Images(2)

Table clock

Date1730-1743

Artist/Maker Benjamin Gray

OriginEngland, London

MediumEbonized wood, oak, glass, brass, steel, and ivory

DimensionsOH. with handle up 10 11/16"; OW. 5 5/8"; OD. 4 5/16".

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1958-350

DescriptionTable clock. Standard bracket case in miniature with brass bail handle atop molded upper portion. Arched and glazed dial window; similar but smaller windows on each side. Dial with matted gilt seconds circle in arch; silver ring with Arabic numerals. Increments within inner rim. All numerals and increments in black. Cast and chased gilt spandrels on either side. Silver chapter ring with increments within rim to mark minutes. Arabic numerals indicates every fifth minute. Roman numerals indicate hours. Center of dial matted, gilt,. "Benjamin Gray/LONDON" in segmented elipse at top, center, below chapter ring. Cut-out segment of elipse, below, with engraved circle in center, attached to pendulum; rocks side to side to show movement. Scrolled hour and minute hands of {steel}. Below is a square window for date ring; below this is winding hole. Cast and chased gilt spandrel ornaments consist of central leafed ornament flanked by scrolls. Molded base; four small plinths at corners for feet. Cord with ivory pull at end, hanging from left side, winds barrel for striking and chiming train. Anchor escapement. Pendulum spring exspansion. Eight day two-train striking-chiming repeating movement. Case ebonized.
Label TextSpring-driven, pendulum regulated table clocks like this example were very fashionable in the eighteenth century. Due to their size and mechanisms, they could be moved between rooms in a home without a problem. Most clockmakers of this period made both table (bracket) and tall case clocks, the latter being more expensive than the former.
MarkingsEngraved on back plate; "Benj: Gray/London"

Exhibition(s)