Eight bell quarter chiming skeleton clock, circa 1860 (c. 1860 United Kingdom)

Private collection

FB Royer Collard. Skeleton clocks.pages 121 & 122 for a clock believed to be by the same maker

D277. A very impressive skeleton clock which plays Whittingtonchimes at the quarters on eight bells and strikes the hours on a ninth, a particularly large bell, some 5" in diameter mounted on the backplate, a feature we cannot recall seeing on any other skeleton clock. It is thought, because of its highly individual design and extremely substantial construction, that it was probably a special commission. A very similar clock, but musical, is illustrated in Royer Collard’s book on skeleton clocks page 121 and is now in the Royal Scottish Museum which is signed J.Crawford Glasgow. Interestingly a small silvered plaque on the base of the present clock, which is surrounded by gilt fretwork, bears the initials AJC, which may well refer to the same man. The chapter rings on both clocks is highly individual and almost identical, as are the frames and the plinths on which they sit.

The very substantial scroll frame rests on four tiered plinths. The chapter ring, some 12" in diameter, is unusually large, which permits the movement to be displayed within it as fully as possible. Stylised roman numerals are employed. These are engraved on interlinked oval plaques with decorative engraving. The bells are mounted above the movement with the smallest one to the fore. In front of the bells is a 12 pointed blued steel star. Considerable attention is given to the pendulum, the rod being attractively decorated and the substantial bob having a 12 spoked blued steel star on the front. Even the suspension spring is held in place by a brass block in the form of a halberd and is similar in form to the top of the plates.

Chain fusees are employed and the finely executed wheelwork all has six crossings.

Height with/without dome. 26"/22.5" (66/57cms.)

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