. C. Taylor

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Id #SA981306

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English, Striking, Library 5-Glass Mantel with Platform Escapement in a Rosewood Case. circa 1845.

19th century

For Sale by M. C. Taylor

Description

A fine example of a classic English clock.

The very substantial, double chain fusee movement with its original English made, side lever, ratchet-toothed lever platform escapement with jewelled pallets, high balance staff and graduated regulation scale. Also having Harrison's maintaining power and rack striking the hours on a rear-mounted bell.

Behind a 5" square, engraved and silvered brass dial. The corners are finely engraved with oppsing floral fronds and the centre has an outer divided minute track with triangular hour markings and inner, Roman hour numerals. The blued steel hands are plain with a spade to the hour. The dial is framed with a chamfered sight square set within the glazed door.

Contained in a 5-glass Rosewood case with a stepped and glazed top that has a fine quality, cast brass folding handle that is gilded, has decorative floral scroll uprights and a hexagonal bar. The locking front door sits under a small elaborated Cavetto moulding and over a large Ogee moulding, cushion moulding and a low flat plinth with four low block feet. The sides have conforming mouldings and glazed apertures. The rear has a further locking and glazed door and unusually, the top, front and side glasses are all bevelled.

* This clock has a lot of features not usually present, it is of substantial quality, has a platform escapement, a first quality and classic handle, maintaining power and also strikes on a bell. The substantial movement fills the case. Clocks such as this are hard to come by and when owned are worth investing money into maintenance and improving condition.

Dimensions: 10 1/2" high excluding the handle x 7 1/2" wide x 5 1/4" deep.

Condition: Totally original. The movement is working well, keeping precise time and striking correctly however, though not badly worn, would greatly benefit from a complete overhaul, especially being such a fine example and visible through the glasses. The dial is very good with no loss of wax and only minor marks. The hands are excellent, blued well and undamaged. The case is very good and has never been re-polished, it is of excellent colour and the photographs do not serve it justice. It shows signs of its usage and passage through time (almost 180 years!). The front door lock/catch is present but requires attention. The finely cast handle retains its original fire gilding and is also undamaged. The case would benefit from a professional clean and wax to improve its already pleasing appearance.

Price: The price is for the clock in restored and fully guaranteed condition.

For further information please contact us at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk

Physical Dimensions

Height

26.7cm (10.51")

Width

19cm (7.48")

Depth

13.3cm (5.24")

Declaration

M. C. Taylor has dated this Victorian Rosewood Mantel Clock to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA981306

Dealers Internal Reference

SA14459

Description

A fine example of a classic English clock.

The very substantial, double chain fusee movement with its original English made, side lever, ratchet-toothed lever platform escapement with jewelled pallets, high balance staff and graduated regulation scale. Also having Harrison's maintaining power and rack striking the hours on a rear-mounted bell.

Behind a 5" square, engraved and silvered brass dial.

“

The corners are finely engraved with oppsing floral fronds and the centre has an outer divided minute track with triangular hour markings and inner, Roman hour numerals.

M. C. Taylor

The blued steel hands are plain with a spade to the hour. The dial is framed with a chamfered sight square set within the glazed door.

fig 1. An early Victorian rosewood library mantel clock featuring a five-glass case with a brass carrying handle and a silvered square dial. — fig 1. English, Striking, Library 5-Glass Mantel with Platform Escapement in a Rosewood Case. circa 1845.

Contained in a 5-glass Rosewood case with a stepped and glazed top that has a fine quality, cast brass folding handle that is gilded, has decorative floral scroll uprights and a hexagonal bar. The locking front door sits under a small elaborated Cavetto moulding and over a large Ogee moulding, cushion moulding and a low flat plinth with four low block feet. The sides have conforming mouldings and glazed apertures. The rear has a further locking and glazed door and unusually, the top, front and side glasses are all bevelled.

fig 2. An early Victorian rosewood library mantel clock featuring a five-glass case with a brass carrying handle and a silvered square dial. — fig 2. English, Striking, Library 5-Glass Mantel with Platform Escapement in a Rosewood Case. circa 1845.

This clock has a lot of features not usually present, it is of substantial quality, has a platform escapement, a first quality and classic handle, maintaining power and also strikes on a bell. The substantial movement fills the case. Clocks such as this are hard to come by and when owned are worth investing money into maintenance and improving condition.

fig 3. An early Victorian rosewood library mantel clock featuring a five-glass case with a brass carrying handle and a silvered square dial. — fig 3. English, Striking, Library 5-Glass Mantel with Platform Escapement in a Rosewood Case. circa 1845.

Dimensions: 10 1/2" high excluding the handle x 7 1/2" wide x 5 1/4" deep.

Condition: Totally original. The movement is working well, keeping precise time and striking correctly however, though not badly worn, would greatly benefit from a complete overhaul, especially being such a fine example and visible through the glasses. The dial is very good with no loss of wax and only minor marks. The hands are excellent, blued well and undamaged. The case is very good and has never been re-polished, it is of excellent colour and the photographs do not serve it justice. It shows signs of its usage and passage through time (almost 180 years!). The front door lock/catch is present but requires attention. The finely cast handle retains its original fire gilding and is also undamaged. The case would benefit from a professional clean and wax to improve its already pleasing appearance.

Price: The price is for the clock in restored and fully guaranteed condition.

For further information please contact us at

info@bournemouthclocks.co.uk